The Legend: Why Is There a Crocodile in Brno Town Hall?

The legend dates back hundreds of years. A dragon once lived near the Svratka River. It terrified the local citizens and ate their livestock. No one knew how to kill the scaly monster. Finally, a brave visiting knight came up with a plan. He stuffed a sheep skin with caustic lime. The dragon ate the bait and then drank water from the river. The lime reacted, and the dragon burst. This explains the story behind the Brno wheel and dragon perfectly.

In reality, the dragon is a Nile crocodile. It was likely a gift from a visiting delegation in the 1600s. Some believe it was brought back by Crusaders or diplomats. Regardless of the truth, the crocodile remains a beloved mascot. You can see it today in the passage of the Old Town Hall. It is a great starting point for any city tour. For more details on local myths, check out the Brno dragon and wheel legends guide.

10 Must-See Legends and Sights in Brno

Brno is a city of stories and hidden corners. Here are the top items to add to your itinerary. These picks include iconic sights and unique local experiences. Use this list to plan your 2026 adventure.

• Best overall: The Brno Dragon
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: 10-Z Bunker
• Best free sight: The Crooked Pinnacle

1. Name: The Brno Dragon (Crocodile) Type: Sight Why go: To see the legendary beast that gave the city its mascot. Best for: Everyone Where: Old Town Hall Passage Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Look up immediately as you enter the passage from the courtyard.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: A wheel made by a carpenter in one day as a bet. Best for: History lovers Where: Old Town Hall Passage Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Tip: It hangs right next to the dragon.
3. Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: Sight Why go: A stone spire bent by a vengeful mason who wasn't paid. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Old Town Hall Portal Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Look at the very top of the ornate stone entrance.
4. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Fortress/Museum Why go: A massive castle that served as a notorious prison. Best for: Panoramic views Where: Špilberk Hill Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Paid for interiors; free for grounds Tip: Walk up the hill at sunset for the best photos.
5. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design enthusiasts Where: Černá Pole Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Paid (Book months in advance) Tip: Even if tours are full, you can visit the gardens.
6. Name: The Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) Type: Market/Neighborhood Why go: A vibrant square with fresh produce and a hidden underground labyrinth. Best for: Local food Where: City Center Time: 1 hour Cost: Free to walk Tip: Try the seasonal fruit from local Moravian farmers.
7. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Unique Experience Why go: An atomic shelter built for the city's elite during the Cold War. Best for: History buffs Where: Near Špilberk Hill Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Paid Tip: You can book a stay here at the 10-Z Bunker hostel.
8. Name: The Ossuary at St. James' Church Type: Indoor/Underground Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: Dark tourism Where: Jakubské náměstí Time: 45 minutes Cost: Paid Tip: The atmosphere is quiet and respectful; avoid loud talking.
9. Name: The Stone Virgin (Indecent Little Man) Type: Sight Why go: A small, cheeky statue showing its bottom to the cathedral. Best for: A quick laugh Where: St. James' Church windows Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Use binoculars or a zoom lens to see the detail.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A romantic castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature and history Where: 15km from city center Time: 4-5 hours Cost: Paid for tours Tip: Take a boat from the reservoir to reach the castle in summer.

Planning Your Trip to Brno in 2026

Brno is very easy to navigate. Most legendary sights are in the pedestrian city center. You can walk between the Dragon and the Cabbage Market in minutes. For longer trips, use the excellent tram system. You can find schedules on the DPMB public transport website. Tickets are affordable and easy to buy with a card.

Visit during the spring or autumn for the best weather. Summers can be hot, but the city parks are lovely. Most museums and towers have regular opening hours. However, always check the official tourism portal for updates. This is especially important for Villa Tugendhat bookings. Planning ahead ensures you see every legendary corner of Brno.