Planning Your Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Visit

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is a national cultural monument. It stands on the site of a Romanesque chapel. Over centuries, it grew into a Gothic masterpiece. The current look comes from the early 20th century. It is the seat of the Bishop of Brno.

The cathedral is open to the public for most of the day. It is a place of active worship. Please be quiet and respectful during your visit. You can enter the main nave for free. However, some areas like the towers require a small fee.

Walking up Petrov Hill is part of the experience. The paths are steep but very scenic. You will pass old stone walls and small gardens. It is one of the most romantic spots in the city. Many locals come here to watch the sunset.

Before you go, check the official Go To Brno portal for events. They often list concerts or special mass times. The cathedral is especially beautiful during the Christmas season. The interior is decorated with lights and a large nativity scene.

10 Best Things to Do Near the Cathedral

There is so much to see on and around Petrov Hill. This list covers the best sights for your itinerary. We have included iconic spots and hidden gems. Most of these are within a five-minute walk from each other.

• Best overall: The Cathedral Towers
• Best for families: Špilberk Castle
• Best rainy-day: Brno Labyrinth
• Best free: Denis Gardens

1. Name: Cathedral Nave and Altars Type: sight Why go: To see the stunning Gothic rib vaulting and the massive main altar. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Petrov Hill Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up the hill from Zelný trh. Tip: Look for the modern stained glass windows.
2. Name: The Cathedral Towers Type: viewpoint Why go: To get the best 360-degree view of the Brno skyline and the surrounding hills. Best for: Photographers Where: Inside the cathedral entrance Time: 45 minutes Cost: Small fee (approx. 50-80 CZK) Getting there: Follow signs for 'Věž' inside the church. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so wear comfortable shoes.
3. Name: The Cathedral Crypt Type: experience Why go: To explore the foundations of the original 12th-century church. Best for: History buffs Where: Below the main altar Time: 20 minutes Cost: Small fee Getting there: Entrance is located inside the cathedral. Tip: It is much cooler down here, which is great for hot summer days.
4. Name: Denis Gardens (Denisovy sady) Type: nature Why go: These public gardens offer a peaceful escape and views of Špilberk Castle. Best for: Relaxing Where: Just south of the cathedral Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk directly from the cathedral courtyard. Tip: Find the obelisk that commemorates the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
5. Name: Zelný Trh (Vegetable Market) Type: market Why go: This is the oldest square in Brno and still hosts a daily market. Best for: Local food Where: At the foot of Petrov Hill Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Free to enter Getting there: A short walk down the hill from the cathedral. Tip: Learn about the Zelný trh history to appreciate the Parnas Fountain.
6. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: To see the famous Brno Dragon and climb the historic tower. Best for: Sightseeing Where: Radnická street Time: 1 hour Cost: Fee for tower access Getting there: 3-minute walk from Zelný trh. Tip: Check out the Old Town Hall tower views for a different perspective of the cathedral.
7. Name: Špilberk Castle Type: day trip Why go: This massive fortress was once a feared prison and now houses the city museum. Best for: History and views Where: Špilberk Hill Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Free for grounds; fee for casemates Getting there: Follow the Špilberk Castle walking route from the city center. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the dark history of the prison.
8. Name: The Labyrinth under Zelný Trh Type: experience Why go: Explore the medieval cellars and tunnels hidden beneath the market square. Best for: Adventure Where: Zelný trh 21 Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate fee Getting there: Entrance is clearly marked on the square. Tip: Book your Brno underground labyrinth tickets in advance during weekends.
9. Name: Capuchin Monastery and Crypt Type: experience Why go: To see the naturally mummified remains of monks and local nobles. Best for: Unique history Where: Kapucínské náměstí Time: 45 minutes Cost: Small fee Getting there: Located right between the cathedral and the train station. Tip: It is a somber site, so please maintain a respectful tone.
10. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: day trip Why go: A world-famous example of functionalist architecture and a UNESCO site. Best for: Design lovers Where: Černopolní 45 Time: 2 hours Cost: Higher fee; booking essential Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the city center. Tip: This UNESCO site requires booking months in advance.

Essential Tips for Your Brno Trip

Brno is a very compact city. Most of the major sights are close together. You might wonder, is Brno walkable for everyone? The answer is yes, but be ready for some hills. Petrov Hill and Špilberk Hill both require a bit of climbing.

If you prefer not to walk, use the excellent tram system. It is frequent and very reliable. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on the tram. Visit the DPMB website for maps and schedules. It makes getting to further spots like Villa Tugendhat very easy.

The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is warm and the outdoor cafes are lively. However, autumn is also beautiful for the fall colors in the gardens. Most attractions are open year-round, but check for winter hours.

Local food in Brno is hearty and delicious. Look for restaurants serving traditional svíčková or goulash. Many historic cafes are located near the cathedral. They are perfect for a coffee break after your climb. Always carry a little cash for smaller shops and markets.