Interesting Story of Brno Dragon Czech Republic
Brno dragon must be the most famous of all Czech dragons! Brno features in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites of Czech Republic for the Tugendhat Villa. It is a brilliant example of outstanding example of the international style in the modern architecture that developed in Europe in the 1920s. However this post is on Old Town Hall of Brno and the interesting story of Brno Dragon.
The Old Town Hall of Brno in Czech Republic would remain unnoticed and insignificant had it not been for the interesting legends associated with it. Here are 3 popular legends among the locals of Brno.
Story of Twisted Turret
Can you spot anything unusual in this pic below?
Old Town Hall Brno Czech
Observe carefully. The middle turret is crooked, isn’t it?
Walking down the old streets of Brno, Czech Republic, we came across this facade of the Old Town Hall. It is evident the building has been altered at many parts, but the facade, the most impressive part of the building is untouched.
This Old Town Hall dates back to 13th century. That crooked spire has a story attached to it.
The city caretakers had hired architect Antonin Pilgram for the construction of the Town Hall. He was promised huge amount of money for completing the facade and gate beautifully. Antonin Pilgram completed the Gothic portal beautifully, but the town councilors went back on their promise.
This angered him and in revenge he left the turret above the statue of righteousness crooked, to remind the councilors of their corruption.
The moral of the story is: Don’t mess with architects and constructors!
Story of Brno Wheel
A wheel displayed in the entrance arch of Old Town Hall has legend to it. Locals say the wheel was made by a wheel craftsman from Lednice city named Georg Birk. He made a bet with his friends for 14 Tolar (the silver coin mined in Kingdom of Bohemia in the 16th century) that he can chop down a tree, make a wheel from it and get it by rolling to Brno which was at a distance 45 km within 12 hours. He did what he bragged.
Tourists crowded around this place to have a good look at the wheel.
Legend of Brno Wheel
Legend of Brno Dragon
There is a crocodile suspended from the ceiling of the arch. It is referred to as Brno dragon in the legend around it.
Brno, a once prosperous market settlement, held a mystique that transcended its bustling streets. Legend has it that the city’s prosperity was abruptly halted when a Czech dragon took up residence by the river. In the wake of its presence, traders shied away, fearing ambushes along the exposed and vulnerable Cabbage Market. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the market, once teeming with commerce, dwindled to a handful of brave souls peddling goods sourced within the city walls. Customers, wary of the dragon’s gaze, darted in and out, quick to make purchases and even quicker to retreat to safety, never venturing alone.
Even if the courageous few braved the trip to the market, they found little to sate their appetites. The butchers’ stalls stood barren, bereft of meat, for the dragon had devoured the sheep and cows that once grazed nearby. The absence of fish was palpable, as none dared to risk venturing close to the dragon’s lair by the water’s edge. A pungent odor lingered; the scent of unsold produce left to wither under the unforgiving sun. The people, on edge and jittery, couldn’t shake the feeling that the fetid smell would inevitably attract the beast’s attention.
In a state of desperation and hunger, an offer emerged from the city: 100 gold coins to whoever could slay the menacing dragon. Among those who heard the call was a butcher from a distant town, perhaps driven by a blend of bravery, recklessness, and shrewd calculation. Recognizing the opportunity to profit handsomely from the sale of lamb in a city on the brink of starvation, he resolved to take up the perilous challenge.
The butcher cunningly filled an animal carcass with caustic lime. Deceived by what seemed like an easy meal, the dragon devoured the carcass whole, only to be consumed by insatiable thirst as the lime took effect. Racing back to the river, it drank voraciously until the lime expanded within its stomach, resulting in a fatal explosion. With the dragon vanquished, the butcher’s pockets grew heavy with gold, and Brno could finally thrive in undisturbed peace.
Brno Dragon
How to reach Brno Old Town Hall
Brno Old Town Hall is one of the must visit sites in Brno in the Czech Republic. Brno’s Old Town Hall is a significant landmark and is typically well-marked on maps and signs throughout the city. Here I have elaborated on how to reach the Old Town Hall (Stará radnice). You can follow these directions:
By Air: If you are arriving by air, the closest major airport to Brno is Brno-Turany Airport (BRQ). From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or public transportation to the city center.
