Moravské náměstí

Moravské náměstí is one of the central squares of Brno, sitting right in the heart of the Brno-střed district along the main pedestrian route between the train station and the historic old town. It brings together sacred architecture, public sculpture and everyday city life, making it a natural stop between sightseeing on the main square and Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody).

How is the square laid out?

Moravské náměstí is not a single open space — a busy road with tram tracks splits it into two distinct parts. On one side sits a quieter park with a fountain, a favorite shaded spot for locals to rest. The other, paved side borders the Church of St. Thomas and holds most of the square's landmarks, from sculptures to cultural and judicial institutions.

What landmarks and sights are worth seeing here?

The southern part of the square is anchored by the Church of St. Thomas together with its attached Augustinian monastery, one of the more significant religious sites in this part of the city. Next to it stands the Moravian Gallery, one of the largest institutions of applied art in the Czech Republic. The square also displays a striking eight-meter equestrian statue of Jošt of Luxembourg, Margrave of Moravia, and a statue of Justice placed in front of the Supreme Administrative Court building. The sculptural arrangement by the court draws on Plato's four cardinal virtues: alongside Justice itself, an elongated fountain represents Temperance, while a bronze model of medieval Brno stands for Prudence.

Where does the square's name come from and what is its history?

The square has carried its current name, Moravské náměstí — literally Moravian Square — since 1990, a name that ties it symbolically to Brno's historic role as the capital of Moravia. The present-day look of the southern part of the square is the result of a thorough reconstruction carried out between 2009 and 2010. The revitalized space reopened to residents and visitors on 15 September 2010, combining a representative civic function with room to simply sit and relax.

Who is this square for, and how much time should you spend here?

Moravské náměstí works both as a place to pass through and a destination in its own right. Visitors sightseeing Brno on a tight schedule can cross the square in a few minutes while taking in the Jošt monument and the silhouette of the Church of St. Thomas. Those with more time should step into the Moravian Gallery or sit down by the fountain in the park — a convenient spot to rest partway through exploring the city center.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see on Moravské náměstí? The square features the Church of St. Thomas with its Augustinian monastery, the Moravian Gallery, an equestrian statue of Jošt of Luxembourg, and a statue of Justice accompanied by a fountain and a bronze model of medieval Brno.

Since when has the square carried its current name? The name Moravské náměstí has been in use since 1990.

Has the square been renovated recently? Yes — the southern part underwent a complete reconstruction between 2009 and 2010, with the renewed space reopening on 15 September 2010.

How do you get to Moravské náměstí from central Brno? The square sits right in the city center, in the Brno-střed district, directly along the main pedestrian routes linking the main train station with the old town, so it's usually just a few minutes' walk from most points in the center.