Or why not visit the small town of
Dolní Kounice boasting the ruins of a Gothic monastery called Rosa coeli, or
Ivančice with its exhibitions showcasing its two most famous sons - painter Alfons Mucha and actor Vladimír Menšík. Otherwise you could set off on a sightseeing cruise of the Brno Reservoir, which ends at
Veveří Castle, or what about a tour of fairytale Pernštejn Castle or the Gothic interiors of the
Porta coeli Monastery in Předklášteří. If you’d prefer to stay in Brno, plan your days so that you can enjoy some of the many cultural and sporting events that take place there, such as the ‘Brno – A City in the Middle of Europe’ festival which includes a huge fireworks display called the Ignis Brunensis.
Špilberk Castle in Brno – This Gothic royal castle, rebuilt into a Baroque fortress and then used as a prison, is today home to the Brno City Museum. Permanent exhibitions focus on the history of the castle and the city, and in the Baroque casemates you’ll discover an exhibition on prisons. The viewing tower and ramparts are also open to the public.
Vila Tugendhat in Brno – This UNESCO site and a key work of functionalist architecture by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was built in the years 1929–1930 in the Černá Pole suburb. The villa is currently undergoing lengthy renovation work.
Brno Zoo – Brno Zoo, which in 2007 celebrated the rearing of two baby polar bears, can be found in the Bystrc suburb of Brno. There are around 800 animals representing 210 species from every continent except Antarctica. The zoo includes the
permanent aquarium in the Old Town Hall in the city centre.
Peace Monument – This Art-Nouveau chapel on the site of the battle of Austerlitz near the village of Prace is a timeless memorial to all the victims of war throughout the ages, and beneath the remains of those who fell in this battle rest in peace. Nearby is a branch of the Brno District Museum, which tells the story of the battle, including what preceded it and what happened afterwards.
Pernštejn Castle – This castle is a truly fairytale affair and one of the best preserved Gothic-Renaissance fortresses in Europe. There are several tours to choose from including one which takes in the cellars and attics, thus acquainting visitors with the historical development of the entire structure.
Rajhrad Monastery – This Benedictine monastery was founded around 1048, and given a Baroque makeover by Santini. Part of the monastery is given over to the National Literature Museum in Moravia and exhibitions belonging to the Brno District Museum.
Windmill in Ruprechtov – This piece of technical heritage dating from 1880 and featuring a Halladay turbine now serves as a family-run guesthouse.
Acacia-wood viewing tower near Židlochovice – This 18m-high viewing tower atop a hill called Výhon is built of acacia wood and affords views of the southern reaches of the Brno District. A special trail leads from Židlochovice to the tower.
