Brno

Orientation & Geography

Europe, Czech Republic, Jihomoravský kraj

Brno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈbr̩no]  ; German: Brünn) is the traditional capital city of Moravia and the second largest city in the Czech Republic. Brno is also the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region and the Czech capital of judicial authority. The population of the city is about 405,000 while the population of the greater metropolitan area is about 730,000. Brno lies at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers and it is surrounded by hills from three sides; a significant part of the area of the city is forest, about 28%. The average temperature is 9.4 °C (49 °F) and the average annual precipitation is about 505 mm (19.88 in). Brno is the seat of the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic, the Supreme Court, the Supreme Administrative Court, the Supreme Prosecutor's Office, and the Ombudsman. Brno is also an important centre of Czech higher education, with 26 faculties of 11 universities and about 80,000 students. Brno exhibition centre is also a traditional site of large exhibitions and trade fairs. The city is also known for hosting big motorbike and other races on the Brno racing circuit and for an international firework competition Ignis brunensis. The most important sights of the city are the royal castle Špilberk and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The other castle in Brno is Veveri castle, near Brno Dam Lake. Another important monument of Brno is the Villa Tugendhat, which has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Another attractive area visited not only by tourists but also by locals is the Moravian Karst.