Náměstí Svobody, meaning Freedom or Liberty Square, is located right in the heart of Brno. Admire the eye-catching architecture and soak up the buzzy atmosphere from the café and bar terraces surrounding the square.
A square has existed on this spot since at least the 13th century. It was known at various times as Dolní Trh (Lower Market) and then Velké Náměstí (Big Square). Note how the current square is not actually square in shape at all, but rather a triangle.
Take some time to inspect the monuments and fountains dotted on the square. Remember the victims of the devastating plague outbreak at the column monument, which dates back to 1689. Read lines from the words of local poet Jan Skácel on the bronze fountains.
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing of all the monuments is the bullet-shaped black granite Brno clock. Stand in front of it at 11 a.m. on any given day and watch as marbles fall out of its openings. If you manage to catch a marble, take it home with you as a memento of your time in Brno.
Head to the southwest corner of the square to inspect the façade of the House of the Lords of Lipá. This Renaissance-era structure is adorned with sculptural ornamentation depicting mythological and biblical figures as well as grapevines. Next door to this is Klein Palace, a neo-renaissance house constructed in the mid-19th century with cast-iron window decoration.
Look directly opposite these two toward the Dům U Čtyř mamlasů, aka House of Four Giants, a building identifiable by the four figures at the base who appear to be holding up the structure. Contrasting with these historical buildings is the much more modern, functionalist-style Komerční bank and the glass-walled Omega Palace. Like the clock, this building, which was erected in 2006, received a mixed response, with some loving it and others criticizing its design.
To get to Náměstí Svobody, ride the tram to the Náměstí Svobody stop. The square has cafés and bars where you can sip a drink and watch the world go by.
