The Mythic Story Behind the Brno Wheel and Dragon

The story behind the Brno wheel and dragon starts with a monster. Legend says a dragon once lived by the Svratka River. It ate livestock and scared the citizens. A brave butcher finally defeated it. He stuffed an animal skin with lime. When the dragon ate it, the beast died. You can learn more about why is there a crocodile in Brno Town Hall by visiting the site today.

The wheel has a different origin. In 1638, a wheelwright named Georg Birk made a bet. He claimed he could fell a tree and make a wheel. Then, he would roll it from Lednice to Brno in one day. He succeeded against all odds. People thought he used black magic. This wheel now hangs in the Old Town Hall entrance. It remains a symbol of hard work and skill.

10 Must-See Sights Linked to Brno Legends

Brno is full of stories waiting for you. Use this list to plan your legendary tour of the city. These spots mix famous landmarks with hidden gems.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall
• Best for families: Brno Labyrinth
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free sight: Parnas Fountain

1. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the actual dragon and wheel. Best for: History lovers. Where: Brno Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see symbols; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Climb the tower for the best city views.
2. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: Explore the "Prison of Nations." Best for: History buffs. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: Visit the casemates for a spooky experience.
3. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Hear the bells ring noon at 11:00 AM. Best for: Architecture. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the main station. Tip: The early bell commemorates a trick played on Swedish invaders.
4. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: experience Why go: Walk through medieval food storage tunnels. Best for: Families. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram to Zelný trh stop. Tip: Read our Brno underground labyrinths guide before you go.
5. Name: Ossuary at St. James Church Type: sight Why go: See the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: It is very quiet and respectful inside.
6. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: sight Why go: A stunning Baroque fountain with mythological figures. Best for: Photos. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Center of the Vegetable Market. Tip: Look for the cave-like structure at the base.
7. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: sight Why go: A UNESCO modernist masterpiece. Best for: Design fans. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11. Tip: Book tickets months in advance via UNESCO.
8. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A nuclear shelter built for the city's elite. Best for: Cold War history. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from the center. Tip: You can stay overnight in the 10-Z Bunker hostel.
9. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: A royal castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature and history. Where: Brno outskirts. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Boat from the reservoir or bus 303. Tip: Combine this with a boat trip in summer.
10. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: sight Why go: Visit the graves of famous Czechs like Leoš Janáček. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5. Tip: Check the official site for maps of famous graves.

Planning Your Trip to See the Brno Dragon

Visiting Brno is easy and affordable. The city is very walkable. Most legendary sights are in the pedestrian zone. You can find more details on the Go To Brno portal. Public transport is also excellent for reaching the outskirts. Use the local DPMB app for tickets. Brno is less crowded than Prague. This makes it perfect for a relaxing weekend trip. Always carry some cash for smaller markets. Most museums accept cards, but small shops might not.