Where to Find the Courage Statue in Brno

The statue is located in the northern part of the historic center. You will find it at Moravské náměstí, which is a large public square. It sits right in front of the Church of St. Thomas. The sculpture is very tall, so it is hard to miss. It features a knight in armor sitting on a horse with extremely long legs.

The official name of the piece is "Odvaha," which means Courage in English. It was created by the famous Czech artist Jaroslav Róna. Many locals simply refer to it as the statue of Jobst. He was a member of the Luxembourg dynasty and a ruler of Moravia. For more context on the city, check out this alternative guide to Brno for other unique spots.

To get the full experience, check the Go To Brno official portal for event updates. Sometimes the square hosts markets or festivals that might block your view. Generally, the area is spacious and easy to navigate on foot. The statue stands about eight meters tall, making it a dominant landmark in the square.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Statue Location

Follow these steps for finding the upside down horse statue in Brno without getting lost. The process is simple if you start from the city's main landmarks. Most travelers begin their journey at the main train station.

1. Start at Brno Main Station: Exit the station and face the city center. This is the main hub for all arrivals. Typical cost is zero if walking. Avoid the mistake of taking a taxi for this short distance.
2. Walk up Masarykova Street: This is the main pedestrian street. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the main square. Keep an eye on the tram tracks to stay on the right path.
3. Pass through Náměstí Svobody: This is the central square. You can see the Brno astronomical clock here. Do not stop for too long if you are on a schedule.
4. Reach Moravské náměstí: Continue walking north for another 5 minutes. You will see the tall bronze horse legs in the distance. The square is wide and usually has people sitting on nearby benches.
5. Find the specific angle: Walk directly between the front legs of the horse. Look straight up toward the horse's head. This is where you will see the "unusual" shape that tourists talk about.

If you prefer not to walk, use the local tram system. Check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport site for schedules. Trams 4 or 9 will take you very close to the square. A short-term ticket costs about 20 to 30 CZK.

Preparation and Travel Checklist

Before you head out, make sure you are prepared for the walk. Brno is a very walkable city, but the cobblestones can be tricky. You should also consider the lighting for your photos. The statue looks best during the day when the sun is high.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the historic streets.
• Camera: A wide-angle lens is helpful because the statue is very tall.
• Map: Download an offline map of Brno city center.
• Water: Bring a bottle, especially during the warm summer months.

If you are looking for more unusual statues and sculptures Brno has to offer, plan for a two-hour walk. This will allow you to see several pieces in one trip. Most of these are located within the inner ring of the city. This makes it easy to combine them into one afternoon adventure.

The Meaning Behind the Unusual Sculpture

The statue was unveiled in 2015 to celebrate the city's history. Jobst of Moravia was a sophisticated politician and a candidate for the Holy Roman Emperor. The artist Jaroslav Róna wanted to represent the virtue of courage. He chose to give the horse long legs to make it look impressive and modern. It does not look like a traditional historical monument.

The "upside down" or unusual aspect is actually an optical illusion. When you stand directly under the horse's chest and look up, the head and front legs form a phallic shape. This was likely an intentional joke by the artist. It fits the quirky and humorous spirit of Brno perfectly. The city is known for its strange and playful public art.

This sculpture is part of a series of four virtues in the square. The others represent Justice, Temperance, and Prudence. You can find more about these in our 10-Z bunker hostel and tours guide, as the bunker is nearby. Each statue has a unique story and a modern design.

Troubleshooting Your Visit to the Statue

Sometimes visitors face issues when finding the upside down horse statue in Brno. The most common mistake is going to the wrong city. Remember that the literal "upside down horse" is inside the Lucerna Palace in Prague. The Brno statue is a standing horse with a specific viewing angle. Do not expect to see a horse hanging from the ceiling here.

• Navigation errors: Make sure you are at Moravské náměstí, not Náměstí Svobody.
• Crowds: Large groups often gather under the horse. Wait 5 minutes for them to clear.
• Construction: Check if the square is under renovation before you go.
• Lighting: Avoid visiting at night if you want to see the optical illusion clearly.
• Tram confusion: Ensure you take the tram heading toward "Česká" or "Moravské náměstí."
• Weather: Heavy rain can make looking up quite difficult and messy.

If you get lost, ask a local for the "statue of Jobst" or "socha Jošta." Most residents speak English and will point you in the right direction. The square is a major landmark, so it is easy to find. For more travel tips, visit the Visit Czechia website.