Welcome to the Zlín Region

Dear Readers,

I invite you to join me for a visit to the Zlín Region, consisting of three historically and ethnographically peculiar areas, namely Moravian Slovakia, the Haná Region and Moravian Wallachia. Each of them, however, makes a considerable contribution - by adding its characteristic features and culture - to the region`s development as a whole. In the first half of the 20th century, the development of the town of Zlín, as well as that of its wider surroundings, was greatly influenced by Tomáš Baťa, an internationally regarded entrepreneur in the shoe industry. But this is a widely known fact and so let me rather invite you for a visit to the capital city of the Zlín Region.

The characteristic feature of the town of Zlín is its functionalist architecture, which originated in the glorious era of the development of the Bata Shoe Company. The local Baroque chateau, however, bears witness to the fact that the town also boasts a more distant, eventful past. The surroundings of Zlín are also noteworthy - the chateau, park and zoological garden at Lešná, a popular destination of trips of not only the inhabitants of Zlín, are certainly worth a visit, as is the town of Otrokovice which, like Zlín, displays the imprint of Tomáš Baťa`s entrepreneurial spirit. The Zlín Region is remarkable for its diversity and so let me now introduce you to its special features.

On the way from Zlín to Moravian Slovakia you cannot miss Luhačovice, the most important spa town in Moravia, with its famous mineral water, the Vincentka. While experts on architecture praise the spa`s characteristic architecture, contributed by the architect Dušan Jurkovič, visitors in general are fond of the excellent recreational opportunities provided by the local woods and the nearby Luhačovice Reservoir in Pozlovice. After leaving Luhačovice, you can set out in the direction of border mountains in the Bílé Karpaty (White Carpathians) Protected Landscape Area. On the way there you pass by Bojkovice, which is overlooked by the Romantic Nový Světlov Chateau that was rebuilt from an authentic castle. Then comes the town of Brumov-Bylnice located on the river Vlára that pushes its way through the Vlárský Pass to join the river Váh in Slovakia. The Vlára, like Velká Javořina, the highest peak of the White Carpathians and the symbol of the Czech-Slovak mutuality since 1848, is a characteristic feature of the Euroregion Bílé Karpaty/ Biele Karpaty.

Descending from the White Carpathians, you pass by the highly distinct mountain settlements of an area that is referred to as Moravské Kopanice, and enter the eastern part of Moravian Slovakia. Its inhabitants will certainly treat you to excellent Moravian wine or sharp plum brandy. Although the town of Uherský Brod suggests the proximity of the Hungarian border ("uherský" = Hungarian), it is rather associated with Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius). Those who wish to become acquainted with the local traditional folklore should visit the village of Vlčnov, the venue of an annual large celebration known as The Ride of the Kings. The focal point of Moravian Slovakia is the ancient town of Uherské Hradiště , located on the River Morava. Separated from Uherské Hradiště merely by the river Morava, nearby Staré Město boasts relics dating from the period of the Great Moravian Empire. They bear evidence to the millennium-long history of Slavic tribes that once settled this area. Leaving the River Morava and going up to the Chřiby Ridges, you will pass by the monumental Baroque Church at Velehrad, a pilgrimage site of great importance. A visit to the Buchlovice Chateau, a jewel in the crown of Moravian Baroque architecture, is a must. Buchlovice served as a summer retreat for a noble family who resided at Buchlov, the best preserved castle to be found in Moravia, during the winter season.

After crossing the Chřiby Ridges, which separate Moravian Slovakia and the Haná Region, you descend to Kroměříž. One of the most beautiful towns in this country, it undoubtedly deserves its attribute "the Athens of the Haná Region". In 1998 the Kroměříž chateau complex and gardens were added to the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The chateau , which once served as a stately residence for the archbishops of Olomouc, prides itself on a collection of valuable paintings which has no equal in Europe. After leaving the eastern part of the Haná Region, you can proceed to the ancient town of Holešov to explore its remarkable historical monuments - the Baroque Holešov Chateau and the Shakh Synagogue. The latter is home to a permanent exhibition charting the history of the Jewish population of Moravia. On the way from Holešov you cross the Hostýn Hills where lies the famous St Hostýn pilgrimage site with the Baroque Church of the Assumption.

You will enter Moravian Wallachia via the distinct village of Rusava. The town of Vizovice is known predominantly for its excellent plum brandy. Surrounded by a park and gardens, the Vizovice Chateau offers its visitors an opportunity to relax in a beautiful natural environment. The Wallachian villages of Valašská Polanka and Lidečko will take you closer to the hilly terrains of Moravian Wallachia , to the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area. Celebrated for their indisputably notable features, the Pulčín Rocks and the Devil`s Rocks near Lidečko have been designated national nature reserves. The next stop on your way is naturally the town of Vsetín, the focal point of Moravian Wallachia. Located in the valley of the river Bečva and surrounded by the Vsetín Hills, the town is the starting point for trips to the Beskydy recreational trails. First you can visit the villages of Nový Hrozenkov, Karolinka and Velké Karlovice and inspect their characteristic Wallachian architecture. Then you can continue to another magnificent destination for trips - the Soláň Hill which offers a panoramic view of the region. You can see the recreational village of Hutisko-Solanec and behind it a reservoir on the River Bečva that lies to the north. There you can find pleasant relaxation during the summer months. After passing through Prostřední Bečva, you ascend the Pustevny in the mountain range of Radhošť. The saddle between the legendary Radhošť Hill and the Tanečnice Hill is the most frequently visited place in the Beskydy Mountains. The Byzantinestyle Chapel of St Cyril and St Methodius recalls the activities of these Slavic missionaries in Moravia.

From Radhošť you descend slowly to the town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm which contains the Rožnov Open-air Museum of Rural Architecture that attracts many visitors. Established in 1925, the museum is a national cultural monument. Our journey through the Zlín Region comes to an end and the best place at which to say farewell to you is the ancient town of Valašské Meziříčí.

If you liked our imaginary trip through the Zlín Region, then please accept my cordial invitation to visit it in person. I send my best regards to you.

Libor Lukáš, 2006

Governor of the Zlín Region