By Train: Brno is well-connected by train from major cities in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. The main train station in Brno is Brno hlavní nádraží. From there, you can take a tram or bus to the Old Town Hall area.
By Bus: Brno is also accessible by bus, with several national and international bus lines serving the city. The main bus station is Zvonařka. Take public transportation from the bus station or walk to the Old Town Hall.
Public Transportation: Brno has an efficient public transportation system consisting of trams and buses. The closest tram stop to the Old Town Hall is called “Náměstí Svobody,” which is just a short walk away.
Walking: Once you are in the city center, particularly around Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), you can easily walk to the Old Town Hall. The address of the Brno Old Town Hall is Radnická 8, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czech Republic. You can use google maps to guide you to the exact location.
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Such an interesting structure and an equally interesting story behind it! Agree, shouldn’t mess with architects.
I love the story behind this! Good on him. Serves them right for going back on their word!
The hall is really beautiful with lovely story. Would love to visit someday. Interesting to know about that story of revenge to highlight the corruption!
The moral of this story is definitely not to mess with the artist! I can’t believe the town counselors went back on their promise to him. Talk about corruption! The building is forever a memory to stay honest.
Don’t mess with an architect! Too funny – thanks for sharing this quirky little travel & history fact. I hope to make it to the Czech Republic one day!
Crooked turret for crooked councillors
haha! Loved the story behind the pic! 🙂
What a fab story and the pictures are lovely. Indeed never mess with the architects 😉
It gets more twisted in the second pictures. Poor architects must be really pissed and angry! Love how you conveyed emotions in the shots.
wow! What an interesting story! Beautifully captured 🙂
Back then when I was newly married my husband was posted here….it reminded me of those days….beautiful place and capture.
Beautiful click, Indrani. And thanks for sharing the story of that crooked spire.
Amazing craftmanship
he left the turret above the statue of righteousness crooked, to remind the councilors of their corruption.Interesting story of revenge !! Beautiful shot Indrani ji
What an unusual fact! thanks for sharing
hehe Now that is a good story to remember. Very interesting.
Very interesting..!
Intresting story. We have many stories like this in India. One famous is of architect of Taj Mahal.
Hi Shrikant can you please share the story of Taj Mahal architect?
Interesting story 🙂
Intersting story! compliments to you for the observation and colating the details
Great picture and great story on it, like the one of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn.
oh! tnx for posting this Indrani. ^0^
you made me miss Czech, was there for a summer trip in '04, sadly, I don't have my dig.cam yet.
ooh, i would definitely re-browse my old fotos for this crooked turret, I don't remember it being crooked though, but then, I think I was so amazed by the surroundings that I wasn't paying any attention to the tour guide either. ^0^
ps: hoping you could post more on this side of town.
great pics too. ^-^
Interesting story – and even more interesting that in all these centuries it has never been altered!
i think this makes it more interesting. i like it crooked.
realy wonderful….. some people have great visions
That was one smart architect.. a crooked spire for the crooked councillors… enjoyed the story.
Great story. Maybe they were ok with it because it gave them a better view through the window.
Nasty of them. I can't blame him for making it crooked! Beautiful artisanry.
Interesting story and that turret is very pretty.
Nice building and the moral.
Interesting post with an interesting story of the spire. Thanks.
Interesting post, Indrani! This story about the the town council gives the building an extra dimension.
Thanks for the visit. Everybody seems to have read the story about Hans Brinkers, but the story is completely unknown in the Netherlands.
loved the story and the pic!
loved the story and the pic!
What an interesting story… reminds me of some similar ones from our temples….. sculptors and architects do leave some marks behind!
now thats a crooked story.. Nice
Pheno
Thanks for the interesting story. The town hall is beautiful, even with the crooked spire.
Interesting story. I had never seen a Lady Justice without a blindfold. It was only imposed on her about the 15th century.
Nice!
that is so interesting!
That is a very beautiful building. I really am taken by how the front appears as a 'relief.' And the story behind the crooked spire is so interesting. I really enjoyed this post!
Interesting story to explain a quirky feature…