Brno

Brno lies in the central part of Europe, in the Czech Republic of which it is the second largest city. At the same time, it represents the centre of the province of Moravia, one of the historic lands of the Czech Crown. It is situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes which have joined the North and South European civilizations for centuries.

Brno is situated in a picturesque countryside, surrounded on three sides by wooded hills and opening to the Southern Moravian lowlands to the south of the city. In the north, the city is guarded by the foothils of the Drahany and Bohemian-Moravian ranges.

The city itself lies in the basin of the Svratka and Svitava rivers. The river Svratka cuts a 29 km (17 mile) path throught the city and is the main supply for the Kninicky Dam Lake, a popular recreation area in the city’s northwest corner. The Svitava River flows through the city for about 13 km (8 miles). Geographically, Brno is part of the Danube Basin and has many historical ties to the Austrian capital of Vienna (Wien).

Historic sights

Brno was the historic seat of the P?emyslid dynasty. King Wenceslas I awarded Brno municipal status as early as 1243. The city’s skyline is dominated by the Špilberk castle, where an early-Gothic palace with two chapels is still standing. Later on, the castle was converted into a baroque fortress, and in the 19th century, it became known as the infamous “Jail of Nations”.  The Petrov hill is topped by the Gothic cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Old Town City Hall portal was built, featuring a late Gothic peculiarity – a crooked pinnacle. Worth at least a brief mention are other historical buildings – the monastery and convent buildings of religious orders, the Parnas fountain in the Baroque-naturalist style, the bishop’s court, the Renaissance palace of the Lords of Lipá and Kunštát, church of St. Jakub (James), and the Hausperg Palace, nowadays the seat of the Goose on a String Theater.

Brno is also a major center of modern architecture. The late-19th century Klein Palace was among the first structures built with modern technology (cast iron features, flushable toilets); the Mahen Theater was the first theater in the country to use electricity throughout the building.  Among other prominent buildings are Art Nouveau, early modernist and functionalist structures. German architect Mies van der Rohe’s 1929 villa Tugendhat is an outstanding example of functionalist architecture and a milestone in the development of modern architecture worldwide.  Among other modernist landmarks is the Brno Exhibition Center, whose set of buildings (built over the period of forty years, from 1930s to 1960s) makes up a harmonious whole; over 50 fairs and exhibitions take place here annually.

Brno also offers destinations outside the city center – the city ZOO, botanical garden, arboretum, and extensive orchards.  Motor sports enthusiasts flock to the Automotodrom Brno with the new Masaryk Circuit – a venue of the World Moto Grand Prix. Brno is the seat of the South Moravian Regional Administration.

Why doing the CELTA course in Brno ?

Brno´s 370,000 residents make it the Czech Republic´s second largest city after Prague. Brno is located in South Moravia an important region for economy, culture and wine production. The city has an international airport and many rail connections and it hosts important annual fairs and exhibitions. The city is known for its classical and folk music festivals. There is a wide choice of international restaurants, shops and cafes. Brno is the seat of Czech Republic’s Supreme Court and has six universities that offer a wide selection of study. Brno´s countryside is ideal for rest and recreation. Brno is also known for its dialect and a good South Moravian wine which is being consumed in popular wine cellars.

Being smaller and less touristy than Prague, it is often said to have friendlier and more welcoming atmosphere. In the city you can travel by bus, tram or trolley. Around Brno there are other nice Czech towns and castles. In general, Brno is cheaper than Prague and not far from Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna. For people who want to travel after the CELTA course it´s a big advantage, because they can visit these wonderful cities quite easily or can even apply for a teaching job there.

Further information

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