GENERAL

The second largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is located in the east of the country in the historic region of Moravia. Brno has always suffered in comparison to Prague , but the city is an interesting destination in its own right. A former industrial hotbed, on a holiday to Brno you'll find numerous historic attractions and museums, striking architecture - especially in Empire and Modern styles - and an up-and-coming nightlife, whilst the city also serves as the perfect base from which to discover famous Moravia.

The atmospheric Old Town is the first port-of-call on a holiday to Brno and is home to a curious collection of attractions including the 13th century Old Town Hall that blends a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles that charts the development of the city's architecture.

Looming over the city it once both defended and terrified, is the fearsome Spielberg Castle. Half fortress, half prison, this 13th century building has a rather macabre history ranging from the days of medieval kings of Bohemia to the Nazi Occupation. Exploring the dank underground catacombs and accompanying museum is a highlight for any history buff on a holiday to Brno.

There are various superb museums in the city including the Technical Museum, the Moravian Regional Museum and the outstanding Moraska Gallery, which houses one of the best art collections in the country. Villa Tugendhat is also well worth seeing and a masterpiece of Modern architecture, as well as being a Unesco World Heritage site.

A holiday to Brno also provides the ideal way to explore beautiful Moravia. The beautiful vineyards of the south are a particular highlight, and there are some memorable wine trails that are best explored by bicycle.

Need inspiration on similar destinations?

Take a look at Krakow city breaks , holidays to Bratislava and holidays to Dresden .