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The Brno Dragon: A Crocodilian Conundrum

Discover Brno's legendary 'dragon' – a crocodile with a captivating tale, hanging in the historic Old Town Hall since the 16th century.

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Hanging from the Old Town Hall's ceiling, the 'Brno Dragon' is actually a crocodile with a fascinating history. It's a symbol of Brno, entwined with legends of a fearsome beast and clever townsfolk.

A brief summary to Brno Dragon

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a better view of the dragon.
  • Read about the legend of the Brno Dragon beforehand to fully appreciate its significance.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Old Town Hall to learn more about Brno's history.
  • Look for depictions of the dragon throughout the city, as it's a popular symbol in Brno.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Brno Dragon is located in the Old Town Hall at Radnická 8, in the city center. If you are in the city center, simply walk towards the Old Town Hall. Radnická street is pedestrian-friendly.

  • Public Transport

    From Brno main station (Hlavní nádraží), you can walk (approximately 15 minutes) or take tram number 1, 3, 4, 9, 11 or 12 to the 'Náměstí Svobody' stop. From there, walk to Radnická 8. A 15-minute ticket costs 20 CZK, a 60-minute ticket costs 25 CZK. You can pay using a contactless card directly on the tram.

  • Car

    Drive towards Brno city center and navigate to Radnická 8. Parking in the city center is restricted. Zone A in the historical center can only be entered with a permit. Consider parking at the 'Úzká' garage, a short walk from the Old Town Hall. Parking zones B and C allow one hour of free parking on weekdays; after that, each additional hour costs 30 CZK and 20 CZK, respectively. Check www.bkom.cz/parking for parking garage availability.

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Discover more about Brno Dragon

The Brno Dragon, suspended within the Old Town Hall, is one of the city's most curious sights. What appears to be a dragon is, in fact, a crocodile, a testament to Brno's rich folklore and unique history. The legend states that a dragon terrorized the city, preying on livestock and disrupting trade. The city council offered a reward for the dragon's demise, and a clever butcher devised a plan. He filled an animal carcass with caustic lime, which the dragon devoured. Thirsty from the lime, the dragon drank copious amounts of water, causing the lime to expand and the dragon to explode. The butcher collected his reward, and the city was safe. However, the 'dragon' is clearly a crocodile, leading to alternative theories about its origin. Some believe it was a gift from a foreign dignitary, possibly donated by the Margrave Matthias in 1608, who received it from the Turks. Others suggest it was brought back by crusaders or gifted by a Turkish Sultan. Regardless of its true origin, the crocodile has been a symbol of Brno since at least the late 16th century. Records from 1568, 1578, and 1579 show payments for the 'dragon's' maintenance, including restoration and deworming. The crocodile has undergone several renovations, including work in 1956 to replace its teeth and eyes. Today, the Brno Dragon is a beloved symbol of the city, representing its history, folklore, and resilience. It hangs in the Old Town Hall, a reminder of the city's past and a source of fascination for visitors.

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