Essential St. James Ossuary Visiting Guide Details

The ossuary was forgotten for centuries until a routine excavation in 2001. Today, it serves as a respectful memorial to those who lived in Brno long ago. You can find the entrance on Jakubské náměstí, right next to the Church of St. James. For specific logistics, check the St. James Ossuary entrance fee and hours before you arrive. This ensures you have the most current information for your 2026 trip.

Visiting this site is a somber but beautiful experience. The bones are arranged in artistic patterns, accompanied by soft music and dim lighting. Most visitors spend about thirty minutes exploring the three main chambers. It is a perfect addition to any historical places in Brno itinerary. Remember to speak quietly and respect the nature of the site during your visit.

10 Must-See Historic Sites in Brno

Brno offers a wide variety of landmarks beyond its famous underground. This list helps you plan a comprehensive tour of the city center and beyond. Use the Visit Czechia portal for broader regional travel tips. Here are the top ten sites you should not miss.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: St. James Ossuary
• Best for families: Spilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market
• Best free: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (exterior)

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: History buffs and unique photography. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak summer months.
2. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This fortress offers panoramic views and a deep look into prison history. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Variable based on exhibition. Tip: Read a Spilberk Castle visiting guide to choose the best tour.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Its twin towers dominate the Brno skyline and signify local legends. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donation suggested). Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul at noon to hear the famous bells.
4. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a network of medieval cellars once used for food storage. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Tip: The Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market requires a guided tour.
5. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: museum Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance via the UNESCO site.
6. Name: Old Town Hall Type: viewpoint Why go: See the famous "Brno Dragon" and climb the tower for city views. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Radnická street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Tip: Look for the crooked turret on the ornate stone portal.
7. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: sight Why go: View the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. Best for: Fans of dark history. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Visit the Capuchin Crypt for a different perspective on mortality.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A Cold War nuclear shelter built into the hillside. Best for: 20th-century history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: There is a quirky retro bar located inside the bunker.
9. Name: Mint Master’s Cellar Type: museum Why go: Learn about the history of coin minting in medieval Brno. Best for: Families with children. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Tip: It is often less crowded than the larger ossuary.
10. Name: Abbey of St. Thomas Type: sight Why go: See where Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of genetics. Best for: Science and nature lovers. Where: Mendlovo náměstí. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Visit the pea garden where the famous experiments took place.

Planning Your Underground Tour of Brno

Brno is famous for its extensive underground networks. Many of these sites are located within walking distance of each other in the city center. You can purchase a combined ticket for multiple underground locations to save money. Check the official Go To Brno website for current package deals. This is a great way to see the ossuary and the labyrinth together.

Public transport in Brno is very efficient and easy to use. Most historic sites are accessible via the tram network. You can find schedules and ticket prices on the DPMB public transport website. Walking is also a fantastic option as the city center is mostly pedestrianized. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets are paved with cobblestones.