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Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market

Exploring Brno's Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market

During my visit to Brno, Czechia, I had not planned on visiting the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market. I took a day trip from Bratislava to Brno, with high hopes of visiting the Brno Ossuary, located partially under the Church of St. James. Unfortunately, when I arrived, I discovered that the Ossuary was fully booked for the day—lesson learned: always book tickets in advance!

Not wanting to let this spoil my day, I sought out another intriguing underground experience: the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market.

The Brno Ossuary's Sold Out Sign
The Brno Ossuary's Sold Out Sign
The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market - Brno, Czechia
The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market

Descending into Brno’s Underground: The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market - Table of Contents

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A Journey Beneath the Surface of Brno

Located 212 steps below the bustling Brno Vegetable Market, this labyrinth dates back to the 13th century. Stretching over 1,000 meters of passageways, rooms, and tunnels, it was originally used to store food and beverages, and served as a wartime shelter.

The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market is 212 Steps Underground
The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market is 212 Steps Underground

Visiting the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market: What You Need to Know

Access to the Labyrinth is only possible via guided tours. Tours depart every 60 minutes, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, six days a week (closed on Mondays). Tickets cost 180 CZK (around $8) for adults, with discounts available for children and BrnoPas holders. Family passes are also offered.

Náměstí Svobody - The Location of the Brno Vegetable Market
Náměstí Svobody - The Location of the Brno Vegetable Market

Language Barriers and the Audio Guide

Unfortunately, the tours are conducted exclusively in Czech. However, non-Czech speakers can download an audio guide in various languages. While helpful, I found the audio guide lacking in detail. Each room we visited had a corresponding number for the audio guide, which provided brief, 3-minute explanations. Meanwhile, the tour guide gave much longer descriptions in Czech, lasting 5–10 minutes per room. I couldn’t understand the guide, but I could tell the other Czech-speaking participants were getting a richer experience.

One tip: if you don’t speak Czech, bring your own headphones for the audio guide!

The Labyrinth Experience: History Comes to Life

Despite the language challenges, the Labyrinth tour was fascinating. The underground chambers, once used for storage, have been transformed into small museum-like exhibits. Each room tells a different story about life in medieval Brno.

The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market - Brno, Czechia
The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market

Alchemy and Science

One of my favorite exhibits was the alchemy lab, showcasing how early scientists attempted to turn metals into gold and discover the secret to immortality. It gave a glimpse into the strange and ambitious experiments of the time.

Alchemy Equipment - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
Alchemy Equipment
The Alchemy and Science Room - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
The Alchemy and Science Room

Wine and Food Storage

Another interesting exhibit focused on the production and storage of wine. During medieval times, wine was made in Brno and stored in these very underground chambers.

Winery Exhibit - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
Winery Exhibit

Lighting the Tunnels

One room was dedicated to the various methods the people of Brno used to light the tunnels. Creepy masks, worn by workers, featured prominently in this exhibit. The masks were designed to protect their faces as they held candles in their mouths to navigate the dark passages.

The Tunnel Lighting Exhibit - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
The Tunnel Lighting Exhibit
Creepy Mask - Lighting Exhibit - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
Creepy Mask - Lighting Exhibit

Medieval Torture

Perhaps the creepiest room in the Labyrinth was the one displaying medieval torture devices. These artifacts served as a chilling reminder of the harsh punishments and barbaric practices used on prisoners and criminals in Brno’s early days.

The Entrance to the Medieval Torture Exhibit - Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
The Entrance to the Medieval Torture Exhibit
Iron Masks - Torture Exhibit - Brno, Czechia
Iron Masks
A Medieval Torture Stool
A Medieval Torture Stool

The Tavern: A Glimpse of Brno's Social Life

The final room on the tour was a reconstructed medieval tavern, complete with a kitchen. This exhibit highlighted the social side of life in Brno, where people gathered after a long day’s work to relax and unwind.

The Tavern Exhibit - The Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market
The Tavern Exhibit

Final Thoughts: My Thoughts on Visiting the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market

While the tour may have its limitations for non-Czech speakers, the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market is still a fascinating glimpse into Brno’s past. The underground world offers a unique way to experience the history of the city, and I recommend a visit if you find yourself in Brno—just don’t forget to bring your headphones

Tours of Brno

A tour of Brno is a great way to enhance your visit to the city. After exploring the Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market, consider taking a tour of historical Brno, Czechia. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour or package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Brno Historical Tour
Brno Historical Walking Tour - $33.22

Take short informal walking tour of the historical centre of Brno. On this 2-hour guided tour you will visit Brno's most interesting sights and their history.

Monastery of Capuchin Monks, Vegetable Market, Parnassus Fontain, The Reduta Theater, Old Town Hall (legends – the dragon and the wheel), St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, New Town Hall, Freedom Square, House of Noblemen of Leipa, St. James Curch and back through Joseph Street.No transport back to your hotel.

During the Christmas holidays in December and Easter holidays in April you will visit traditional markets and get to know get to know the Czech traditions and customs.

Brno Daily Tours
Brno Daily Tours - $70.08

Deep local knowledge and expertise in their fields of guiding from local culture, history and architecture. Since 1993 we have designed and operates many special interest tours in the many cities and towns of the Czech Republic

Brno Private Walking Tour
Brno Private Walking Tour - $222.38

Welcome to Brno, a Czech city known for its architectural heritage. It is one of the most interesting cities in the country, with its stunning architecture, long history, and many green recreational areas. Follow us to discover the old town, make a wish at Parnas Fountain, the baroque architectural monument of the city and admire the 12th-century St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Taking a stroll through Brno’s fabulous parks and surrounding nature, you will get a chance to explore the city's most significant architectural and historic landmarks.

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