Locate the Old Town Hall in Brno

The Old Town Hall is the oldest secular building in the entire city of Brno. You can find this historic landmark located right in the heart of the center. It sits on Radnická street very close to the famous and busy Vegetable Market. This central location makes it extremely easy for all tourists to find quickly.

Walking from the main train station takes only about five or ten minutes. You should follow the signs leading toward the historic center and the main square. Many people use the official tourism portal to navigate the winding streets. Look for the tall tower that rises above the surrounding historic buildings.

The entrance to the courtyard is marked by a very large stone portal. This portal was designed by the famous master mason Anton Pilgram in the year 1511. It serves as the main gateway to the tourist information center and the tower. You will notice many people stopping here to take photos of the entrance.

How to Find the Crooked Turret in Brno

Once you reach the stone portal, you must look directly above the main door. You will see five tall and decorative stone spires carved into the wall. These spires are beautiful examples of the late Gothic style used in the region. Most of the stone turrets stand perfectly straight and point toward the sky.

Look closely at the very tall turret located in the middle of the group. You will notice that this central stone spire is clearly bent to one side. This intentional mistake is what locals call the famous crooked turret of Brno. It stands out significantly against the straight lines of the other stone carvings.

The turret has looked this way for over five hundred years without any changes. It is a permanent part of the stone portal and the city's rich history. Many visitors walk right past it without noticing the strange and crooked shape. You should take a moment to admire the incredible detail of the stonework.

The Legend of the Bent Stone Turret

The story behind the crooked turret is a favorite legend for many local residents. The city council hired Anton Pilgram to create a grand entrance for the hall. They promised to pay him a very large sum of money for his work. Pilgram worked hard to create the most beautiful portal in the entire country.

However, the greedy council members refused to pay him the full amount promised. They claimed the work was not worth the price they had agreed to pay. Pilgram became very angry and decided to teach the city a permanent lesson. He purposely bent the central turret while the stone was still quite soft.

He told the council that the crooked spire would show their dishonesty forever. The stone eventually hardened and the turret remained bent for the next five centuries. This legend adds a touch of mystery and humor to the historic building. It reminds everyone that artists deserve fair pay for their hard work.

Climb for the Old Town Hall Tower View

After seeing the turret, you should head inside to climb the historic tower. The Old Town Hall tower view offers the best perspective of the city. You will see the red roofs of the old town stretching out below you. It is a perfect spot for taking panoramic photos of the skyline.

Check the Old Town Hall opening hours before you plan your morning or afternoon visit. The tower is usually open daily during the main tourist season in 2026. You must climb a series of narrow wooden stairs to reach the top. The effort is worth it once you see the amazing 360-degree views.

Tickets are available at the tourist office located right inside the main portal. You can find current tower ticket prices on the official website or at the desk. They offer special discounts for students, children, and large families visiting the city. The staff can also provide helpful maps of the other historic sites.

From the top, you can easily spot the Petrov Cathedral and Spilberk Castle. These are two other locations that offer the best city views in Brno for travelers. Seeing the city from above helps you understand the layout of the streets. Make sure to bring your camera for this memorable experience.

Other Landmarks Near the Old Town Hall

There are several other interesting things to see inside the Old Town Hall passage. Look up at the ceiling to find the legendary Brno Dragon hanging there. It is actually a large crocodile that was given to the city long ago. Local legends say it once terrorized the people living near the river.

You will also find a large wooden wheel hanging on the stone wall nearby. This wheel is the subject of another famous local legend about a bet. A local carpenter claimed he could make a wheel and roll it here. He traveled from a distant town in just one single day.

The DPMB public transport system makes reaching these sites very simple for everyone. You can take a tram to the Zelný trh stop near the market. This area is full of fresh produce, local crafts, and small coffee shops. It is the perfect place to relax after your morning of sightseeing.