The Top Jewish Heritage Sites in Brno: A Complete Guide

Brno holds a deep and complex history. For centuries, the Jewish community shaped the city’s culture and industry. Today, several Jewish heritage sites in Brno offer a window into this rich past. You can explore grand villas, quiet cemeteries, and the only active synagogue in Moravia. This guide highlights the most significant locations for your next visit. Understanding these sites helps you appreciate the resilience of the local community.

Significant Jewish Heritage Sites in Brno to Visit

Brno’s Jewish history is visible in its architecture and quiet corners. Many sites have been carefully restored in recent years. These locations range from opulent family homes to solemn memorial spaces. Visitors can easily reach most sites using the local tram network. Here are the top ten sites you should include on your itinerary.

Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: This UNESCO World Heritage site was built for the Jewish Tugendhat family. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Architecture lovers and history buffs. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (book months in advance). Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: Learn more about the family’s story in our Villa Tugendhat guide.
Name: Agudas Achim Synagogue Type: Experience Why go: It is the only functioning synagogue in Moravia. The functionalist design is unique and modest. Best for: Religious history and cultural insight. Where: Skořepka street near the center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Short walk from the main train station. Tip: Check the visiting hours before you go.
Name: Jewish Cemetery in Židenice Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest Jewish cemetery in Moravia. It contains over 9,000 graves, including famous figures. Best for: Quiet reflection and genealogy. Where: Židenice district. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 3 to Nezamyslova. Tip: Visit the cemetery gatehouse for a map of notable graves.
Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: Sight Why go: This was the home of Grete Tugendhat’s parents. It showcases the lifestyle of wealthy Jewish industrialists. Best for: Families and fans of art nouveau. Where: Drobného street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 9 to Schodová. Tip: The garden connects directly to the grounds of Villa Tugendhat.
Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Sight Why go: Built for Alfred Stiassni, a Jewish textile magnate. The villa features a stunning garden and grand interiors. Best for: Luxury history and garden walks. Where: Pisárky district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: This site is often used for film sets due to its preserved beauty.
Name: Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones) Type: Experience Why go: These small brass plaques are set into the sidewalk. They honor individual victims of the Holocaust. Best for: A walking tour of the city center. Where: Scattered throughout the city center. Time: Ongoing while walking. Cost: Free. Getting there: Best seen on a walking route through the old town. Tip: Look down near the entrances of historic apartment buildings.
Name: Villa Arnold Type: Sight Why go: A recently restored villa that belonged to the Jewish Arnold family. It now serves as a cultural center. Best for: Modern restoration fans. Where: Near Villa Löw-Beer. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Tram 9 to Schodová. Tip: The café inside is a great place for a break.
Name: Site of the Jewish Gate Type: Sight Why go: This marks the location where the medieval Jewish quarter began. It is a key part of historical places in Brno. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Intersection of Masarykova and Josefská. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central walking zone. Tip: Look for the commemorative plaque on the wall.
Name: Brno Central Cemetery (Jewish Section) Type: Sight Why go: While the Židenice cemetery is primary, the Central Cemetery also holds Jewish history. Many assimilated families are buried here. Best for: General history seekers. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5 to Ústřední hřbitov. Tip: Consult the official site for a digital map.
Name: Jewish Community Center Type: Experience Why go: The center of modern Jewish life in Brno. It hosts exhibitions and educational programs. Best for: Learning about current community life. Where: Hybešova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Tram 1 or 2 to Hybešova. Tip: Check their calendar for public lectures or concerts.

Planning Your Jewish Heritage Tour

Visiting these sites requires some preparation. Most villas require advance booking, especially the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. We recommend starting your day in the Černá Pole district. This area contains three major villas within walking distance. Afterward, take a tram to the city center for the synagogue and memorials.

The public transport system in Brno is very reliable. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any bus or tram. Check the DPMB website for live schedules and route planners. Wear comfortable shoes as the Jewish cemetery in Židenice involves walking on uneven paths. Most sites are closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath, so plan accordingly.

The History of the Jewish Community in Brno

The Jewish presence in Brno dates back to the 13th century. Initially, the community lived in a designated quarter near the city walls. In 1454, King Ladislaus the Posthumous expelled all Jews from the royal city. They were not allowed to return for nearly four centuries. This long absence makes the later 19th-century growth even more remarkable.

By the mid-1800s, Jewish entrepreneurs drove Brno's industrial revolution. They built massive textile factories and grand residences. This golden age ended abruptly with the Nazi occupation in 1939. Most of the community was deported to concentration camps. Today, a small but active community keeps these traditions and heritage sites alive for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the Agudas Achim Synagogue any time?

No, the Agudas Achim Synagogue is primarily a place of worship. It is usually open to the public during specific visiting hours or by prior arrangement with the Jewish Community of Brno. Always check their official schedule before visiting to avoid disappointment during religious services.

How do I book tickets for Villa Tugendhat?

Tickets for Villa Tugendhat must be booked online months in advance. Due to its UNESCO status, daily visitor numbers are strictly limited. If the interior tours are sold out, you can often still buy a ticket to enter the gardens for a smaller fee.

Are the Jewish heritage sites in Brno accessible?

Accessibility varies by site. Modernized villas like Villa Löw-Beer have elevators. However, the Jewish Cemetery in Židenice has gravel paths that may be difficult for wheelchairs. The Agudas Achim Synagogue has a small flight of stairs at the entrance.

Exploring the Jewish heritage sites in Brno is a powerful experience. These locations tell a story of success, tragedy, and survival. From the modern lines of Villa Tugendhat to the quiet rows of the Židenice cemetery, each stop is meaningful. We hope this guide helps you plan a respectful and educational journey. For more historical insights, check out our guide to historical places in Brno.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.

Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.