The Meaning of the Horse Statue in Moravian Square

The massive bronze horse in Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) depicts Jobst of Luxembourg. He was the Margrave of Moravia and a brief King of the Romans. Sculptor Jaroslav Róna created this eight-meter-tall monument. It was unveiled in 2015 to honor the city's history. Many locals and tourists find the statue quite unusual due to its long legs.

The primary meaning of the horse statue in Moravian Square is "Courage." It is one of four statues in the square representing Platonic virtues. The others are Justice, Temperance, and Prudence. Jobst is shown as a knight in armor, standing tall on his horse. This symbol of bravery reflects Brno's resilience over the centuries. You can find more details on the official tourism portal for the city.

There is a famous visual joke associated with this statue. If you stand between the horse's front legs and look up, the view is surprising. From this specific angle, the horse's head and neck take on a suggestive shape. This was likely an intentional touch by the artist to match Brno's sense of humor. It has made the statue a viral sensation on social media.

9 Must-See Brno Astronomical Clock and Statues

Brno is famous for its unconventional monuments. The Brno astronomical clock and statues collection is truly unique in Europe. Here are the top nine items you must see during your visit. Each one tells a different story about the city's character.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall – The Courage Horse Statue
• Quick Pick: Best for Families – The Parnas Fountain
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity – The Brno Astronomical Clock
• Quick Pick: Best History – Spilberk Castle

1. Name: Courage (Jobst of Moravia) Type: Sight Why go: To see the iconic long-legged horse and its secret perspective. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Moravian Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main station or take any tram to Moravské náměstí. Tip: Look up from underneath for the famous visual gag.
2. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It looks like a giant bullet and releases a glass marble daily. Best for: Curious travelers. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Five-minute walk from the main train station. Tip: Be there at 11:00 AM sharp to try and catch the marble.
3. Name: Statue of Justice Type: Sight Why go: It depicts a man struggling to lift a heavy block of stone. Best for: Art lovers. Where: In front of the Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the edge of Moravian Square. Tip: This represents the "Justice" virtue in the square's series.
4. Name: The Indecent Little Man (Nehanba) Type: Sight Why go: A tiny statue of a man showing his rear end to the cathedral. Best for: Those who like local legends. Where: St. James Church (Kostel sv. Jakuba). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from Freedom Square. Tip: Look high up on the church window arches to find him.
5. Name: Mozart Statue Type: Sight Why go: It shows a naked Mozart with one wing and a violin. Best for: Music fans. Where: In front of the Reduta Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at Zelný trh (Vegetable Market). Tip: It commemorates Mozart’s performance in Brno at age eleven.
6. Name: Spilberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: An ancient fortress with great views and a dark history as a prison. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Grounds are free; museum has a fee. Getting there: Walk uphill from the city center. Tip: Visit the casemates for a spooky experience. Check visiting Spilberk Castle Brno for more.
7. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Experience Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 to Dětská nemocnice. Tip: Book tickets months in advance via UNESCO's site or the villa's page.
8. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque fountain featuring mythological figures and a cave. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the main square. Tip: The market around it is great for fresh local snacks.
9. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Day trip Why go: To see the graves of famous people like Gregor Mendel. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 2 or 5 from the center. Tip: Visit the Wikipedia page to plan which graves to see.

Tips for Exploring Brno Public Art

Most of Brno's famous statues are located within the pedestrian zone of the city center. This makes it very easy to explore on foot. You can start at Moravian Square and walk south toward the train station. Most sights are only a few minutes apart. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets have old cobblestones.

If you want to see the more distant sites, use the excellent public transport system. You can check schedules and routes on the DPMB official site. Trams are the most convenient way to get around. Tickets can be bought with a contactless card directly on the tram. This is very helpful for tourists who do not have local currency.

Brno is generally a safe city for travelers. However, always be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like Freedom Square. Most statues are well-lit at night, offering a different perspective for photos. Early morning is the best time to visit if you want photos without crowds. The city is very lively during the university semester.