Why is there a dragon in Brno Old Town Hall?

The "dragon" hanging in the Old Town Hall passage is actually a stuffed crocodile. Local legend says the beast once lived in the Svratka River. It terrorized the citizens and ate their livestock. No one knew how to stop it until a brave butcher arrived.

The butcher used a clever trick to kill the dragon. He sewed lime into an animal skin and left it as bait. The dragon ate the skin and then drank water from the river. The lime expanded inside the beast, and it burst.

In reality, the crocodile was likely a gift. It was brought to the city by crusaders or visiting noblemen in the 1600s. Locals had never seen such a creature before. They naturally assumed it was a mythical dragon from their stories.

10 Must-See Quirky Statues and Legends of Brno

Brno is famous for its unusual public art and historical myths. Here are the top items to add to your 2026 itinerary. Most of these are within walking distance in the city center.

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Legend/Sight Why go: It is the most iconic symbol of the city. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look up as you enter the courtyard.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Legend Why go: It tells the story of a bet made in 1636. Best for: History lovers. Where: Next to the Dragon in Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the Dragon. Tip: The wheel was supposedly made and rolled from Lednice in one day.
3. Name: The Indecorous Little Man Type: Statue Why go: This tiny figure shows his bare bottom to the cathedral. Best for: Those who like cheeky humor. Where: St. James Church. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to Rašínova street. Tip: Read the story of the indecorous little man statue Brno to understand the rivalry.
4. Name: The Astronomical Clock Type: Modern Statue Why go: It releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. Best for: Souvenir hunters. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central tram stop. Tip: Learn the meaning behind the astronomical clock in Brno before you visit.
5. Name: Courage (Jobst of Moravia) Type: Statue Why go: A giant knight on a horse with very long legs. Best for: Art fans. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: North end of the city center. Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head for a surprising perspective.
6. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Sight/Statue Why go: A beautiful Baroque fountain with hidden mythological figures. Best for: Classical art lovers. Where: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from Freedom Square. Tip: This is one of the oldest fountains in the city.
7. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Experience Why go: Explore the "Prison of Nations" and its dark legends. Best for: History buffs. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Approx 150-300 CZK. Getting there: Walk uphill from Husova street. Tip: The casemates are very cold, even in summer.
8. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: UNESCO Site Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approx 400 CZK. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11. Tip: Book tickets months in advance via the UNESCO link.
9. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Experience Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of monks. Best for: Fans of the macabre. Where: Capuchin Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx 120 CZK. Getting there: Near the Vegetable Market. Tip: Be respectful as this is a religious site.
10. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Experience Why go: Visit the final resting place of famous composer Leoš Janáček. Best for: Quiet walks and history. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.

Planning Your Visit to Brno in 2026

Brno is a very walkable city. Most legends and statues are located within the pedestrian zone. You can see the main sights in a single day. However, staying for two days allows you to enjoy the vibrant food scene.

Public transport is excellent and runs 24/7. You can buy tickets using a contactless card on any bus or tram. This makes getting to further sites like the Central Cemetery very easy. Always check the latest schedules on local transit apps.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the city is full of student life. Summer can be hot, but the many underground attractions provide a cool escape. Brno remains less crowded than Prague, offering a more authentic experience.