Špilberk Castle travel guide

Standing majestically atop a hill in Brno, Špilberk Castle has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally built as a royal castle by the Premyslid dynasty, it later served as a formidable fortress.

In the 17th century, the castle was transformed into a baroque fortress, feared across Europe as the harshest prison in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and aptly nicknamed 'the prison of nations'. For centuries, it stood as a symbol of oppression and torment.

In the 19th century, Špilberk Castle underwent another transformation, this time into barracks. It was not until the 20th century, after it was returned to the city of Brno, that it was finally opened to the public. Today, the castle houses the Brno City Museum and offers visitors a peek into its extraordinary past, stunning city views, and a chance to explore its ancient casemates and exhibitions.

A distinctive feature of Špilberk Castle is its conversion from a major royal castle and the seat of the Moravian margraves into a massive baroque fortress, which later became known as the 'Dungeon of Nations'. This grim epithet is due to its use as a prison for political and wartime prisoners from all over Europe. Another unique aspect is the extensive network of underground passages and casemates, stretching over 10 kilometers and providing a chilling insight into the castle's past. The castle also houses the Brno City Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of artefacts detailing the history of the city and the castle. The hilltop location of Špilberk Castle offers panoramic views of the city of Brno, a sight that is particularly stunning at sunset. Furthermore, the castle grounds serve as a public park, a unique feature amongst historical fortresses, providing a serene, green space for visitors to relax and enjoy.

Located in the dynamic Brno-město, the popular Špilberk Castle is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Brno or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through the Czech Republic.

Brno is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Brno offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Brno and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Náměstí Svobody, Park of the Špilberk Castle, Veveří Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, and Villa Tugendhat.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Brno has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Brno, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the Czech Republic!

Špilberk Castle is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Brno, the Czech Republic. If you're flying in, Brno–Tuřany Airport is approximately 5.2 miles (8.4 km) away from Brno. From there, you can easily reach Špilberk Castle by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Brno, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Špilberk Castle, which is located 0.6 miles (0.9 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Špilberk Castle, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Špilberk 210/1, 662 24 Brno, Czechia, the Czech Republic.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Špilberk Castle!

The best time to explore Špilberk Castle is during the late spring and early fall. May through June and September through October offer mild weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the castle's rich history and stunning views. The summer months (July and August) are also a viable choice, as the castle hosts a variety of special events, including open-air theatre performances and concerts, but be prepared for larger crowds. For those who enjoy winter scenery, visiting in December provides a unique opportunity to see the castle blanketed in snow, although the weather can be quite chilly. Regardless of the season, it's advisable to check the castle's opening hours as they may vary throughout the year. Finally, no matter when you visit, try to arrive early in the day to avoid peak crowd times and have the best chance of fully appreciating the splendor of Špilberk Castle.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Špilberk Castle and the Czech Republic's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Brno–Tuřany Airport and the city of Brno, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in the Czech Republic cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Brno and beyond.

Conveniently explore Špilberk Castle and plenty more captivating attractions in Brno by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Špilberk Castle and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Brno has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Špilberk Castle below.

Aside from Špilberk Castle, Brno is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Brno, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Náměstí Svobody, Park of the Špilberk Castle, and Veveří Castle.

Náměstí Svobody is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Brno, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Náměstí Svobody is nám. Svobody, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.

Another appreciated attraction in Brno is Park of the Špilberk Castle. Like Náměstí Svobody, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars among 9,300 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is Špilberk 1, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia.

Veveří Castle is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Brno. This establishment and top attraction in Brno has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,500 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of 664 71 Veverská Bítýška-Brno-Bystrc, Czechia.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Brno below.