Brno

Brno lies in the central part of Europe, in the Czech Republic of which it is the second largest city. At the same time, it represents the centre of the province of Moravia, one of the historic lands of the Czech Crown. It is situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes which have joined the North and South European civilizations for centuries. Brno is situated in a picturesque countryside, surrounded on three sides by wooded hills and opening to the Southern Moravian lowlands to the south of the city. In the north, the city is guarded by the foothils of the Drahany and Bohemian-Moravian ranges. The city itself lies in the basin of the Svratka and Svitava rivers, somewhat to the north of their conflux at elevations ranging from 190 to 425 meters (620 to 1395 ft) above sea level and, covers an area of 230 km2 (143 sq.miles). From east to west it spans about 22 km (13 miles). The river Svratka cuts a 29 km (17 mile) path throught the city and is the main supply for the Kninicky Dam Lake, a popular recreation area in the city's northwest corner. The Svitava River flows through the city for about 13 km (8 miles).