Brno: 3-Hour History & Legends Walking Tour

Moravian Square, dominated by the bronze equestrian statue of Jobst (Jošt) of Moravia—an eight-meter monument to the powerful medieval statesman (1351–1411), nephew of Roman Emperor Charles IV—opens our three-hour tour. We will reveal this statue to you from somewhat unusual angles, thanks to which it has become popular. We'll take a closer look at Marius Kotrba's sculpture 'Justice' and I'll tell you the cheeky nickname locals use for it We’ll cover where the name “Brno” comes from, how its medieval core developed, and its geographic position in the Czech Republic. From us you’ll learn who lived here, past and present, and hear about the Jewish and German communities and how 20th-century events reshaped the city. Finally, we will show you Brno as a modern and young city full of students and mention key industrial companies.

A moment ago, we passed the Scala cinema, one of the oldest cinemas in Brno, which has been operating since 1929. Today, it is run by Masaryk University and is particularly popular among students. It screens classic films, European productions, and themed retrospectives. And now we find ourselves in front of Výčep Na Stojáka, a pub whose name literally means “standing taproom”, where guests enjoy their beers at tall tables or right on their feet — just as the tradition of standing pubs goes back to the 1920s and 1930s. It serves a wide range of Czech craft beers, including its own legendary Stojácké Poupě, and is known for a lively atmosphere in the heart of Jakubské náměstí. There are no chairs inside, so people stand or spill out onto the square, blending beer, conversation, and people-watching. It’s a perfect example of the Czech beer culture that locals and students still love today.

We’ll step inside the Gothic Church of St. James to admire its tall nave, ribbed vaults, historic altars, Baroque details, and impressive organ. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Louis Raduit de Souches, the famous commander who led Brno’s successful defense in 1645 and was later buried here. Above the square, the church tower rises to about 92–94 metres. On the south side of the exterior, look out for the cheeky figure locals call Nehamba (Shameless) – a small man showing his backside to passersby. Beneath the church lies the Ossuary, the second-largest in Europe, containing the remains of many victims of epidemics and war. If you wish to visit the Ossuary or the church tower, you may do so independently, but separate tickets are required. Admission to the Ossuary and church tower is not included in the tour price.

The next stop is Hotel Avion, a key example of Brno’s interwar functionalist architecture. Hotel Avion was designed by Czech architect Bohuslav Fuchs and built on a very narrow plot in 1928. It is one of the narrowest hotels in Europe and a national cultural monument. Functionalism was a major force in Brno’s architecture in the 1920s and 1930s, and here we’ll introduce you to some of its key figures and significant buildings. Architects like Fuchs adapted modern design principles to local conditions, creating buildings that are both practical and elegant. The most famous example of refined functionalism is the Tugendhat Villa, now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is possible to book a guided tour of Hotel Avion; you can do so independently, but separate tickets must be purchased. Admission to the hotel is not included in today’s tour price.

This historic pub is a classic part of Brno’s food and beer culture. It has stood here since the late 19th century and became famous under host Jaroslav Stopka from 1910. Period ads even claimed you could get the best Pilsner Urquell beer on tap here. Stopkova serves traditional Czech cuisine and a range of beers, including Pilsner Urquell and other local brews, making it a good short stop to experience Czech gastronomic traditions. This is a brief stop to enjoy atmosphere, food, and beer. If you want, we can stop here after our tour ends.

Our next stop is Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), the main square of Brno. It brings together many layers of the city’s history and architecture. Here you will see the building of Komerční banka with its striking functionalist façade, designed by Bohuslav Fuchs together with Ernst Wiesner in 1928–1930. This façade caused quite a stir when it appeared among older historic buildings due to its modern look and glass elements, showing how functionalism continued to shape Brno after Hotel Avion. In the centre of the square stands the Baroque Plague Column (Morový sloup) from 1679–1683, erected after a deadly epidemic as a sign of gratitude and remembrance. This monument connects us back to the theme of medieval challenges and resilience, similar to what we discussed at the ossuary by St. James’ Church. Freedom Square also features a mix of historic palaces and modern installations, and it remains a vibrant public space in the heart of Brno.

Our next stop is the Brno Astronomical Clock on Freedom Square. This imposing black granite monument was unveiled on September 18, 2010, on the anniversary of Brno's historic resistance against a siege. It is almost six meters high, and every day at 11:00 a.m. it releases a glass ball that visitors can take as a souvenir. The bold, polished shape of the astronomical clock was intended to evoke a projectile and commemorate Brno's past, but the final, somewhat controversial result sparked passionate reactions and heated debate after its installation. As is customary in Brno, people gave it a number of derogatory nicknames before it became a widely recognized part of the city's identity. Here you can also listen to an audio recording of the legend of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral (Petrov), which rings at 11 a.m. to mark noon, a local custom linked to historical memory.

Our next stop is the House of the Four Giants, a striking early 20th‑century building on Freedom Square. It was built in 1901–1902 in a Neo‑Renaissance style and named for the four large Atlas figures on its façade.

We are standing in front of the House of the Lords of Lipá. The original building was constructed between 1243 and 1260. Archaeological evidence confirms its early-medieval foundations. It is one of the oldest and most significant preserved houses in the historic center of Brno. Its current name refers to Čeněk of Lipá, who purchased the house in 1564 and owned it until the end of the 16th century. In 1587 the house was exchanged for Kryštof Schwanz of Retz, and it is therefore sometimes called Schwanz's Palace. A subsequent extensive reconstruction at the turn of the 1580s and 1590s, led by the Italian builder Antonio Gabri, gave the building its Renaissance appearance. Its current look is the result of a major reconstruction completed in 2001. Today the building houses the offices of Regiojet, shops, a café, and an accessible viewing terrace.

