The Ultimate Weird Statues in Brno Walking Guide
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. It is famous for its unusual public art. This weird statues in Brno walking guide helps you find them all. You can easily see these sights on a one day Brno walking itinerary. Most of the statues are in the historic center. They often have funny or controversial backstories. Local people love to debate their meanings. You can find more official visitor information at Go To Brno. Get ready to see some truly unique monuments.
Top Weird Statues in Brno Walking Guide
The city center of Brno is like an open-air gallery of the strange. Many of these pieces were installed recently to modernize the squares. They often spark laughter or confusion among tourists. Use this list to find the most iconic and odd monuments.
- Quick Pick: Best Overall - The Astronomical Clock (The Phallus).
- Quick Pick: Best for Photos - Courage (The Long-Legged Horse).
- Quick Pick: Best Legend - The Brno Dragon.
- Quick Pick: Best Free Sight - The Little Man with the Bare Ass.
- Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: It is shaped like a bullet but looks like a phallus. It releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. Best for: Curious travelers Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the main train station Tip: Arrive at 10:45 AM to catch a marble.
- Name: Courage (Jobst of Moravia) Type: sight Why go: This is a giant bronze horse with incredibly long legs. If you stand between the front legs and look up, the view is very adult. Best for: Photography Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: North end of the city center Tip: Look up from the ground for the "secret" view.
- Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the city's most famous legendary creature. Best for: Families Where: Old Town Hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free to see Getting there: Near Cabbage Market Tip: Read the Old Town Hall Brno dragon legend inside the passage.
- Name: The Crooked Pinnacle Type: sight Why go: The central stone spire on the Gothic portal is bent. Legend says the architect was cheated on his pay and did it on purpose. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Old Town Hall Entrance Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Same location as the Dragon Tip: Look closely at the intricate stonework above the door.
- Name: The Little Man with the Bare Ass (Nehanba) Type: sight Why go: A tiny stone figure on the church window is mooning the cathedral. It was a joke from the builders. Best for: Humor seekers Where: St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Behind Freedom Square Tip: Bring binoculars or use your camera zoom to see him.
- Name: The Statue of Justice Type: sight Why go: It shows a man lifting a heavy block. It looks like he is struggling with a heavy box or washing machine. Best for: Modern art fans Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Near Moravian Square Tip: Watch locals try to sit on the block for photos.
Hidden Artistic Details and Local Legends
Beyond the giant monuments, Brno has smaller artistic touches. These often celebrate the city's history or famous residents. They add a layer of whimsy to your walking tour. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander the side streets.
- Name: The Naked Mozart Type: sight Why go: It depicts a young Mozart as a naked boy with one wing. It commemorates his concert in Brno at age eleven. Best for: Music lovers Where: Cabbage Market Square Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Short walk from the main square Tip: The statue is located in front of the Reduta Theatre.
- Name: The Bench of Václav Havel Type: experience Why go: Two chairs and a table built around a tree. It represents the importance of dialogue and democracy. Best for: A quiet break Where: Moravian Square Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Near the Courage statue Tip: It is a great spot to sit and people-watch.
- Name: The 11 O'Clock Bells Type: experience Why go: The cathedral bells ring noon at 11:00 AM. This commemorates a trick played on the Swedish army in 1645. Best for: History buffs Where: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up Petrov Hill Tip: Listen for the bells while standing on the cathedral terrace.
- Name: Functionalist Reliefs Type: experience Why go: Brno is a hub for modern architecture. Many buildings feature strange, minimalist stone carvings. Best for: Design enthusiasts Where: Various city center buildings Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Follow a Brno functionalist architecture walking tour Tip: Look up at the facades on Česká street.
Quirky Sights Near the City Center
If you have more time, explore just outside the center. These locations offer more artistic and unusual monuments. They are easy to reach by public transport. You will find fewer crowds at these spots.
- Name: Central Cemetery Monuments Type: day trip Why go: The cemetery features incredible modernist and symbolic sculptures. It is a peaceful place for a long walk. Best for: Art seekers Where: Brno Central Cemetery Time: 2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Take Tram 2 or 5 from the center Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for maps.
- Name: Villa Tugendhat Garden Sculptures Type: sight Why go: The garden of this UNESCO site has beautiful modern sculptures. They perfectly match the minimalist house design. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Černopolní 45 Time: 1 hour Cost: Small fee for garden access Getting there: Tram 9 to Tomanova Tip: Book garden tickets online at the UNESCO site page.
Planning Your Weird Brno Walking Tour
Most statues in this weird statues in Brno walking guide are close together. You can see the main six in about two hours. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobbled. The city center is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
Check the Brno self-guided tour accessibility guide for mobility tips. Most squares are wheelchair friendly. However, some church entrances have steps. Using public transport is also very easy in Brno.
Visit in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Freedom Square can get busy during lunch. The statues are well-lit at night for a different vibe. Many people enjoy seeing the astronomical clock after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the statues in Brno so weird?
Brno uses public art to tell its unique history. Many statues were commissioned to spark conversation. They blend traditional legends with modern, sometimes humorous, designs. This creates a distinctive city identity that surprises many visitors.
Where is the phallic clock in Brno?
The clock is located on Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). It is a tall, black stone monument. While it is an astronomical clock, its shape is famously controversial. It stands in the heart of the pedestrian zone.
Can I see all the Brno statues for free?
Yes, almost all the statues are in public squares. You do not need a ticket to see them. Only a few garden sculptures might require a small entry fee. This makes a walking tour very budget-friendly.
Brno offers a unique mix of history and humor. This weird statues in Brno walking guide covers the best highlights. From giant horses to mooning figures, there is much to see. Don't forget to explore the city after the sun goes down. Use these Brno night walking route tips for a safe evening. Enjoy your quirky adventure in the heart of Moravia!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
