Pekařská Street
Pekařská served as the historical link between Staré Brno and Brno itself, so it holds significant importance. But before we start, let me point out a couple of additional details.
A remnant wall surrounding the monastery, behind which lies a large wine cellar, historically used by the monastery. Today, this space has been converted into a restaurant.
In the Middle Ages, many religious institutions were established along this stretch:
- The Order of St. John, the Knights Hospitallers, had their monastery here, with a church on the opposite side of the street.
- A Dominican nunnery, originally part of the royal gardens, likely gifted by Eliška Rejčka.
- A unique chapel from the 18th century, accessible only via an underground tunnel, with no doors and only high windows.
- A church and graveyard on the hilltop.
As we continue along the street, there's an unusual open space near the bottom. This gap marks the starting point of an abandoned tram tunnel project from the 1970s. The city planned to construct a 650-meter underground tram line running from the Red Church, looping under Špilberk Hill, and emerging at this spot. While 500 meters of the tunnel were excavated, the project was abandoned and remains unused.
Another notable site here is the former entrance to the monastery, located roughly where the front of the tram stop is now. This building once had a prominent gate, but it was demolished long ago.
Continuing up, we reach the St. Anne's Hospital, built in the 1860s. Like many key buildings in Brno, it was designed by prominent architects from Vienna, including Theophil Hansen, who also contributed to the design of the Klein Palace on Náměstí Svobody. The hospital originally had a slightly different appearance, as later additions altered its design. Behind the main structure, there is a stunning chapel also designed by Hansen, which is well worth a visit.