We have arrived at the Old Town Hall, the oldest non-religious building in the city, with its core dating back to the 13th century. It served as the town hall until 1935, when the city administration moved to the New Town Hall on Dominikánské náměstí. Due to numerous structural modifications, the building reflects architectural development from early Gothic through Renaissance to Baroque. Its most striking feature is the Gothic stone portal from 1510–1511 by Anton Pilgram, whom we mentioned earlier in connection with St. James’s Church. An exhibition dedicated to his life is located in the town hall tower, where tickets can be purchased. The tower is 63 meters high and has 173 steps, offering a panoramic view of Brno’s city center. In the passageway, you will see two traditional symbols of Brno – the dragon and the spoked wheel – both linked to local legends. Today, it houses a tourist information center, exhibitions, and cultural programs, with summer events held in its courtyard.

Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) is one of the oldest public spaces in Brno. A market has operated here continuously since the Middle Ages, at least since the 13th century. Historically, the square was a center of trade in vegetables, fruit, flowers, and other agricultural products. Beneath the square lie extensive medieval cellars, which are now open to the public. As your guide, I can show you where the entrance is and where tickets can be purchased, although these tickets are not included in the price of this tour. Zelný trh remains a lively place with a daily market, and traditional Christmas markets as well as other seasonal events are held here regularly.

The Parnas Fountain is a prominent Baroque monument located at Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) in Brno. It was built in the late 17th century and is named after Mount Parnassus from Greek mythology. The fountain features elaborate sculptures of mythological figures, including nymphs, tritons, and Neptune, symbolizing the connection between water and life. Originally, the fountain served both decorative and practical purposes, providing drinking water to the local community. Today, it stands as an important historical and artistic landmark, attracting visitors with its rich details and elegant Baroque style. The fountain is especially popular during seasonal events at the market, offering a picturesque backdrop for photographs.

The Reduta Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Brno, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. It has served as a venue for music, drama, and cultural events for centuries and played an important role in the city’s artistic life. The building combines historical architecture with modern cultural functions, hosting concerts, performances, and special events throughout the year. In front of the theatre stands a modern sculpture of the young Mozart, commemorating his performance in Brno in 1767 as a child. The playful figure adds a contemporary touch to the historic square and is a popular spot for photographs.

Kapucínské náměstí (Capuchin Square) is located in the center of Brno and is best known for the Holy Cross Church, dedicated to the Holy Cross. The church was founded in the 1650s and belongs to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. It is an important example of Baroque sacred architecture in Brno and is part of the Diocese of Brno. The church is included in a cultural monument and lies at an altitude of 218 m. Beneath the church lies the famous Capuchin Crypt, which served as a burial place for members of the order and local nobility. It houses unique historical tombstones and mummies, which attract visitors’ interest. If you are interested, I can show you the entrance to the crypt and advise you where to buy tickets. Tickets are not included in the price of this tour.

The Bishop's Court is located in the historic center of Brno, near Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). The area has been urbanized since the Middle Ages, and it has served as the seat of the Bishop of Brno since the 17th century. The square and adjacent areas are among the city's important historical monuments. The courtyard features a sculpture from the Mercury Fountain, originally dating from 1699. The fountain originally stood on Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), but it fell into disrepair and was not restored. In 1867, the fountain was removed, and the sculpture was donated to the Moravian Provincial Museum, which placed it in its current location. The sculpture is an important example of Baroque art and continues to attract visitors with its artistic and historical significance.

Denisovy sady (Denis Gardens) are located on the southeastern slope of Petrov Hill in Brno . It is the first public park in the Czech Crown Lands created by the public authorities. The work on the park began after 1805 at the initiative of the Moravian governor Count Prokop Lažanský, with the involvement of Scottish architect Lord James Ogilvy Findlater. In 1818 an obelisk was unveiled to commemorate the Austrian Empire's victory over Napoleon. The park was officially founded and named Františkův. A late Classicist colonnade with a fountain from the mid-19th century stands nearby. The park also includes a Neo-Romanesque water tower built in 1818, which supplied drinking water until 1873 and was reconstructed in 2005. In 1919, the park was renamed Denis Gardens in honor of French historian Ernest Denis. Denis Gardens now offers panoramic views of the southern and southwestern parts of Brno including the tallest building in the Czech Republic, AZ Tower

We are approaching Dohoda Beer House, a pub offering craft beer. The establishment is known for its selection of beers from smaller Czech breweries, especially KOS Brewery, and features a pleasant interior and a summer garden. It is a quiet place popular with locals.

Our last stop is St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul, a prominent symbol of Brno on Petrov Hill. The original Romanesque church, built in the late 12th century, was rebuilt as a basilica in the 13th century. The cathedral’s artistic high point came with Baroque modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its present appearance reflects a long development, combining a Gothic core with Baroque interior alterations. A characteristic feature is the pair of slender towers, approximately 84 metres high, whose current form dates to the early 20th century and is visible across much of the city. The cathedral is closely linked to the history of Brno and Moravia; its silhouette appears on the Czech ten-koruna coin. Another notable tradition is the ringing of the bells at 11 a.m. instead of noon. Separate tickets are available for the towers with city views and for the treasury. We conclude here and thank you very much for joining our tour of Brno.