Under a quiet grassy park on a hill near Brno’s city centre lies a world most people walk over without noticing: three huge vaulted halls that once stored the city’s drinking water. Today, they are open to visitors, and many call them one of the most impressive places in Brno.
What Is Hiding Under Žlutý kopec?
The Water Tanks (Vodojemy) are three underground reservoirs built in 1874, 1894 and 1917.
Two are made of brick and one of concrete. Brno’s tourist information centre describes them as underground cathedrals, and when you step inside, you see why.
The tanks supplied the city with water until 1997, when they were disconnected from
the network. They were left to decay and came close to being lost, but they were later protected as
a cultural monument, restored, and opened to the public in March 2024.
Why Did Brno Build Them?
As Brno grew in the 19th century, it needed a safe place to store drinking water. A hill is a practical location for this, because gravity helps send water to the streets and homes below.
The builders had no modern waterproofing, so they sealed the tanks with a half-metre layer of white clay. The second tank, finished in 1894, was at the time the largest underground structure in Brno.
What Is It Like Inside?
Rows of brick arches, columns, soft lighting and long echoes make the halls feel like
a film set, and visitors often compare them to fantasy movies. Music by Brno composer Miloš Štědroň plays during the visit, and the tour includes a short acoustic test.
The third, concrete tank is reached by a separate staircase hidden in the park.
You can visit in two ways:
- Self-guided with an audio guide, with no reservation needed.
- Guided tour (60 minutes), included in the ticket price. Reservation is required, so check the available languages when booking.
The tanks also host cultural events, so it is worth checking the programme.
Visit the Water Tanks
- Address: Tvrdého 15, Brno
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00). Closed on Mondays. Hours can change on special days.
- Tickets: CZK 350 for adults. CZK 250 discounted (students up to 26, seniors 65+, disabled persons, children up to 15). Family 2+2 CZK 800. Children under 6 are free. You get a 10% discount at the box office with a prepaid or one-day IDS JMK ticket.
- Where to buy: online, at the venue, or at the TIC BRNO information centres on Radnická and Zámečnická streets.
- Tip: download the audio guide before you go.
Prices and hours can change, so check the official website before your visit https://vodojemybrno.cz/vstupenky/.
Like underground Brno? You can also visit the Labyrinth under the Cabbage Market and the Ossuary at St. James’ Church. And if you enjoy Brno stories, read about Gregor Mendel and Brno.
Have you been underground in Brno yet? Which place would you like to see next? Tell us in the comments!
Resources: Brno Underground (TIC BRNO), Czech Television (ČT24), eStav.cz, Seznam Zprávy, Slevomat.
Photo: Canva
Tags: Brno underground, Žlutý kopec, water tanks, things to do in Brno, Brno hidden gems
