Брно, Чешка
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, the South Moravian region. It is located around the rivers Svitava and Svratka, at the place of their confluence. The population is about 370,000 inhabitants.
The town dates back to the 11th century, when a castle was built on this site. The Spielberg fortress was used as a prison until 1858 by the Austro-Hungarian authorities. In the 19th century, Brno developed rapidly, and in 1899 the first Technological University was opened.
Important sights in the city are the Gothic cathedral "St. Peter and St. Pavel", whose construction began in the 13th century, the medieval churches "St. Jakub", "St. John" and "St. Tomas" and the Renaissance Baroque buildings in the central part of the city. The Moravian Art Gallery, the Opera, the University and the International Industrial Fair also deserve attention.
