A few words about Brno

An important cultural center and the second biggest city in the Czech Republic, Brno offers many pleasant surprises for visitors. It is marked by two large hills, the Spilberg and the Pertov, which loom over the city. The dome of Saint Peter and Paul is located on the crest of Pertov Hill, and a number of structures dating back to the Baroque Age grace the hilltop of Spilberg. This city has the power to grab the attention of historians and architectural enthusiasts at once. It is famous for many things, notwithstanding the motorcycling Grand Prix.
The city officially dates back to 1243, but this region was inhabited as far back as the 5th century. A fort until the mid-1800s, it eventually transformed into a lush metropolitan with ornate buildings under the influence of architectural and cultural traditions of the Austrian Empire. To this day it rivals all great European city in terms of architecture. An interesting fact is that Brno Castle was among the most infamous prisons of the Empire at this time in history.
The name of the city can be traced back to a Celtic local dialect, which had spread in this region before the invasion of Germanic tribes. The name roughly corresponds to 'hill'.
The convergence of Svratka and Svitava rivers underlies this city, which has not changed its location since prehistoric times. Nesting in a valley and surrounded by magnificent mountain ridges, the city is a meeting point of trade routes and its strategic location has always proved to the benefit of its residents. It has always been an industrial center and a wine production region, boasting the best wines in this area of the Czech Republic to this day.
In January of 1243 Wenceslas I officially received a city permit, and nobles relinquished their stronghold over Brno. The form of government changed - now authority was delegated to a mayor and city council. These privileges play a major part in a historical perspective, affecting the drafts of city rights in all of Czech territory. They influenced city life a great deal as well.
Completely walled in, the city area extended from Silinger, where the ruins survive to this day. The city offers a large number of historical attractions and cultural landmarks.
In the early 1800s the city became a focal point of culture in a national perspective. It became a cultural and academic center when Czechoslovakia was established in 1918. New universities were founded, with curriculums covering various disciplines - technology, agriculture, forestry, and medicine.
We couldn't possibly go on without mentioning some of its sites and tourist attractions. The first and foremost is Prazak Palace. Vienna architect von Hansen designed this beautiful building between 1869 and 1874. He developed it in the new Renaissance style. Used for political purposes prior to 1948, it became property of the government after that year. It was converted to an art gallery shortly after 1990. It now holds a public library and a 20th century collection of native Czechoslovakian art. Another important venue is the Museum of Applied Arts, which was founded with academic purposes by the Industrial Association of Moravia and the Chamber of Commerce and Trade. The aim was to present to visitors an admirable collection of historical arts and crafts, an aim well fulfilled indeed, but this museum naturally has much more to offer. Modernized in 1999, its airy and sunlit main hall, convenient passages between floors and separate exhibition rooms, and superior architectural characteristics will ensure that all visitors are left with a sense of satisfaction and admiration.
Another interesting fact is that Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, is firmly associated with Brno. He may have been born in Heinzendorf, but he spent most of his life in this charming city.