Decoding the Meaning Behind the Brno Astronomical Clock Statue

The clock commemorates the 1645 Siege of Brno. During the Thirty Years' War, Swedish forces surrounded the city. The Swedish General Torstenson made a bold claim. He said he would leave if the city did not fall by noon. The locals were tired and hungry. They decided to trick the General.

The bell ringer at Petrov Cathedral rang the midday bells an hour early. At 11:00 AM, the Swedish army heard the bells and retreated. This saved Brno from defeat. Today, the clock is shaped like a bullet to honor this event. It is made of black granite from South Africa. It represents the strength and resilience of the local people.

The clock is also famous for its glass marbles. Every day at 11:00 AM, a marble drops through the mechanism. People gather around the clock to catch it. These marbles often feature the city colors or special designs. It is a fun way to remember the city's victory. The clock does not show time in a traditional way. You must look through glass lenses to see the turning parts.

10 Unique Sights on a Quirky Brno Statues Walking Route

Brno is full of strange and wonderful monuments. This list will help you plan your walk through the historic center. Most of these are within easy walking distance of each other. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Quick picks: Best overall: Brno Astronomical Clock. Best for families: The Brno Dragon. Best free sight: Courage Statue. Best hidden gem: Indecent Little Man.

1. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: To see the bullet shape and catch a marble. Best for: History buffs. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main train station. Tip: Arrive at 10:45 AM to get a good spot by the marble holes.
2. Name: Courage (Jobst of Moravia) Type: Statue Why go: An 8-meter tall knight on a horse with very long legs. Best for: Fun photos. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 4 or 9 to Moravské náměstí. Tip: Look up from between the horse's front legs for a famous visual joke.
3. Name: The Indecent Little Man Type: Experience Why go: A tiny statue of a man showing his bottom to the cathedral. Best for: Humor. Where: St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Learn where to find the indecent little man statue near the church windows. Tip: He is high up on the stone arches of the church.
4. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: A preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling that locals call a dragon. Best for: Families. Where: Old Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon. Getting there: Walk through the passage at the Old Town Hall. Tip: Read about the legend of the Brno dragon and wheel before you visit.
5. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: A wooden wheel made in one day as part of a historical bet. Best for: Folklore lovers. Where: Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Dragon. Tip: The wheel was rolled all the way from Lednice to Brno.
6. Name: Mozart Statue Type: Statue Why go: A naked Mozart with one wing, celebrating his childhood concert in Brno. Best for: Music fans. Where: In front of Reduta Theatre. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on Zelný trh (Cabbage Market). Tip: The statue is very modern and stands on a tall pedestal.
7. Name: Justice (Spravedlnost) Type: Statue Why go: A man lifting a heavy block over a fountain. Best for: Art lovers. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Moravian Square. Tip: It represents the struggle and weight of the law.
8. Name: Mendel Statue Type: Statue Why go: Honors Gregor Johann Mendel, the father of genetics. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Mendel Square (Mendlovo náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 1 or 5 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the nearby Mendel Museum for more history.
9. Name: Bench of Václav Havel Type: Experience Why go: Two chairs and a table around a lime tree to encourage dialogue. Best for: Reflection. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Capuchin Crypt. Tip: It is a great place to sit and rest during your walk.
10. Name: Parnassus Fountain Type: Sight Why go: A grand Baroque fountain with statues of mythical heroes. Best for: Architecture. Where: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location in the market square. Tip: Look for the cave-like structure at the base.

Planning Your 2026 Visit to Brno

Brno is a very walkable city. Most statues are in the historic center. You can see all ten items in about three hours. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets have cobblestones. The city is very safe for tourists.

Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal events. Many statues look different in winter or during festivals. If you get tired, the tram system is excellent. You can find schedules on the DPMB public transport site.

Brno is less crowded than Prague. This makes it easier to take photos of the statues. Early morning is the best time for photography. Late evening is great for seeing the statues under the city lights. Enjoy your exploration of this quirky Moravian capital.