The Legend and Story of the Indecorous Little Man Statue Brno

The Indecorous Little Man, or Neukázněný mužíček, sits on the south side of St. James' Church. This small statue shows a man with his bare buttocks facing the street. He is not just being rude for no reason. There is a famous legend about a 14th-century rivalry.

At that time, two major churches were being built. These were St. James' Church and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul on Petrov hill. The two building teams were in a race to finish first. The builders at St. James were much faster than the others.

The lead builder at St. James had a great sense of humor. He wanted to mock the slower team on the hill. He placed this tiny statue high up on an arch. The man's backside points directly toward the Petrov Cathedral. It was a permanent insult carved in stone.

You can see the statue today near the church windows. It remains one of the most beloved symbols of the city's spirit. It shows that the people of Brno have always enjoyed a good joke. Make sure to bring binoculars or a good zoom lens!

10 Quirky Statues and Legends of Brno to Explore

Brno is full of odd monuments that will make you smile. Most of these are located in the compact city center. You can easily see them all on a short walking tour. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

1. Name: The Indecorous Little Man Type: sight Why go: To see the city's most famous cheeky legend. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: St. James' Church (Rašínova street). Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from Náměstí Svobody. Tip: Look at the window arch on the south side.
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: experience Why go: To see the legendary "dragon" that is actually a crocodile. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon. Getting there: Walk to Radnická street. Tip: Read the story of the dragon on the wall nearby.
3. Name: The Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: A modern black stone clock that releases a glass marble daily. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the main square in the center. Tip: Learn the meaning of the clock before you go.
4. Name: Courage Statue (Jobst of Moravia) Type: sight Why go: An 8-meter tall knight on a horse with very long legs. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Moravské náměstí. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the main square. Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head and look up for a surprise.
5. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: sight Why go: A wooden wheel made in a single day due to a bet. Best for: Legend seekers. Where: Hanging in the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to the Brno Dragon. Tip: The wheel was supposedly rolled 50km from Lednice to Brno.
6. Name: The Statue of Mozart Type: sight Why go: A unique statue of a nude, winged boy Mozart on a theater. Best for: Music fans. Where: Reduta Theatre (Zelný trh). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the Vegetable Market square. Tip: Mozart actually performed in this theater as a child.
7. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: sight Why go: A massive Baroque fountain with cave-like carvings and mythical beasts. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central market square. Tip: The fountain represents various ancient empires and legends.
8. Name: The Ossuary at St. James Church Type: experience Why go: The second-largest ossuary in Europe, holding 50,000 skeletons. Best for: Dark history lovers. Where: Underneath St. James' Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry (approx. 160 CZK). Getting there: Entrance is on the square by the church. Tip: It is a very respectful and moving site with music.
9. Name: The Bench of Václav Havel Type: viewpoint Why go: A peaceful spot to sit with views of Petrov Cathedral. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Zelný trh. Tip: This is the best place to see the sunset in Brno.
10. Name: Spilberk Castle Casemates Type: experience Why go: Explore the dark prison cells and legends of the fortress. Best for: History buffs. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Paid entry for the dungeons. Getting there: Walk up the park paths from the center. Tip: Check the official tourism portal for tour times.

Practical Tips for Your Brno Legend Walk

Brno is a very walkable city. Most of these quirky statues are within ten minutes of each other. You do not need a car to explore the center. The best way to see everything is on foot.

If you need to go further, use the excellent tram system. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on the tram. Visit the DPMB website for maps and schedules. Trams run very often throughout the day and night.

Most statues are outside and free to see at any time. However, the Ossuary and Spilberk Castle have specific opening hours. It is best to visit these in the morning to avoid crowds. Brno is very safe for tourists at all hours.

Do not forget to try some local favorites in Brno while you walk. There are many great cafes and bars near the statues. The city is famous for its coffee culture and hidden pubs. Enjoy the mix of old legends and new vibes!