Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle may lack fairy tale good looks, but it has been a crowning feature of the city's skyline for centuries. Founded in the early 1200s, the castle was lived in by the Czech kings before being transformed into a military fortress in the 18th century. In this form the castle became 'home' to enemies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

For great views climb the Špilberk Castle Lookout Tower and admire the rather impressive chime (in the second courtyard), which musically sees in the hour from 10:00 to 18:00.

A multinational band of rebels was incarcerated in the so-called Prison of the Nations. The prison closed in 1853 but was reopened by the occupying Nazis in WWII. Baron von Trenck died here in 1749.

Some of �pilberk's casemates (kasematy), the dark corridors beneath the bastions, are now a museum of prison life. The last entry to the museum is 45 minutes before closing time.

The castle itself houses the Brno city museum, which hosts permanent exhibitions on the history of construction, Brno's monuments and architecture, plus a fine arts gallery. Especially interesting is the section on the castle's past as a prison and the exquisite and colourful Brno Law Book and Bibles made for Arno�t of Pardubic (Arnost of Pardubice), who was appointed the first Archbishop of Prague in 1364. (In the early days of Prague's Charles University, his support was vital when he ordered all monks to study there, thus raising the educational standards of the institution).

There is also an exquisite baroque pharmacy dating from the mid-18th century. For great views climb the lookout tower and admire the rather impressive chime (in the second courtyard), which musically sees in the hour from 10:00 to 18:00. Discounted combination tickets for the kasematy, lookout tower and exhibitions are also available.