The Statue of Jošt of Luxembourg Horse and Brno Art
Brno is a city filled with unexpected artistic treasures and historic charm. One of the most striking sights is the statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse. This bronze monument is a centerpiece of the city's modern identity. It belongs to a wider collection of famous statues in Brno that surprise every visitor. Whether you love history or quirky modern art, Brno has something for you. You can explore these landmarks easily on foot in the compact city center. Many of these works were installed recently to celebrate the city's rich past. Use this guide to find the best art in the Moravian capital for 2026.
Quick Picks for Famous Statues in Brno
If you are short on time, these are the top spots to visit. Brno is very walkable, making it easy to see several sites in one hour. Check the official Go To Brno portal for seasonal event updates. These picks represent the diversity of the local art scene.
- Best Overall: Statue of Jošt of Luxembourg (Courage)
- Best for Photos: The Brno Astronomical Clock
- Best Historical: Mozart Statue at the Cabbage Market
- Best Free Activity: Walking the Old Town statue trail
Top 10 Famous Statues in Brno to See Now
Brno uses public art to tell its unique story. Each piece reflects a different era of Moravian history. You will find these items scattered across the main squares and parks. Most are completely free to visit at any time of day.
- Name: Statue of Jošt of Luxembourg Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is an eight-meter-tall bronze horse representing courage. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Stand between the horse's front legs and look up for a famous visual surprise.
- Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Unique experience Why go: This black stone monument looks like a bullet and releases a glass marble daily. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Learn more about the meaning of the Brno astronomical clock shape before you visit.
- Name: Statue of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Type: Historical figure Why go: It commemorates the composer's performance in Brno as a young child. Best for: Music lovers. Where: In front of the Reduta Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: You can find the exact spot by checking where to find the Mozart statue Brno guides.
- Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Local legend Why go: This preserved crocodile is the city's most famous mythical symbol. Best for: Families with children. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look up at the ceiling in the passageway to see it hanging there.
- Name: Statue of Justice Type: Modern art Why go: A man lifting a heavy block, representing the weight of justice. Best for: Art critics. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It is located very close to the Jošt statue for easy planning.
- Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Baroque landmark Why go: An elaborate 17th-century fountain featuring figures from Greek mythology. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit during the morning to see the local vegetable market in action.
- Name: Monument to Gregor Johann Mendel Type: Science tribute Why go: Honors the father of genetics who lived and worked in Brno. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Mendel Square (Mendlovo náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit the nearby abbey where Mendel conducted his pea plant experiments.
- Name: Statue of Leoš Janáček Type: Musical heritage Why go: A modern tribute to the world-famous composer from Moravia. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Near the Janáček Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The area is beautiful in the evening when the theatre is lit up.
- Name: Špilberk Castle Statues Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: Various religious and historical statues line the paths of this fortress. Best for: Hikers and history fans. Where: Špilberk Castle grounds. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; fee for museum. Tip: Read about visiting Spilberk Castle Brno to see the best views.
- Name: Villa Tugendhat Garden Sculptures Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: The garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site features minimalist art. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černopolní 45. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for garden access. Tip: Book your villa tickets months in advance as they sell out fast.
Why Visit the Statue of Jošt of Luxembourg Horse
The statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse is more than just a piece of metal. It represents Jošt, the Margrave of Moravia, who lived in the 14th century. He was a powerful politician and a member of the Luxembourg dynasty. Artist Jaroslav Róna designed this bronze sculpture to symbolize "Courage." It was unveiled in 2015 as part of a four-statue project. Each statue in the set represents one of Plato's four cardinal virtues.
The horse has incredibly long legs that allow pedestrians to walk underneath it. This design makes it a very interactive piece of public art. Many people take photos from directly below the horse's head. From this angle, the horse's anatomy creates a humorous and famous optical illusion. This quirk has made it a viral sensation on social media platforms. It is now a primary landmark for meeting friends in the city center.
Moravian Square, where the statue stands, is a hub of local activity. In winter, the square hosts a beautiful Christmas market with an ice rink. In summer, the area is filled with people relaxing near the fountains. The statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse stands as a guardian of this space. It bridges the gap between Brno's medieval history and its modern creative spirit. Do not miss this iconic sight during your Moravian adventure.
Practical Tips for Your Brno Art Tour
Navigating Brno is simple because the city center is mostly a pedestrian zone. You can see almost all the famous statues on a single two-hour walk. Start at Moravian Square and head south toward the Cabbage Market. This route takes you past the most significant bronze works. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets are paved with historic cobblestones.
If you need to travel further, use the excellent tram network. The DPMB - Brno Public Transport site provides schedules and ticket info. Trams are frequent and cover every major district in the city. You can buy tickets using a contactless card directly on the tram. This makes it very easy for international tourists to get around.
Early morning is the best time for photography at the main squares. The light is soft, and there are fewer crowds around the monuments. For the Jošt statue, late afternoon also provides great shadows for dramatic shots. Most statues are well-lit at night, offering a different perspective on the art. Brno is very safe, so evening walks are highly recommended for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse?
The statue represents the virtue of courage. It depicts Jošt of Luxembourg, a medieval Margrave of Moravia. The long-legged horse design allows the public to interact with the art. It is one of four statues in Brno representing Plato's cardinal virtues.
Where is the famous horse statue in Brno located?
You can find the statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse on Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). It is located in the northern part of the historic city center. The square is easily accessible by several tram lines and is a short walk from Freedom Square.
Brno is a city that rewards those who look closely at its streets. The statue of Jošt of Luxembourg horse is a perfect example of its creative spirit. From the bullet-shaped clock to the Mozart monument, the city is an open-air gallery. Plan your trip for 2026 to see these incredible works in person. For more ideas on what to see, check out our guide to famous statues in Brno today. Enjoy your journey through the heart of Moravia!
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.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
