The History of the Second Largest Ossuary in Europe

For centuries, the residents of Brno walked over a massive burial site without knowing it. The history of the second largest ossuary in Europe began in the 17th century. During this time, the city faced devastating plague and cholera outbreaks. The local cemetery could not hold the growing number of victims. To make room, old graves were opened to house new remains.

The bones were moved into underground chambers beneath the church. By the late 18th century, Joseph II ordered the closure of many city cemeteries. The ossuary was sealed and eventually forgotten for over two hundred years. It was not until 2001 that archaeologists rediscovered the site during square renovations. They found chambers filled to the ceiling with skeletal remains.

Today, the site is a carefully preserved museum. You can learn more about its past in our St. James Ossuary visiting guide. The bones are now arranged in artistic patterns to honor the deceased. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, reflecting the city's complex past. It is a must-see for anyone interested in European history.

10 Best Historical Experiences in Brno

Brno offers a wide range of sites beyond its famous ossuary. Use this list to plan your trip through the city's timeline. You will find everything from medieval fortresses to modern architectural gems. Each location provides a unique look into the historical places in Brno that shaped the region.

• Best overall: St. James Ossuary
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market
• Best free: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: sight Why go: Experience the haunting history of the second largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Moderate (approx. 160 CZK). Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Book tickets online to avoid long queues during peak hours.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This former royal castle became a notorious prison for political rebels. Best for: Families and view-seekers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: Visit the casemates for a chilling look at old prison cells. Check out our Špilberk Castle visiting guide for details.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: experience Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: High (booking required months in advance). Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: Read the Villa Tugendhat history before your visit.
4. Name: Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the historic center. Tip: Wear a jacket as the underground temperature stays around 12°C.
5. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Iconic Gothic towers that dominate the city skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Short walk from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Climb the towers for the best panoramic view of Brno.
6. Name: Old Town Hall Type: viewpoint Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" and climb the tower for city views. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Central location near Zelný trh. Tip: Look for the crooked pinnacle on the Gothic portal.
7. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A Cold War nuclear shelter built into the rock under Špilberk Castle. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the base of Špilberk Hill. Tip: You can actually book a stay in the bunker overnight.
8. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: nature Why go: A peaceful park-like setting holding the graves of famous Czech figures. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5 from the center. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.
9. Name: Moravian Gallery Type: museum Why go: The second largest art museum in the Czech Republic with diverse collections. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Multiple locations (Governor's Palace). Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies. Getting there: Central locations. Tip: The permanent collections are often free to enter.
10. Name: Slavkov Castle (Austerlitz) Type: day trip Why go: Site of the famous Battle of the Three Emperors in 1805. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Slavkov u Brna (20km away). Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train or bus from Brno. Tip: Visit during the battle reenactment in December for a unique experience.

Essential Tips for Visiting Brno History Sites

Planning your trip to Brno is easy with the right information. Most historical sites are located in the walkable city center. For longer trips, use the efficient DPMB public transport system. You can buy tickets via mobile app or contactless card on vehicles. This makes getting to the outskirts very simple.

Many sites have limited capacity, especially the St. James Ossuary. We recommend checking the Go To Brno portal for current events. This site lists seasonal festivals and temporary museum closures. Booking your Villa Tugendhat tickets at least four months early is vital. It is one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country.

Consider buying a "Brno Pass" if you plan to see multiple attractions. This card offers discounts and free entry to several underground sites. Always carry a small amount of local currency (Czech Koruna). While most places accept cards, smaller shops might require cash. Finally, wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.