CZECH REPUBLIC - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 90

A smaller city in the southeast of the country, Brno is an important regional hub,
as well as the center of the Czech Court system, and an educational center, with
around ten percent of the city's population consisting of students. The center of
the city holds Freedom Square, a large, vaguely triangular-shaped square that re-
mains the center of city life. A pedestrian-only area (except for trams), the square
is surrounded by small cafes and shops, as well as an impressive array of build-
ings. Barely a block north of the square is St. James Church, which, with its un-
mistakable 300-foot-tall spire, is the seventh tallest building in the Czech Republic,
despite having been finished in 1592.
Just west of the city center, on a hill overlooking the center of the city, sits Špil-
berk Castle. Originally a royal castle from the 13th century, it gradually became a
massive fortress, and the most notorious prison of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
After World War II, the castle was purchased by the city of Brno and became the
home of the city museum. The museum houses a gallery, library, various exhibits,
and a very nice children's workshop area. The castle is open daily 0900-1700 in
the summer, but closed Monday in the winter. Admission to view the castle, all ex-
hibitions, and the casemates (an underground area originally built as fortifications,
then converted to prison use) is 90 CZK. Visit www.spilberk.cz .
Located several blocks south of Freedom Square, The Cathedral of St. Peter
and Paul sits on a hill, and dominates the skyline of Brno. It is considered one of
the most important churches in the country, as well as an important cultural land-
mark. The church is open for tours 0815-1830 daily, unless services are under-
way, and the inside is a sight to behold, with magnificent stained glass, statues
and woodwork, as well as displays of historic church objects. Guide services are
available, and required to access the tower and crypt. Admission is 35 CZK;
www.katedrala-petrov.cz .
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Villa Tugendhat is a residence, built in the
late 1930s, and generally considered one of the most important examples of func-
tionalist architecture in the world. Designed by the famous German architect Lud-
wig Mies van der Rohe, who would later immigrate to the US and complete many
works there, the house is the prototypical “glass house.” Check www.tugendhat.eu
for updates and information on visiting. Because of this site's popularity we recom-
mend to all visitors to buy tickets at least 1 month in advance. Tours are every hour
1000-1700.
If you intend to visit in late May or early June, check for the exact dates of
the fireworks show “Ignis Brunensis.” Brno is known across Europe for these
shows, which are a competition between fireworks professionals with spectators
reaping the benefits. The show is free, but expect crowds, and be sure of your