Encounter Napoleon in Brno!
Join us for an event that recreates the moment when Emperor Napoleon visited the Moravian capital. On the evening of Saturday 22 November, the city of Brno will come alive with the sounds of horses’ hooves and carriage wheels rolling down the streets. You might even see the cheerful imperial guard and, if you’re fortunate, catch a glimpse of the Emperor Napoleon.
This year’s festivities will kick off at Moravian Square, where a parade of soldiers, led by Napoleon both on horseback and on foot, will march through the heart of Brno. They will begin at Liberty Square and then make their way to the Town Hall, where the Emperor will receive a symbolic key to the city. At 19:00, the parade will continue to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, where at 19:30, attendees will enjoy a special concert project called In Nomine. The concert will offer a remarkable musical experience performed by a 50-member symphony orchestra known as Czech Virtuosi , conducted by Jakub Klecker.
Evening with the annual symphony in the cathedral
The highlight of the evening will be the premiere of Symphony Austerlitz 1805, an original piece by composer Zdeněk Kluka. Kluka, a talented musician and composer, is well-known as the drummer for the famous Brno band Progres 2. His symphony is a unique musical creation that combines rich emotional elements with the historical significance of the Battle of Austerlitz, one of Europe’s key historical events. The theme and libretto are crafted by Ivan Vystrčil, who is also the writer, producer, and director for the entire evening. Kluka and Vystrčil have been collaborating on this project for over three years. They are dedicating it to mark the 220th anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz (1805-2025).
How it was in 1805
The first news that French troops had crossed into Moravian territory at Znojmo reached Brno on 17 November 1805. A wave of panic engulfed the city – everyone who could fled. To the utter terror of the Brno citizens, the soldiers from the Spilberk garrison departed on Monday, November 18th. Fear, anxiety, and despair filled the streets. Those who remained were left to face the foreign army. The first French soldiers arrived in the city on Tuesday, November 19., led by mounted hunters under Marshal Murat, along with other cavalry units. They swiftly entered through the Brno Gate near what is now Pekařská Street, taking over the inner city in mere minutes. The usual rhythm of life in the Moravian capital was abruptly interrupted. The following day, the French announced a grand arrival of Napoleon. Dressed in a grey cloak and a simple two-cornered hat, the French emperor arrived, escorted by his guards at around 1 p.m..
Napoleon’s arrival inconvenienced many locals and instilled fear among them, as they worried about how close they might be to the impending war. As the French began constructing fortifications around the Jewish Gate—now the site of today’s main railway station—rumors spread among Brno’s population that the city would become the last bastion of the French army. However, Napoleon had different strategies in mind for the battlefield. He aimed to draw the enemy allies to the slightly rolling landscape between Brno and Slavkov. From November 21., he and his advisors ventured out of town daily to scout the area, reminding his generals, “Pay close attention to this ground. It will be a battlefield. Your performance here is crucial.” Each time he returned to Brno, he was welcomed by the sight of two lit candles in every window—what could it mean? Discover for yourself!
