In Brno, underground renovations will begin, making it accessible to tourists

Brno - The first part of the underground of Brno is set to open to tourists next season. This follows from a contract for construction modifications and securing the halls and corridors, which the city hall has concluded with the construction company. The modifications were ordered by the city hall in the mint master's cellar under the New City Hall and in the spaces under the Vegetable Market, said Deputy Mayor Ladislav Macek (ČSSD) to journalists today.
The mint master's cellar is expected to open next year, followed by the underground under the Vegetable Market after the summer holidays. In both areas, builders will be adding safety features, such as lighting, railings, and anti-slip modifications for stairs and floors. They will also address humidity issues. Additionally, under the Vegetable Market, a part of the tour route needs to be completed - there, for example, the infill in about a five-meter section of the original corridors will need to be removed. In past construction works, this section was filled in.
According to Macek, after the construction interventions, equipping the tour routes will follow. The future operator of the underground - Brno Cultural Center - will have to arrange for them to be more attractive for tourists. For instance, it is considered that tourists will see a pillory during the tour under the Vegetable Market, which once stood in the square.
The restoration and accessibility will also concern several cellars under the Reduta Theater at the Vegetable Market. According to Macek, it is being considered that Moravian wine would be tasted and sold there. Moravian Wine Bank could have a business there.
The historical underground of Brno, which is largely closed to the public today, is set to become one of the main tourist attractions of the city. With European funds, the city hall plans to gradually open five cellar complexes. In addition to the spaces under the Vegetable Market and the mint master's cellar, there will also be areas under the Běhoun Gate, the spaces under Běhounská Street, and the ossuary at the Church of St. James. The total restoration costs will amount to 81 million crowns.