Cities
Czech Republic Brno Jihomoravský kraj Cathedral

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

About

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is Brno’s most iconic silhouette, rising from Petrov Hill with twin towers that were added only in the early 20th century, despite the cathedral’s medieval origins. One fascinating fact is that Brno’s noon bell rings at 11 a.m.—a tradition recalling the city’s defence against the Swedes in 1645, when the defenders tricked the besieging army into retreating by ringing the bell an hour early. Inside, the cathedral reveals a rich blend of Gothic structure and Baroque decoration. The high altar by Josef Leimer dominates the nave with dramatic sculptural detail, while side chapels display ornate altarpieces, gilded carvings, and expressive statues of saints. The crypt preserves remnants of earlier church phases, offering a glimpse into the site’s long architectural evolution. The choir stalls and organ loft highlight the cathedral’s musical heritage, and the stained‑glass windows add colour and symbolism to the interior light. Visitors can also climb the tower for sweeping views over Brno’s rooftops and the historic core.

Brno Czech Republic
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
Location

The cathedral is located at Petrov 9, just a short walk from Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody), Brno’s main square, and is a couple of minutes’ uphill climb from the Old Town. From the tower, which requires climbing 130 steps, you get sweeping views over the city and surrounding Moravian countryside. Right beside the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum (Diecézní muzeum) in the Canon’s House, focusing on religious art and the history of the Brno diocese. Nearby attractions within easy walking distance include the Old Town Hall with its dragon legend and lookout tower, the historic Zelný trh (Vegetable Market), and the Brno Ossuary beneath the Church of St. James, one of the largest ossuaries in Europe. You can also walk up to Špilberk Castle, the vast hilltop fortress with a museum and casemates, or explore the Labyrinth under the Vegetable Market and the Žlutý kopec Water Tanks, a mysterious underground network of reservoirs. For sacred architecture, the late Gothic Church of St. James and the Gothic Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady at the Augustinian Abbey are also close by, making Petrov an ideal starting point for a compact walking tour of Brno’s best sights.

Moravian Museum Moravian Museum Museum Museum of the City of Brno Museum of the City of Brno Museum Technical museum Technical museum Museum Museum of Romani Culture Museum of Romani Culture Museum Anthropos Pavilion Anthropos Pavilion Museum Mendel Museum of Masaryk University Mendel Museum of Masaryk University Museum Villa Tugendhat Villa Tugendhat Museum Villa Löw-Beer Villa Löw-Beer Museum Museum of Applied Arts Brno Museum of Applied Arts Brno Museum Pražák Palace Pražák Palace Museum Diocesan Museum Diocesan Museum Museum Leoš Janáček Memorial Leoš Janáček Memorial Museum Retro muzeum Na statku Retro muzeum Na statku Museum VIDA! science center VIDA! science center Museum Špilberk Castle Špilberk Castle Castle Veveří Castle Veveří Castle Castle Church of St. James Church of St. James Church Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady Church Mahen Theatre Mahen Theatre Theatre Janáček Theatre Janáček Theatre Theatre Lužánky Park Lužánky Park Park Brno Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science Brno Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science Botanical Garden Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University Botanical Gardens and Arboretum of Mendel University Botanical Garden Brno Observatory and Planetarium Brno Observatory and Planetarium Observatory