Old Town Hall | Brno

Information

Landmark: Old Town Hall
City: Brno
Country: Czech Republic
Continent: Europe

Old Town Hall, Brno, Czech Republic, Europe

The Old Town Hall (Stará radnice) is the oldest and most significant secular building in Brno, Czech Republic. Located between the Cabbage Market and Liberty Square, it served as the seat of city administration until 1935 and now functions as a cultural center and tourist information hub.

Visual Characteristics

The complex features a 63-meter-high tower with a Renaissance walkway and a late Gothic portal created by sculptor Anton Pilgram. The portal is famous for its crooked central pinnacle. The interior includes the Crystal Hall, the Fresco Hall, and the Treasury. A preserved "Brno Dragon" (a stuffed crocodile) and a "Brno Wheel" are suspended in the entrance passage.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Radnická 8. It is a 5-minute walk from the Brno main railway station (Hlavní nádraží) and the Zelný trh tram stop (lines 4, 9). Pedestrian access is primary; vehicle traffic is restricted in the historic core. The nearest public parking is at the Velký Špalíček or Domini park garages.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The core of the building dates back to around 1240. It underwent several reconstructions, including the addition of the Gothic portal in 1511 and Renaissance modifications to the tower in the late 16th century. The structure is built on a foundation of local limestone and brick, integrated into the medieval street plan of Brno.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can climb the 173 steps of the tower for a panoramic view of the city center and Špilberk Castle. The complex houses the Brno Tourist Information Centre and a gallery. The passage containing the "Dragon" and the "Wheel" is accessible to the public without a fee. Guided tours of the historic halls are available seasonally.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms and a luggage storage service are available within the tourist center. 5G cellular signal is stable in the courtyard and tower. Information brochures, maps, and ticket sales for city attractions are provided on the ground floor. Numerous cafes and restaurants are situated in the immediate vicinity on Radnická Street.

Best Time to Visit

The tower and halls are generally open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 during the main season (April–October), with reduced hours in winter. Morning visits are recommended to avoid congestion in the narrow tower staircase. The tower provides optimal lighting for city photography during the late afternoon.

Facts & Legends

According to legend, Anton Pilgram made the portal's central pinnacle crooked intentionally as revenge for not being paid the full agreed amount by the city council. The "Brno Dragon" was supposedly a gift from a visiting delegation in the 17th century, though local myth claims it was a monster terrorizing the city until a brave butcher killed it with a hide filled with lime.