Explore Brno’s history and legends on a unique walking tour. Discover hidden stories, local statues, and insider tips in a small group setting.
Explore Brno’s history and legends on a unique walking tour. Discover hidden stories, local statues, and insider tips in a small group setting.
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Socha Odvaha - Our three-hour tour begins at Moravian Square, where the impressive bronze equestrian statue of Jobst (Jošt) of Moravia stands. This eight-meter monument honors the influential medieval statesman (1351–1411), a nephew of Roman Emperor Charles IV. The statue is admired from unique perspectives, contributing to its popularity.
We’ll…
- Socha Odvaha - Our three-hour tour begins at Moravian Square, where the impressive bronze equestrian statue of Jobst (Jošt) of Moravia stands. This eight-meter monument honors the influential medieval statesman (1351–1411), a nephew of Roman Emperor Charles IV. The statue is admired from unique perspectives, contributing to its popularity.
We’ll explore Marius Kotrba’s sculpture ‘Justice’ and share the playful nickname locals have given it.
The tour will delve into the origins of the name “Brno,” the development of its medieval core, and its geographical location in the Czech Republic. Discover the city’s past and present inhabitants, including the Jewish and German communities, and learn how 20th-century events transformed Brno.
Finally, experience Brno as a vibrant, youthful city teeming with students, and learn about its key industrial enterprises.
- Výčep Na Stojáka - Just moments ago, we passed the Scala cinema, one of Brno’s oldest, operating since 1929. Now managed by Masaryk University, it is a favorite among students, showcasing classic films, European productions, and themed retrospectives.
We now stand before Výčep Na Stojáka, a pub whose name translates to “standing taproom,” where patrons enjoy their beers at tall tables or while standing, a tradition dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. It offers a variety of Czech craft beers, including the renowned Stojácké Poupě, and is celebrated for its lively atmosphere in the heart of Jakubské náměstí. With no chairs inside, guests mingle in the square, enjoying beer, conversation, and people-watching, embodying the Czech beer culture cherished by locals and students alike.
- St. Jacob’s Church - We will enter the Gothic Church of St. James to admire its soaring nave, ribbed vaults, historic altars, Baroque details, and magnificent organ. Inside lies the tomb of Louis Raduit de Souches, the famed commander who successfully defended Brno in 1645 and was later interred here.
The church tower rises approximately 92–94 meters above the square. On the south side, notice the cheeky figure known locally as Nehamba (Shameless) – a small man humorously displaying his backside to onlookers.
Beneath the church is the Ossuary, the second-largest in Europe, containing the remains of many who perished in epidemics and wars. Visitors can explore the Ossuary or the church tower independently, but separate tickets are required. Admission to these sites is not included in the tour price.
- Hotel Avion Brno - Our next destination is Hotel Avion, a prime example of Brno’s interwar functionalist architecture. Designed by Czech architect Bohuslav Fuchs and constructed on a narrow plot in 1928, it is one of Europe’s narrowest hotels and a national cultural monument.
Functionalism was a significant influence on Brno’s architecture in the 1920s and 1930s. Here, we will introduce key figures and notable buildings, highlighting how architects like Fuchs adapted modern design principles to local conditions, creating structures that are both practical and elegant.
The Tugendhat Villa, a refined example of functionalism, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guided tours of Hotel Avion are available independently, but separate tickets must be purchased. Admission to the hotel is not included in today’s tour price.
- Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice - This historic pub is a staple of Brno’s culinary and beer culture. Established in the late 19th century, it gained fame under host Jaroslav Stopka from 1910. Period advertisements even claimed it served the best Pilsner Urquell beer on tap.
Stopkova offers traditional Czech cuisine and a variety of beers, including Pilsner Urquell and other local brews, making it an ideal stop to experience Czech gastronomic traditions.
This is a brief stop to savor the atmosphere, food, and beer. If desired, we can visit here after our tour concludes.
- Namesti Svobody - Our next stop is Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody), Brno’s main square, which encapsulates the city’s rich history and architecture.
Here, you will see the Komerční banka building with its striking functionalist façade, designed by Bohuslav Fuchs and Ernst Wiesner between 1928 and 1930. This façade caused a stir when it appeared among older historic buildings due to its modern look and glass elements, illustrating how functionalism continued to shape Brno after Hotel Avion.
In the center 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, remaining a vibrant public space in the heart of Brno.
- Brno astronomical clock - Our next stop is the Brno Astronomical Clock on Freedom Square. This impressive black granite monument was unveiled on September 18, 2010, marking the anniversary of Brno’s historic resistance against a siege. Standing nearly six meters tall, it releases a glass ball daily at 11:00 a.m. for visitors to take as a souvenir.
The bold, polished design of the astronomical clock was intended to evoke a projectile and commemorate Brno’s past, but its somewhat controversial appearance sparked passionate reactions and debate after its installation. As is customary in Brno, it received several humorous nicknames before becoming a 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.
- Dum U Ctyr mamlasu - Our next stop is the House of the Four Giants, a striking early 20th-century building on Freedom Square. Constructed in 1901–1902 in a Neo-Renaissance style, it is named for the four large Atlas figures on its façade.
- Dum Panu z Lipe - We are standing in front of the House of the Lords of Lipá. The original building was constructed between 1243 and 1260, with archaeological evidence confirming its early-medieval foundations. It is one of the oldest and most significant preserved houses in Brno’s historic center. 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 sometimes called Schwanz’s Palace. A major reconstruction at the turn of the 1580s and 1590s, led by Italian builder Antonio Gabri, gave the building its Renaissance appearance. Its current look is the result of a significant reconstruction completed in 2001. Today, the building houses the offices of Regiojet, shops, a café, and an accessible viewing terrace.
- Old Town Hall - 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.
- Zelny trh - 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, 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.
- Kasna Parnas - The Parnas Fountain is a prominent Baroque monument located at Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) in Brno. Built in the late 17th century, it 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.
- Divadlo Reduta - 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.
- Capuchin Monastery and Vault - 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.
- Moravian Museum - Bishop’s Courtyard - 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.
- Denis Gardens - 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.
- Dohoda Beer House - 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.
- Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul - 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 meters 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.

- Friendly, knowledgeable local guide.
- Audio guide available at selected stops.
- Individual approach and small-group attention. Guide can offer practical tips on other sights.
- Friendly, knowledgeable local guide.
- Audio guide available at selected stops.
- Individual approach and small-group attention. Guide can offer practical tips on other sights.
- Tea and coffee
- Admission fees
- Tea and coffee
- Admission fees
Embark on a three-hour journey through Brno’s historic center, blending casual commentary with captivating audio tales. Participants will discover local statues from unique perspectives and learn the nicknames bestowed upon them by Brno’s residents. In a welcoming and laid-back environment, suitable for all ages, the tour explores significant historical…
Embark on a three-hour journey through Brno’s historic center, blending casual commentary with captivating audio tales. Participants will discover local statues from unique perspectives and learn the nicknames bestowed upon them by Brno’s residents. In a welcoming and laid-back environment, suitable for all ages, the tour explores significant historical sites. At the conclusion, practical advice is offered on further attractions or where to enjoy a refreshing beer. With small groups of up to seven, personalized attention is ensured for each guest.
Anticipating your visit with enthusiasm.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.