The Baťa region - a tradition of innovation and success

The American dream that began in East Moravia

The man behind the phenomenal development of Zlín was entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa, who embodied the Czech version of the American dream. And it was thanks to him that the modern form of this city was laid out on the drawing boards of the best architects and urban planners of the time. Zlín is a city built on what was then an innovative idea, that there can be a city where work and life are in harmony. Did this idea come to pass? Judge for yourself from the viewpoint of the Baťa Skyscraper. From the terrace you can see the whole of factory complex and city centre, as well as the typical brick red Baťa houses that Tomáš built for his employees, dotted around on the hillsides above the city.

Baťa’s Zlín

Take a trip to Zlín to explore the architecture of Baťa's houses, the director's villa and the entire sophisticated Baťa production system, not to mention his memorial. It’s a chance to see lots of beautiful places you'll want to return to.



You can start, for example, at the Baťa Principle exhibition in building 14|15 of the Baťa Institute, which houses the Museum of Southeast Moravia. Its exhibits include the largest collection of footwear in Central Europe, from the tiny shoes worn by Japanese geishas to the monstrous boots of the world's greatest basketball players. You’ll learn about the Baťa business philosophy, production, shops, advertising and the work of the Zlín Film Studios.


Then head to Building 21, the so-called Baťa Skyscraper from 1938, one of the first high-rise buildings in Europe at the time. The building has 17 floors, each containing open space for around 200 employees.  One rarity you won't see elsewhere else in the Czech Republic is the lift and the office of the head of Baťa, with a washbasin and air conditioning!



The functionalist Tomáš Baťa Memorial stands high above Zlín. From the outside, the building looks like a shining crystal, strikingly reminiscent of a typical grid of factory buildings. Inside, it is dominated by a functionalist Z-shaped staircase and a model of the Junkers aircraft in which Tomáš Baťa met his death.



The Tomáš Baťa Villa from 1911 is also worth a visit. The entrepreneur wanted to build a beautiful residence for himself and his family, a place where he could relax and still see his factory. And he did it! The Tomáš Baťa Foundation, which is now based there, offers individuals and groups tours of the villa, with an expert commentary on his life, the history of the Baťa concern and the history of the building itself.



And what about the Baťa houses, those typical brick buildings that you can see over Zlín from wherever you look? At the time they were built, it was a revolutionary concept. The houses with their garden and typical façade were home to the workers in Baťa's factories, as Baťa did not want his employees to tire themselves out commuting to work, and so provided them with a place to live as close as possible to the factory. Back in the day, it was real luxury housing! Now the Baťa Houses are a part of Zlín's heritage that you can see from the outside.



Planning a trip with the children? If so, head a little further out of town to Zlín Zoo for a great day out.

The last tip from Zlín is the Film Studios, which were originally used to film commercials for the Baťa company.  See the places where legendary Czech films were made and take a look back at film history.

Baťa Canal: a place for active relaxation

This historic waterway, once used to transport coal, is now one of the region's main attractions.  From May to September, you can enjoy group leisure cruises along the Baťa Canal , together with some sightseeing and fine dining, or you can rent a boat and do your own thing at your own pace. It's one of the few places where you can pilot a boat without a captain's license.

There are some great places for cycling along the Baťa Canal. Running alongside it is a biking trail more than 80 km long, leading from Kroměříž to Hodonín. It is joined by trails and routes in the surrounding area, including the Moravian Wine Trails.

Luhačovice: a spa dedicated to relaxation

Not far from Zlín lies the town of Luhačovice, where Tomáš Baťa and his family used to go to the spa. Start your tour right in the heart of the spa, in the newly renovated Vincentka Hall with its spa spring of the same name. Fancy tasting the local healing water? We definitely recommend it! From the hall, head to the wooden spa buildings designed by Dušan Jurkovič and enjoy a soothing stroll in the pleasant spa park.