The dark history of Brno’s fortress

The casemates were built in the 17th century. They were part of a massive Baroque fortification project. Their first job was to protect soldiers from artillery fire. The thick walls could withstand heavy bombardment. This made Spilberk one of the strongest forts in Moravia.

In the late 18th century, Emperor Joseph II changed their purpose. He turned the casemates into a prison for the worst criminals. Eventually, political rebels were also sent here. This earned the site the nickname "Prison of Nations." It became a symbol of suffering across Europe.

During your walk, you will feel the damp air. The lighting is dim to preserve the atmosphere. It is easy to imagine the harsh conditions of the past. The history here is heavy but deeply fascinating for any traveler. This is a key part of the Visit Czechia experience.

Top 10 things to see inside Spilberk Castle casemates

When planning your route, focus on these specific sights. The casemates are extensive, so knowing the highlights saves time. Here are the top items to look for during your visit.

• Best overall: The Wood-Fired Bread Oven
• Best for families: The Garrison Kitchen
• Best for history buffs: The Cells of the Carbonari
• Best free sight: The Castle Courtyard (before entry)

1. Name: The Wood-Fired Bread Oven Type: Sight Why go: This is a massive masonry structure used to feed hundreds of soldiers. It shows the scale of military logistics. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Northern wing. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Follow the main casemate path. Tip: Look at the soot marks still visible on the ceiling.
2. Name: The Cells of the Carbonari Type: Experience Why go: These tiny wooden cages held Italian revolutionaries. It is the most famous part of the "Prison of Nations." Best for: History lovers. Where: Southern wing. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Accessible via the lower level stairs. Tip: Read the plaques to learn about the famous prisoners.
3. Name: The Torture Instruments Room Type: Sight Why go: See authentic replicas of the devices used to extract confessions. It is a grim look at medieval justice. Best for: Dark history fans. Where: Central corridor. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Part of standard entry. Getting there: Located near the entrance. Tip: This section may be scary for very young children.
4. Name: The Garrison Kitchen Type: Sight Why go: This room features large cauldrons and cooking tools. It reveals the daily life of the castle guards. Best for: Families. Where: Northern section. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in admission prices. Getting there: Walk past the bread oven. Tip: Notice the drainage systems built into the stone floors.
5. Name: The Vaulted Powder Room Type: Sight Why go: A reinforced room designed to store gunpowder safely. The architecture is designed to direct blasts upward. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Deep inside the northern wing. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Follow the signs for the arsenal. Tip: The temperature here is always very cool.
6. Name: The Memorial to Political Prisoners Type: Experience Why go: A quiet area dedicated to those who fought for freedom. It provides a somber moment of reflection. Best for: Respectful visitors. Where: Southern wing. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Near the exit of the southern wing. Tip: Look for the wreaths left by international delegations.
7. Name: The Military Infirmary Type: Sight Why go: A recreation of the hospital beds where sick soldiers were treated. It shows the basic medical care of the era. Best for: Curious minds. Where: Northern wing. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Near the kitchen area. Tip: The beds are surprisingly small compared to modern standards.
8. Name: The Baroque Moat Corridors Type: Sight Why go: These long, narrow passages were used for defense. They offer great photo opportunities of the vaulted brickwork. Best for: Photographers. Where: Perimeter of the casemates. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Start at the northern entrance. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for the best shots.
9. Name: The Prisoners' Common Room Type: Sight Why go: Unlike the solitary cells, this area held groups of lower-ranking inmates. It highlights the social hierarchy of the prison. Best for: Social history fans. Where: Southern wing. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Central part of the southern wing. Tip: Imagine the noise and smell of dozens of people in this small space.
10. Name: The Outer Defensive Bastion Type: Sight Why go: This part of the tour takes you slightly outside the tunnels. You can see the massive walls from the bottom. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Exterior of the casemates. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Getting there: Follow the exit path. Tip: Look up to see the castle's cannons peering over the edge.

Practical tips for your underground tour

Visiting the casemates requires some preparation. The temperature underground stays around 10-15 degrees Celsius all year. Even in summer, you should bring a light jacket. The floors are made of uneven stone and brick. Wear sturdy walking shoes to avoid tripping.

You can choose between a self-guided tour or a guided group. Self-guided tours allow you to go at your own pace. Information panels are available in multiple languages. Most people spend about 60 to 90 minutes inside. Ensure you arrive at least an hour before closing time.

Accessibility is limited due to the historic nature of the site. There are many stairs and narrow passages. If you have mobility issues, check with the staff first. They can advise on the best accessible routes. For more underground adventures, consider Brno ossuary and underground tours in the city center.