District guide: Lesná

Lesná on a 1970s postcard by Josef Sekal and Severografia Červený Kostelec

A garden city consisting of blocks of flats? Well, socialist urban-planning had some bright moments and quarter Lesná (district Brno-sever) is a good proof.

The most important part of Lesná was built in the 1960s on the northern corner of Brno. Its name means “forestal”, because the whole quarter is a huge park with tall trees between buildings.

There are about 12 huge blocks of flats, 20+ smaller buildings and many family houses at Lesná. Unique urban plan causes that there is little noise from motor traffic – which is watched over by several non-profits that even want to protect Lesná by law as a landmark.

Most buildings have recently been repaired.

Pros

• Quiet, safe neighborhood.
• Many leisure time facilities, including swimming pool.
• Affordable rents and prices of flats.

Cons

• Flats in the original buildings are rather old-fashioned and small.
• Lesná is relatively far from town’s centre, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the main station by tram. However, you can use a train line that reduces the commuting time under 10 minutes.
• Parking issues.

Modern buildings at the northern corner of Lesná.

Interesting places

There are two shanty towns built in the 1930s close to Lesná. “Divišova kolonie” (map) is the largest neighborhood of its kind in Brno. “Písečník” (map) is a real slum, however its atmosphere is destroyed by several new, huge, modern houses.

Best restaurants

I fell in love with a small pub “Dýmkařský klub” (“Pipe-smokers’ club”, map) at Studená st. They have several beers from small breweries on tap and the place has a family-like atmosphere. My former collegue recommends restaurant Na vyhlídce (map) – but I have not tried it yet.

There are many playgrounds at Lesná.

Map

Larger map

Tagged as: Brno-sever, Lesná