As Prague's popularity continues to rise, so are its prices, which are making it the one of the more expensive post-communist states. Countless tourists are flocking to Prague, making the city a crowded, claustrophobic nightmare. Foot traffic is at an all time high, which the city is becoming an overrated tourist trap. Well if you're like me and want to travel off the beaten path, then visiting Brno is your best bet. Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, located in the South-Eastern region of Moravia. Not only is it cheaper than Prague, Brno has quite a lot of historical significance for being a smaller, lesser known city. It is host to a number of touristic sites that you might find interesting.
Spielberk Castle
One such site is the Spielberk Castle, which was never "conquered during the Thirty Years' War" (Mrazek, 2019). Throughout history, this fortress has been destroyed and rebuilt a handful of times. Later during the Napoleonic era, the Saint Paul and Peter church was also built alongside the fortress (Et al. 2019). The fortress is located on top of the Petrov Hill, which overlooks the city. I suggest bringing your selfie sticks and cameras as the surrounding views are incredible.
Capuchin Monastery
If you didn't get your history fix simply from the Spielberk Castle, then I suggest you head on down to the Capuchin Monastery, where you can find the mummified corpses of Catholic friars. Upon entering the crypt, the cool breeze that lingers throughout the corridors will surely send chills down your spine, assuring you that you're inside a 17th century crypt. According to Atlas Obscura (2019), there are as many as 27 corpses resting in the monastery, with one whom I had to take a sacrilegious, self-deprecating picture.
Brno Astronomical Clock
Although not as extravagant as Prague's astronomical clock, Brno's giant, black, dildo-shaped clock has its charm. Located in the main square, the black penis rotates at various times throughout the day. At exactly 11pm, you can find many tourists, inserting their hands into the small crevices of the clock, awaiting the release of a souvenir, which comes in the form of a large, transparent, glass marble.
Not only does Brno offer many touristic sites, but there are quite a lot of great restaurants and bars to choose from. If you're looking for a fancy cocktail bar, then you should check out "The Bar that doesn't exist." The name in itself suggests a speakeasy, prohibition era chic, making it unique to many other bars in Central Europe. Although not cheap, this bar has an incredible cocktail menu that outdo many bars across Europe and the US in terms of creativity. Apart from its exquisite menu, it has a glossary-like selection of liquors that adorn the towering shelves from behind the bar.
If you're planning a trip to the Czech Republic, don't forget to add Brno to the itinerary. This small city has a lot to offer from its amazingly hip nightlife to its historic sites. Brno is simply unavoidable.
Works Cited
1. Mrazek, L. (2019). A Brief History of Town Brno. Retrieved January 31, 2019, from https://www.visitbrno.cz/en/a-brief-history-of-town-brno/20/
2. Lunarsynthesis. “The Czech's Capuchin Crypt.” Atlas Obscura, Atlas Obscura, 26 June 2009, www.atlasobscura.com/places/czechs-capuchin-crypt.
