The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone.

It has its origin in Middle High German Krumme Aue, which can be translated as crooked meadow.

[3] The adjective Moravský ('Moravian'; in German Mährisch Kromau) was added in 1661 to differentiate it from the town of Český Krumlov in Bohemia.

The foundation of the town is connected with the construction of a stone castle, which was probably initiated by order of Ottokar II of Bohemia.

In the 16th century, the old castle was rebuilt into a comfortable Renaissance residence, and became a significant centre of cultural and social events.

As lords of Lipá belonged to the losing side in the revolt against the emperor, the estate was confiscated and in 1622 sold to the House of Liechtenstein.

During the first half of the 19th century, the town has lost its political, economic and cultural significance.

On the last night of World War II (7 May 1945), the town was heavily bombed by Soviet air forces.

[8] The historic centre of Moravský Krumlov is located in a meander of the Rokytná River.

[10] Until 2011, the castle was home to the series of paintings by Alphonse Mucha known as The Slav Epic.

The monastery Church of Saint Bartholomew serves religious purposes to this day.

[12] The Chapel of Saint Florian on a hill above the town is one of the landmarks of Moravský Krumlov.