F-717 Brno

The settlement of the site has been substantiated back to the Stone Age. A settlement, now known as Old Brno, was established at the ford across the Svratka River at the beginning of the 11th century. A castle was later erected on Špilberk and it served as the seat of the Moravian Margraves. The town was the centre of Moravian affairs from the 14th century. It remained unconquered throughout the 30 Years War, but it was still significantly damaged for all that. In the 18th century, Brno blossomed culturally and a number of factories were established. A bishopric was established there and the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul became a cathedral. The formerly highly industrial city is now a centre for trade fairs, exhibitions and significant monuments.