The Legend of the Old Town Hall Brno Dragon

The Old Town Hall Brno dragon is not actually a dragon. It is a preserved crocodile that was brought to the city centuries ago. Local legends claim it once lived in the Svratka River. It supposedly terrorized the people and ate their livestock. A brave butcher finally killed the beast by using a hide filled with lime.

Today, the dragon is a beloved symbol of Brno's history. You can find it hanging in the dark passage of the Old Town Hall. It serves as a reminder of the city's cleverness and folklore. Many people believe it was a gift from a visiting delegation. Others think it was brought back from the Crusades by knights.

Beside the dragon, you will also see a wooden wheel. This wheel represents another famous local legend. A wheelwright once made a bet that he could craft a wheel in a day. He then rolled it all the way from Lednice to Brno. Both items represent the spirit of competition and storytelling in Moravia.

10 Must-See Sights Near the Old Town Hall

Brno is a walkable city with many treasures located close together. Here are the top items for your 2026 itinerary. These picks include iconic sights and unique local experiences.

• Quick picks: Best overall: Špilberk Castle; Best for families: The Brno Dragon; Best rainy-day: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market; Best free: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Legend/Sight Why go: It is the most famous mascot in the city. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Entrance passage of Old Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Liberty Square. Tip: Look up as you enter to see the legend of the Brno dragon in person.
2. Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: Architecture Why go: See the architect's revenge on the city council. Best for: History buffs. Where: Facade of the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main entrance on Radnická street. Tip: The middle turret is bent because the architect was not paid enough.
3. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the city center. Best for: Photographers. Where: Radnická Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Access is through the courtyard. Tip: Check the view from the Old Town Hall tower at sunset.
4. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: Fortress/Museum Why go: It was once the most feared prison in Europe. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit. Getting there: Uphill walk from Husova street. Tip: Consider visiting Špilberk Castle to see the deep casemates.
5. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: Landmark Why go: The bells ring noon at 11 AM to honor a historical trick. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry to nave. Getting there: Short walk from the main train station. Tip: Climb the towers for a close look at the Gothic spires.
6. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: UNESCO Site Why go: It is a world-famous masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design lovers. Where: Černopolní Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the center. Tip: You must buy Villa Tugendhat tickets months in advance.
7. Name: Brno Ossuary Type: Unique Experience Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe after Paris. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Under St. James Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Located near Rašín street. Tip: The Brno Ossuary is very atmospheric with its lighting and music.
8. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: Underground Tour Why go: Explore a network of medieval storage cellars and passages. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is on the lower part of the square. Tip: Buy Brno underground labyrinth tickets at the tourist office nearby.
9. Name: Parnas Fountain Type: Monument Why go: A stunning Baroque fountain in the heart of a busy market. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: One block from the Old Town Hall. Tip: Visit in the morning when the fruit market is active.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A romantic castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: 15km northwest of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Small fee for the grounds. Getting there: Take a boat from Bystrc during the summer. Tip: The castle is a perfect spot for a picnic by the water.

Planning Your Visit to the Old Town Hall

Visiting the Old Town Hall is very easy. It is located in the pedestrian zone of the city center. Most people start their walk from the main train station. You can reach the dragon in about ten minutes on foot. The area is full of cafes and small shops to explore.

If you plan to use public transport, Brno has an excellent system. Trams are the best way to move between distant sights. You can check schedules at the local public transport website. Most central areas are best explored by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets have cobblestones.

The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. In December, the nearby squares host beautiful Christmas markets. You can enjoy local wine and traditional snacks while looking at the dragon. Always check the official site for seasonal opening hours.