A cemetery might not seem like an obvious tourist attraction, but Brno is is no ordinary city. Brno’s Central Cemetery is the final resting of some of the most important individuals in the history of the region, buried beneath fascinating pieces of miniature architecture. These are a few to look out for.

Josef Dobrovsky

One of the most important individuals in the 19th century Czech National Revival, Josef Dobrovsky did more than most to establish the importance and credibility of the historical Czech language. Dobrovsky was the first to write the history of that language, and also worked tirelessly to create dictionaries that allowed classic literature to be translated. He is buried below an elegant stone period with a cast-iron sarcophagus. Group 70, grave 126-127

Johann Paulus Herring

One of the most imposing tombs at Brno Central Cemetery is that of local industrialist Johann Paulus Herring. A German native, Herring moved to Brno in 1780 and helped establish the Moravian textile industry. Group 22a, grave 1-10

Josef Hybeš

An extremely distinctive tomb stands above the remains of Czech politician Josef Hybeš. A portrait of Hybeš is surrounded by a workman’s family, an apt way to respect the memory of a man who was beloved by the workers of Moravia. Group 25e, grave 18

Karel Vanek

The first known Czech mayor of Brno, Karel Vanek took control of the city following the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918. His grave is a respectful one, a bus of the hirsute hero atop a marble plinth. Group 25e, grave 19