Zlín’s architecture is one of the main reasons to visit the city. Discover the most important architecturally significant buildings, the unique factory complex in the heart of the city, as well as the way of living in typical Baťa houses. Three thematic routes will guide you through Zlín’s unmistakable architecture and not only introduce you to its history and philosophy, but also to its prominent figures. The walks were prepared by the City of Zlín Tourism Department in cooperation with the authors of the Zlín Architectural Manual database and the aArchitektura association.
The walks take place from May to September, every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. The routes rotate regularly (only one route is offered per day), and individual dates can be selected via the booking form.
Meet at náměstí Míru, in front of the town hall, at least 5 minutes before the start of the walk. Route duration: approx. 2 hours.
During this walk, your guide will introduce the first workers’ district of Letná, which gradually developed in the 1920s and 1930s near the Baťa factory complex. The first stop features still-standing examples of early housing – rendered four-unit houses and a mansard-roofed house, types that were not built in the city’s other districts. The semi-detached house became the standard type, complemented by various single-family house variants. You will also see individualised and experimental buildings, such as the American catalogue house Alladin, which Tomáš Baťa had shipped from the United States. In addition to the basic Baťa house types, you will also learn about the rules and daily regime that residents of the district were required to follow. Everyday life is further illustrated by civic amenities such as shops and kindergartens, many of which are still in operation today. The walk also includes a visit to a single-family house that now serves as the Baťa Housing Infopoint, with an exhibition dedicated to this phenomenon.
Meet in front of the Grand Cinema (náměstí Práce 2511, approx. 20 minutes from the Tourist Information Centre), at least 5 minutes before the start of the walk. Route duration: approx. 2 hours.
This route will take you into the former Baťa factory complex, which remains one of the most authentic witnesses to Zlín’s industrial past. From the early 20th century, the production area grew alongside the success of the shoe company, dominated by buildings in the standard Baťa structural module of 6.15 x 6.15 m. In addition to the various stages of construction, internal logistics and the greenery that complemented the site with numerous trees and recreational lawns, the tour also focuses on exceptional buildings such as the Administrative Building No. 21 by architect Vladimír Karfík. The tour additionally includes buildings from the post-war period, when the company operated under the name Svit following nationalisation. A notable example from this era is the central shoe warehouse by architect Vladimír Kubečka, which was one among the most technologically advanced in Czechoslovakia, featuring modern storage systems and internal transport. The tour further includes a visit to Building No. 44, which is still used for shoe production today and where several original features and details can be seen that have otherwise been irretrievably lost through the reconstruction or adaptation of factory buildings.
Within the industrial premises you will also find the 44 Centre of Crafts with a shoemaking workshop – a place where tradition meets creativity. The centre offers hands-on programmes where you can try working with wood, leather or textiles. The Factory in Gardens walk ends here, but if the centre’s products catch your interest, you are welcome to stay and make a homemade souvenir.
Meet on the platform between Buildings 14 and 15, Vavrečkova 7040 (approx. 15 minutes from the Tourist Information Centre), at least 5 minutes before the start of the walk. Route duration: approx. 2 hours.
Outside the regular walking schedule, special guided walks can also be arranged during the season. If you are interested, please contact the Tourist Information Centre by email at is@zlin.eu or by phone on +420 577 630 270.
TICKETS:
Tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information Centre, náměstí Míru 12, in the town hall building (entrance from Bartošova Street). Payment can be made in cash or by card. Please make payment at least 15 minutes before the meeting time.
Each walk is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Online booking must be completed by 12 p.m. on the day before the walk (i.e. by Tuesday or Friday). After that, bookings can be made in person at the Tourist Information Centre, by phone on +420 577 630 270, or by email at is@zlin.eu, until 12 p.m. on the day of the walk (i.e. on Wednesday or Saturday). Ticket cancellations are possible at any time.
If you enjoyed the guided walk around the city and would like to recommend it to someone close to you, or if you know someone with an interest in architecture, you can give them a ZÓNA ZLÍN gift voucher (valid for one person), available for purchase at the Tourist Information Centre. The price of the voucher is the same as the ticket for the guided walk. To use the voucher, advance registration is required via the online booking form or by phone on +420 577 630 270. The voucher is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
If none of the dates for the guided tours offered by ZÓNA ZLÍN suit you, you can contact the following external guides, who will arrange an individual tour of Zlín for you.
Inspirace Zlín
Phone Number: +420 604 236 494
E-mail: info@inspiracezlin.eu
www.inspiracezlin.eu
Marie Vitovjáková
Phone Number: +420 737 533 166
E-mail: mvitovjakova@seznam.cz
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