The Secret Meaning Behind the Astronomical Clock in Brno

The Brno Astronomical Clock is a 6-meter tall monument made of black African granite. It does not look like a traditional clock. Most visitors think it looks like a giant bullet or a phallic symbol. The shape is intentional and honors the city's brave history. It commemorates the Siege of Brno in 1645 during the Thirty Years' War. At that time, Swedish troops surrounded the city for months.

The Swedish general, Lennart Torstenson, grew frustrated with the long battle. He declared that his army would leave if the city did not fall by noon. The local defenders heard this plan and decided to trick him. They rang the bells of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul an hour early. When the bells struck at 11:00 AM, the Swedes thought it was noon. They stopped the attack and marched away from Brno.

Today, the clock celebrates this clever victory. Every day at 11:00 AM, the clock releases a small glass marble. This represents the "bullet" that failed to hit the city. You can find more information about the city's history on the Go To Brno official tourism portal. It is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

12 Quirky Statues and Legends of Brno to See

Brno is filled with strange sights that tell fascinating stories. Use this list to find the most iconic and unusual spots in the city. Many are within walking distance of each other in the Old Town. Here are the top 12 experiences to add to your itinerary.

1. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: To see the glass marble drop at 11:00 AM. Best for: History buffs. Where: Freedom Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Arrive at 10:45 AM to secure a spot near one of the four marble catchers.
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Legend Why go: See the famous crocodile hanging in the archway. Best for: Families. Where: Old Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Freedom Square. Tip: Learn why is there a dragon in Brno Old Town Hall before you visit.
3. Name: The Indecorous Little Man Type: Statue Why go: Find the tiny, cheeky figure hidden on the church wall. Best for: People who like hidden details. Where: St. James Church. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 3 minutes north of Freedom Square. Tip: Read the story of the indecorous little man statue in Brno to understand the rivalry behind it.
4. Name: Statue of Courage (Jobst of Moravia) Type: Statue Why go: See the knight on a horse with unusually long legs. Best for: Photography. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from St. James Church. Tip: Stand directly underneath the horse's head and look up for a funny perspective.
5. Name: Justice Statue Type: Statue Why go: See a modern take on justice lifting a heavy block. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Outside the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from Moravian Square. Tip: It is a popular spot for locals to meet up.
6. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Iconic sight Why go: Hear the bells ring "noon" at 11:00 AM. Best for: Architecture. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (small fee for towers). Getting there: Walk up the hill from the vegetable market. Tip: Climb the towers for the best view of the city center.
7. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Viewpoint Why go: Explore an ancient fortress and former prison. Best for: History and views. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Walk up through the park from Husova street. Tip: The casemates are very cold, so bring a jacket even in summer.
8. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Museum Why go: Visit a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (approx. 400 CZK). Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: You must book tickets months in advance via the UNESCO site or official page.
9. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Unique experience Why go: See the second-largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: Dark tourism. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 160 CZK. Getting there: Entrance is in the square outside the church. Tip: The atmosphere is respectful and features haunting music.
10. Name: Labyrinth under Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Walk through medieval cellars used for food storage. Best for: Exploring hidden history. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Entrance is at Zelný trh 21. Tip: Check out the local favorites in Brno at the market stalls above.
11. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Unique experience Why go: Visit a nuclear fallout shelter from the Cold War. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Under Špilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Entrance is on Husova street. Tip: You can actually stay overnight in the bunker if you are brave.
12. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Sight Why go: View a stunning Baroque fountain with mythological figures. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes south of Freedom Square. Tip: Visit during the day to see the vegetable market in full swing.

How to Plan Your Quirky Brno Tour

Brno is a very walkable city. Most of these quirky statues are located within the pedestrian zone. You can easily see the main sights in one day. Start your morning at Freedom Square to see the astronomical clock. Then, head south toward the Old Town Hall and the Vegetable Market.

If you need to travel further, use the excellent tram system. You can find schedules on the Visit Czechia website. Tickets are available at yellow machines or via contactless card on the tram. Brno is very safe for travelers in 2026. Most people in the city center speak English, especially in shops and cafes.

For a break, try the local coffee scene. Brno is famous for its high-quality cafes. Many are located near the quirky statues. This makes it easy to rest between stops. Always keep a few coins ready if you want to use public restrooms. Most attractions accept credit cards, but small shops might prefer cash.