Explore the History of Coinage in Mintmaster’s Cellar

The history of coinage in Mintmaster’s Cellar dates back hundreds of years. In the middle ages, the Mintmaster was a very important official. He managed the production of coins for the king. His house stood right above these very vaults.

Inside the cellar, you will find detailed displays of old coins. These include the famous Prague groschen and local Moravian denarii. The exhibits explain how silver was turned into currency. You can almost hear the sound of hammers hitting metal.

The cellar also showcases the architectural beauty of old Brno. The brick vaults are well-preserved and atmospheric. It is a quiet escape from the busy square above. Visiting here helps you understand how the city grew wealthy through trade.

10 Essential Stops for Your Brno Underground Tour

To truly understand the city, you should visit several key locations. Many of these sites offer combined tickets for Brno underground attractions. This is a great way to save money on your trip.

• Name: The Mintmaster's Workshop Type: experience Why go: See a replica of a medieval minting press in action. Best for: Families and children. Where: Mintmaster’s Cellar. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Tip: Look for the interactive displays where you can try minting yourself.
• Name: The Royal Mint Exhibition Type: museum Why go: View rare coins that were once used across the Kingdom of Bohemia. Best for: Numismatists and history buffs. Where: Mintmaster’s Cellar. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in tour. Tip: Read the placards to learn about the silver purity of each coin.
• Name: Dominican Square (Zelný trh) Type: neighborhood Why go: This is the beautiful square located directly above the cellar. Best for: Photography and local atmosphere. Where: Brno Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in the morning to see the local markets.
• Name: St. James Church Ossuary Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe, holding thousands of remains. Best for: Unique and slightly macabre history. Where: Near St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Dominican Square. Tip: Visit the Brno Ossuary early to avoid the crowds.
• Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: Explore a Cold War nuclear shelter built into the hillside. Best for: Modern history enthusiasts. Where: Husova Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from the city center. Tip: The 10-Z Bunker also has a retro bar inside.
• Name: Spilberk Castle Casemates Type: sight Why go: Discover the dark history of one of Europe's toughest prisons. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the center. Tip: The views of Brno from the castle walls are incredible.
• Name: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market Type: experience Why go: Walk through a network of tunnels used for food storage in the 17th century. Best for: Families. Where: Cabbage Market. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Wear a jacket as it stays cool underground all year.
• Name: The Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked gothic turret. Best for: Iconic local legends. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Tip: Climb the tower for the best panoramic city views.
• Name: Moravian Museum (Dietrichstein Palace) Type: museum Why go: It holds vast collections of Moravian history and art. Best for: Deep cultural learning. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Check for temporary exhibitions on the upper floors.
• Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: viewpoint Why go: This iconic cathedral dominates the Brno skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free for the main nave. Tip: Listen for the bells ringing at 11:00 AM instead of noon.

How to Plan Your Visit to Brno’s Historic Sites

Planning your trip to see the history of coinage in Mintmaster’s Cellar is easy. Most sites are within walking distance in the city center. For longer trips, you can use the excellent public transport system. Check the DPMB website for tram schedules and ticket prices.

It is wise to book your tours in advance, especially during the summer. The underground spaces have limited capacity for safety. You can find more information on the official Go To Brno tourism portal. They provide maps and updated opening hours for all major attractions.

Remember that the underground cellars can be chilly even in summer. Bring a light sweater or jacket for your tour. The floors can also be uneven, so wear sturdy walking shoes. This will make your exploration of Brno's history much more comfortable.