The city officially dates back to 1243, but this region was inhabited as far back as the 5th Century. A fort until the mid-1800s, it eventually transformed into a lush metropolis with ornate buildings influenced by architectural and cultural traditions of the Austrian Empire. To this day, it rivals all the great European cities in terms of its architecture. An interesting fact is that Brno Castle was among the most infamous prisons of the Austrian Empire at that time in history.

The name of the city can be traced back to a Celtic local dialect which had spread through this region before the invasion of Germanic tribes. The name roughly corresponds to the word 'hill'.

The convergence of the Svratka and Svitava rivers lies at the roots of this city, which has not changed its location since prehistoric times. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by magnificent mountain ridges, the city is a meeting point of trade routes and its strategic location has always proven a benefit to its residents. It has always been an industrial center and wine production region, still boasting the best wines in this area of the Czech Republic to this day.

In January of 1243, Wenceslas I officially received a city permit, and nobles relinquished their stronghold over Brno. The form of government changed, and authority was delegated to a mayor and city council. These privileges play a major part in the history of the country, affecting the drafts of city rights in all Czech territories. They also influenced city life here a great deal.