Understanding why is Villa Tugendhat famous architecture

Villa Tugendhat is a masterpiece of the Modern Movement. It was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. He was a pioneer of modernist building styles. The villa was completed in 1930 for Greta and Fritz Tugendhat. It is famous because it used a steel frame for support. This allowed for large, open spaces inside. There are no supporting walls in the main living area.

The villa is also known for its "less is more" philosophy. It features rare materials like honey-colored onyx from Morocco. The giant glass windows can retract into the floor. This connects the inside living room with the garden outside. It was one of the first private homes to use central heating and air cooling. These features were very advanced for the early 20th century.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It represents the peak of European functionalism. People visit from all over the world to see the onyx wall glow at sunset. The building remains a symbol of hope and innovation. Understanding why is Villa Tugendhat famous architecture helps you appreciate the city's unique vibe.

11 Must-See Architectural Sights in Brno

Brno offers a mix of old and new styles. You can walk from a medieval castle to a modernist villa in minutes. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. Use these to plan your perfect route through the city.

• Best overall: Villa Tugendhat
• Best for families: Spilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Villa Löw-Beer
• Best free activity: Zelný trh Market

1. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Iconic sight Why go: To see the world's most famous modernist home. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černá Pole neighborhood. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate (tours vary). Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets and tours months in advance.
2. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: This fortress offers the best views of the city. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: On a hill above the center. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Low for grounds, moderate for museum. Getting there: A short uphill walk from Husova street. Tip: Visit the Spilberk Castle casemates to see the old prison cells.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: Its twin towers define the city skyline. Best for: Photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter, small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul rings its bells at 11 AM instead of noon.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Type: Viewpoint Why go: To see the famous Brno Dragon and the bent turret. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Near Zelný trh. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low for tower access. Getting there: Located in the pedestrian zone. Tip: Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the historic center.
5. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: Architecture Why go: A stunning functionalist villa with a huge garden. Best for: Architecture fans who couldn't get Tugendhat tickets. Where: Pisárky district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 1 to Výstaviště. Tip: The interiors represent 1920s luxury and are often used in films.
6. Name: Brno Exhibition Centre Type: Unique experience Why go: One of the largest functionalist complexes in the world. Best for: Walking tours. Where: Pisárky. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Tram 1 or 5. Tip: Look for Pavilion A with its impressive vaulted ceiling.
7. Name: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: To experience local life and see the Parnas Fountain. Best for: Foodies. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walking distance from the main square. Tip: Visit the underground labyrinth located beneath the square.
8. Name: Jurkovič House Type: Museum Why go: A rare example of folk-style art nouveau architecture. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Žabovřesky district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 3 or 10 to Burianovo náměstí. Tip: The colorful facade is perfect for social media photos.
9. Name: Villa Löw-Beer Type: Museum Why go: It tells the story of the family who built Villa Tugendhat. Best for: Context and history. Where: Right next to Villa Tugendhat. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11. Tip: You can walk through the garden to see the back of Villa Tugendhat.
10. Name: Lednice Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A UNESCO neo-Gothic palace with stunning grounds. Best for: Romantic trips. Where: 50 minutes south of Brno. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Train to Břeclav, then a local bus. Tip: Take a boat ride through the castle park to the Minaret.
11. Name: Pernštejn Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A "marble" castle that has never been conquered. Best for: Medieval history. Where: 45 kilometers northwest of Brno. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train to Nedvědice, then a 2km walk. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the walk to the castle is steep.

Planning your Villa Tugendhat tickets and tours

Getting inside the villa requires careful planning. Tickets usually sell out three to four months in advance. You should check the official website as soon as you know your travel dates. There are two main types of tours. The basic tour covers the main living floors. The extended tour includes the technical basement and engine room.

If tours are full, do not worry. You can still buy a ticket to the garden. This allows you to see the exterior and the famous glass walls. You can find more info at the official tourism portal of the city. Visiting during the week is often quieter than weekends. Always arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts. They are very strict with timing.