The History of Brno's Most Famous Fortress

Špilberk Castle began as a royal residence in the 13th century. It later became a massive baroque fortress. By the late 18th century, Emperor Joseph II turned it into a prison. This was not just any prison. It was known as the harshest jail in the Austrian Monarchy.

The casemates were originally built for military purposes. They served as shelters for soldiers during sieges. Later, these dark spaces were divided into small cells. These cells held political prisoners and hardened criminals alike. The conditions were famously brutal and cold.

During the World Wars, the castle served military needs again. The Gestapo used the fortress during the Nazi occupation. Today, the City of Brno Museum manages the site. It is now a place of education and remembrance for all visitors.

10 Things to See Inside Špilberk Castle Casemates

The casemates are a maze of stone and shadow. You should allow plenty of time to explore every corner. Here are the top highlights you will encounter during your tour.

• Best overall: The Torture Chamber Reconstruction
• Best for families: The Baroque Kitchen
• Best for history: The Italian Carbonari Memorial
• Best free sight: The Southern Bastion (Castle grounds)

1. Name: The Death Row Cells Type: Sight Why go: See where the most notorious prisoners spent their final days in total darkness. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: The lowest level of the northern casemates. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Follow the main tour path down the stone stairs. Tip: Look for the original iron rings used for chaining prisoners.
2. Name: The Torture Chamber Type: Experience Why go: View reconstructions of historical torture devices used for interrogations. Best for: Fans of dark tourism. Where: Central corridor of the casemates. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Located halfway through the underground circuit. Tip: The exhibits are quite graphic, so prepare younger children.
3. Name: The Baroque Soldiers' Kitchen Type: Sight Why go: Learn how hundreds of soldiers were fed during long sieges. Best for: Culinary history fans. Where: The eastern section of the casemates. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Walk through the wide corridors near the entrance. Tip: Notice the massive chimney designed to vent smoke from the hill.
4. Name: The Dungeon of Nations Exhibit Type: Museum Why go: Discover the stories of political prisoners from across Europe. Best for: Educational trips. Where: Various cells throughout the tour. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Follow the numbered plaques in the corridors. Tip: Rent an audio guide to hear individual prisoner stories.
5. Name: The Southern Bastion Type: Viewpoint Why go: Enjoy panoramic views of Brno after your underground tour. Best for: Photographers. Where: The exterior castle walls. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to access the walls. Getting there: Exit the casemates and walk toward the city-facing ramparts. Tip: This is the best spot to see the city lights at dusk.
6. Name: The Deep Castle Well Type: Sight Why go: Marvel at the engineering required to provide water to the hilltop. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: The main castle courtyard. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free to view from above. Getting there: Located in the center of the large inner courtyard. Tip: It is one of the deepest wells in the region.
7. Name: The Italian Carbonari Memorial Type: Experience Why go: Honor the Italian revolutionaries who were imprisoned here in the 1820s. Best for: International history buffs. Where: A dedicated cell block in the casemates. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Located near the end of the prison circuit. Tip: Look for the commemorative plaques from the Italian government.
8. Name: The Vaulted Stone Corridors Type: Experience Why go: Experience the incredible acoustics and massive baroque masonry. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Throughout the entire casemate system. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: This is the main path of the tour. Tip: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes as the floors can be damp.
9. Name: The Common Prisoners' Ward Type: Sight Why go: See the contrast between individual cells and the crowded group wards. Best for: Social history fans. Where: The upper level of the casemates. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Included in the standard ticket. Getting there: Accessible via the main stone ramps. Tip: Imagine the cold during the harsh Moravian winters.
10. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Day trip Why go: This nearby cathedral is the other major landmark of the Brno skyline. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Petrov Hill, a short walk from the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry to the nave. Getting there: Walk down Špilberk hill and follow signs to Petrov. Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul to hear the bells ring at 11 AM.

Planning Your Visit to the Casemates in 2026

Visiting the casemates requires a bit of planning. The castle is open year-round, but hours vary by season. You should check the official city portal for the latest updates. It is often best to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

You can easily reach the castle using Brno public transport. Take a tram to the 'Husova' stop and walk up the hill. The walk is steep but offers beautiful park views. For those who prefer convenience, you can learn how to buy Špilberk Castle tickets online. This saves time during the busy summer months.

Inside the casemates, the temperature stays around 10 degrees Celsius. Even in summer, you should bring a light jacket. The stone floors are uneven, so leave the high heels at home. For more local advice, visit the Go To Brno tourism site.