📖 About Brno

Brno is the Czech Republic's second-largest city and its innovation hub, with R&D investment reaching nearly CZK 23.7 billion according to innovation agency JIC. In 2025, a new chapter in European semiconductor independence began with the launch of the Czech Semiconductor Centre (CSC) in Brno—the national competence centre under the European Chips Act, focusing on innovation, prototyping, and growth of European fabless companies.

The city powers global gaming hits—Mafia: The Old Country, developed by Hangar 13 based in Brno, sold an estimated 800,000 copies in just four days after release. In July 2025, Warhorse Studios opened a new Brno office to strengthen development and future DLC production. The EU's DNS4EU public resolver service, led by Brno-born cybersecurity company Whalebone, launched fully in 2025.

The new Information Centre for Development Projects opened at Panenska 1, presenting the city's future through 3D models and visualizations. Transport Minister Martin Kupka declared "Brno is becoming a key transport hub of the republic," with the new main station and railway modernization bringing high-speed international connections. The IDET 2025 defense fair confirmed Brno's role in Central European security technology.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Brno's economy thrives on technology, gaming, and research. The Czech Semiconductor Centre positions the city in Europe's chip independence strategy. Gaming studios like Hangar 13 and Warhorse employ hundreds in game development. Universities including Masaryk and Brno University of Technology fuel the innovation ecosystem. The CZK 23.7B R&D investment reflects the region's tech focus.

Moravian culture distinguishes Brno from Prague, with wine traditions, dialect, and distinct identity. The city hosts major events from MotoGP at Masaryk Circuit to festivals in the old town. Student population brings vibrancy—over 70,000 attend universities here. Coffee culture, craft beer, and accessible pricing attract visitors seeking authentic Czech experience beyond the capital's tourist crowds.

📜 History

Brno originated as a fortified settlement in the 11th century, developing into the historic capital of Moravia. Špilberk Castle became a notorious Habsburg prison in the 18th-19th centuries. The 1645 Swedish siege created the tradition of noon bells ringing at 11 AM. The city industrialized in the 19th century as "the Manchester of Moravia" with textile and machinery production.

The 1930 Villa Tugendhat represented modernist architecture's peak before WWII. Communist-era industrialization continued manufacturing traditions. After 1989, Brno transformed into a technology and university center. Today's trajectory—from semiconductor development to gaming industry dominance—builds on this industrial and intellectual heritage while positioning the city as Central Europe's innovation leader.