Why Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul?

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is the heart of Brno. It sits on top of Petrov Hill. You can see its twin towers from almost anywhere in the city. The church has a very long and fascinating history. It began as a small Romanesque chapel many centuries ago.

Over time, it grew into a massive Gothic structure. Today, it serves as the seat of the Brno Diocese. The interior is filled with beautiful Baroque altars and sacred art. Many visitors enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere inside the nave. It is a perfect place for reflection and history.

The cathedral is also famous for its midday bell. It rings at 11:00 AM instead of noon. This tradition honors a clever trick from the Thirty Years' War. It helped save the city from a long Swedish siege. This story is a proud part of local Moravian folklore.

You can also climb the towers for a small fee. The stairs are steep but the reward is worth it. From the top, you get a 360-degree view of Brno. You can see the castle, the squares, and the distant hills. It is the best photo spot in the city center.

12 Best Sights Near Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Brno is a very walkable city for tourists. Most major attractions are close to the main cathedral. You can easily see several sites in a single day. This list includes iconic landmarks and unique local experiences. Use these suggestions to make the most of your 2026 visit.

1. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: It is the primary symbol of the city. The architecture is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. You can visit the crypt and the towers. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Visit the official site for current concert schedules.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This former royal castle became a famous prison. It offers great views and several museum exhibits. You can explore the dark casemates underground. Best for: Families and history lovers. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for exhibits. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: Read our guide on visiting Špilberk Castle before you go.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: experience Why go: This is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. The design by Mies van der Rohe is world-renowned. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Higher than other sites. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the oldest secular building in Brno. You can see the famous "Brno Dragon" in the entrance. The tower offers a central view of the market square. Best for: Quick city views. Where: Near Vegetable Market. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the tower. Getting there: Short walk from the cathedral. Tip: Check out the Old Town Hall Brno for visitor info.
5. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Explore a complex system of medieval cellars. It shows how people stored food and wine centuries ago. The atmosphere is cool and mysterious. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on the main square. Tip: Book the labyrinth under Vegetable Market tour online.
6. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: unique Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe. It holds the remains of over 50,000 people. The site is respectful and very moving. Best for: Those interested in unique history. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Rašínova street. Tip: Learn more about the St. James Ossuary Brno before visiting.
7. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: indoor Why go: This was a secret nuclear fallout shelter. It was built for the city's elite during the Cold War. You can take a self-guided tour with a map. Best for: Cold War history fans. Where: Under Špilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is near Husova street. Tip: The 10-Z Bunker Brno is quite chilly, so bring a jacket.
8. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: history Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks. The ventilation in the crypt preserved the bodies for centuries. It is a somber and unique experience. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Two minutes from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Be respectful and follow the no-photography rules.
9. Name: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) Type: neighborhood Why go: This historic square is still a working market. You can buy fresh fruit, flowers, and local snacks. It is the heart of daily life in Brno. Best for: Foodies and local culture. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to wander. Getting there: Walk from Petrov Hill. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best selection of produce.
10. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: quirky Why go: This modern black stone statue is shaped like a bullet. It releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. It is a very controversial and famous local landmark. Best for: Seeing something unusual. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: Arrive early if you want to catch the marble.
11. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: A beautiful castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. It is one of the oldest castle complexes in Moravia. You can enjoy the surrounding forest and water. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: 15km from the center. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a boat or tram and bus. Tip: Combine this with a boat trip on the reservoir.
12. Name: Villa Stiassni Type: architecture Why go: Another stunning example of 20th-century luxury. It has a beautiful garden and elegant interiors. It served as a residence for important government guests. Best for: Fans of design and gardens. Where: Hroznová street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Pisárky. Tip: The gardens are often free to enter and very peaceful.

Practical Travel Advice for Your Brno Trip

Planning a trip to see the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is easy. Brno is a very welcoming city for international visitors. The public transport system is one of the best in Europe. You can use the DPMB website to plan your routes. Trams run frequently and cover all major tourist areas.

Most of the historic center is a pedestrian zone. This makes it very safe and pleasant to walk around. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Brno is generally much less crowded than Prague. You can enjoy the sights without long lines or heavy crowds.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna. Many shops and restaurants now accept credit cards. However, it is smart to keep some cash for small purchases. English is widely spoken in hotels and popular restaurants. Learning a few basic Czech phrases will always be appreciated by locals.

Brno is a safe city for solo travelers and families. The atmosphere is relaxed and very student-friendly. Most museums are closed on Mondays, so plan your schedule carefully. Always check the weather before you go, as it can be changeable. Enjoy your time exploring this hidden gem of Central Europe.