Špilberk Castle
Hrad Špilberk
A hilltop castle overlooking the old town. Once a royal fortress, it became the Habsburgs' most severe 'prison of nations,' and its underground dungeons are eerie and striking.
Špilberk Castle was first built in the 13th century and later rebuilt as a Baroque fortress. In the 18th and 19th centuries it became one of the harshest prisons of the Habsburg Empire, holding political prisoners including members of the Italian Carbonari, and earned the nickname 'prison of nations.' It now houses the Brno City Museum. The most important sight is the underground dungeon (the Kasemattes), with its prison exhibition. Other attractions include a city history exhibition, a Baroque pharmacy and a lookout tower open in summer. The castle park is free to enter, but each exhibition has a separate fee of about 100–200 CZK. Many attractions close on Mondays. It is about a 15-minute walk uphill from Freedom Square.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (extended in summer; many closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- 10-Z Bunker
- Mendel Museum
- Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Brno
- Old Town Hall, Brno
- Brno Ossuary
- Freedom Square & Brno Astronomical Clock
- Zelný trh & Labyrinth
- Capuchin Crypt, Brno