The construction of the cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption began in Old Brno in 1323 at the instigation of Queen Eliška Rejčka, widow of the Czech King Wenceslas II. At the same time, she also founded the Cistercian monastery next to it called Aula Sanctae Mariae. After her death in 1335, Eliška Rejčka was buried in the basilica and her final resting place is marked in the pavement with the letter E with the royal crown.
The interior of the church underwent Baroque modifications in the 18th century and other buildings were added to the monastery at the same time. By order of Joseph II, in 1783 the Augustinians moved to Mendel Square from their original monastery of St. Thomas and took with them the famous silver altar, dominated by the unique image of the Black Madonna, which was given to the church of St. Thomas by Emperor Charles IV in 1356. Every year in mid-August, a pilgrimage to the Protector of the City of Brno and the Pearl of Moravia, as the Black Madonna is called, is held in the basilica.
Thanks to the Augustinians’ work in the field of education, the monastery in Old Brno was the centre of the spiritual, scientific and cultural life of the town. Leoš Janáček was the choir director here. Other personalities who worked here include the discoverer of the principles of heredity, Gregor Johann Mendel.
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Transport
Address: Mendlovo náměstí 157/1, Brno, 603 00
Public transport
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is located in the Old Brno district of Brno, easily accessible by public transport. A basic ticket costs CZK 20 for a 15-minute ride and can be bought at yellow vending machines at bus stops, via text message or by placing a payment card to a terminal directly in public transport vehicles.
Stops:
- Mendlovo náměstí (2 min. walk), trams 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, bus 67
Parking
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is located in the city parking zone B, which means that on weekends parking is FREE and on weekdays parking fee is 30 CZK / 60 min with the possibility of pre-payment. FREE parking is only available once per calendar day and you must register in the zone (except on weekends and public holidays). You can use a mobile app to pay. Find more information on parking in Brno and the app to download here. St. Anne Parking is also available within walking distance.
Information for the disabled
Wheelchair access
The basilica is wheelchair accessible. There is reserved parking at the building for the disabled.
Venue programme
