10 Key Sites in the History of Špilberk Castle Prison

The history of Špilberk Castle prison is told through its architecture. Each corner of the fortress reveals a different era of suffering and survival. From the Baroque dungeons to the WWII cells, there is much to see. Here are the top 10 spots to visit during your trip.

• Best overall: The Casemates
• Best for families: The Lookout Tower
• Best rainy-day: Brno City Museum
• Best free: Castle Park Trails

1. Name: The Casemates Type: sight Why go: These are the original 18th-century dungeons. They show the harsh conditions of early prisoners. Best for: History buffs Where: North side of the castle Time: 45 minutes Cost: Approx. 100-150 CZK Getting there: Walk up from Husova Street Tip: Bring a light jacket as it stays cold underground even in summer.
2. Name: Silvio Pellico's Cell Type: experience Why go: Pellico was a famous Italian poet imprisoned here. His writings made the prison famous across Europe. Best for: Literary fans Where: Upper castle level Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in main ticket Getting there: Follow signs for the prison exhibition Tip: Read a summary of his book 'My Prisons' before you visit.
3. Name: The Gestapo Cells Type: sight Why go: During WWII, the Nazis used the castle as a prison. These cells tell the story of the Czech resistance. Best for: WWII historians Where: Lower fortress wings Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in prison tour Getting there: Part of the guided history route Tip: The exhibits are very moving, so take your time.
4. Name: The Castle Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best 360-degree views of Brno. You can see the whole city and the surrounding hills. Best for: Photographers Where: Main castle courtyard Time: 20 minutes Cost: Small separate fee Getting there: Stairs located near the museum entrance Tip: Go at sunset for the most amazing colors over the city.
5. Name: Brno City Museum Type: museum Why go: It houses the full history of Špilberk Castle prison and the city. The displays are modern and interactive. Best for: Indoor activity Where: Inside the main castle palace Time: 2 hours Cost: 150-250 CZK Getting there: Enter through the main gate Tip: Check the top attractions in brno list for more museum ideas.
6. Name: The Baroque Fortress Walls Type: nature Why go: The massive walls show how the castle was defended. The paths along the walls are great for a walk. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Surrounding the castle Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Accessible from any park entrance Tip: Use the paths to find quiet spots away from the crowds.
7. Name: The Castle Well Type: sight Why go: This is one of the deepest wells in the country. It was vital for the prison's survival during sieges. Best for: Engineering fans Where: Main courtyard Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free to view Getting there: Central courtyard area Tip: Look for the echo when you stand near the edge.
8. Name: The South Bastion Type: viewpoint Why go: This area shows the military side of the fortress. It has great views of the Cathedral. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Southern edge of the hill Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk south from the main entrance Tip: This is a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
9. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: day trip Why go: Located on the nearby Petrov hill. It is the most iconic church in Brno and very close to the castle. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Petrov Hill Time: 1 hour Cost: Free (tower has a fee) Getting there: 15-minute walk from the castle Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul after your castle tour.
10. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: day trip Why go: A UNESCO site that shows a different side of Brno's history. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design lovers Where: Černá Pole neighborhood Time: 2 hours Cost: 300-400 CZK Getting there: Take tram 9 from the city center Tip: You must book tickets months in advance for this site.

Planning Your Visit to Brno’s Fortress

Visiting the castle requires a bit of planning. The hill is a public park, so you can walk the grounds anytime. However, the museum and dungeons have specific hours. Most visitors spend about half a day here. This gives you enough time for the prison tour and the museum.

To reach the castle, you can use public transport. The how to get to spilberk castle guide offers many options. Most people walk from the city center. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. Wear comfortable shoes because the paths are made of stone.

For more travel tips, visit the Go To Brno official portal. They have the latest news on events at the castle. Sometimes there are concerts in the courtyard. These events make the history of Špilberk Castle prison feel even more alive. You can also find more details on the Visit Czechia website.