Architecture
Zlín and Luhačovice are revered by many for their textbook architecture. On one hand, there’s Zlín, known for its industrial-style buildings that lend the city a breath of fresh air. On the other, we have the fairytale-like style of Dušan Jurkovič in Luhačovice, which is also home to an impressive display of elegant mansions from the interwar period. This architectural labyrinth would not be complete without the Wallachian folk architecture, of course. In this region, both historical buildings and new developments are able to coexist alongside each other, proving that public spaces can in fact serve as places where people spend their free time.
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Zlin
First time in Zlín? Then you won’t believe this. Tomáš Baťa, a famous shoemaker, built a city with a unique urban design here practically out of thin air. In its center lies the factory complex with hundred-year-old buildings made of red bricks that were full of state-of-the-art technology at the time. All around you’ll find little brick houses that used to be occupied by the factory workers, with larger villas belonging to the managers scattered around them. The look of the modern city is complemented by 21st-century architecture. Ride a paternoster lift, climb to the top of the skyscraper and let yourself be charmed by the sheer glass elegance of the Tomas Bata Memorial.
Luhačovice
Luhačovice tells us a whole different story. Architect and visionary Dušan Samo Jurkovič adorned the spa town with stunning buildings in the style of folk art nouveau. Wood carved houses on the spa colonnade are simply breath-taking. Functionalist buildings designed by Bohuslav Fuchs and a host of other spa houses and inns serve as a nice way to balance it all out.
Valašské klobouky
The town of Valašské Klobouky simply breathes history. You can go visit Červený Dům (Red House), where an original weaving loom can be seen, and scattered around the main square you’ll find traditional Wallachian log houses.
Uherský Brod
Uherský Brod, dubbed “the guardian of Moravia”, is believed to be one of the oldest settlements in the land. Having earned the esteemed status of a royal town in the Middle Ages, it later came to be known as the town of J. A. Comenius. Nowadays, the town is sought after for its relaxed summer vibe, owing to its location right in between the vineyards of Moravian Slovakia and the dark and mysterious forests of the White Carpathians.
Deep within the remnants of the town walls, you’ll find the Museum of J. A. Comenius, the father of modern education, with its highly recommended permanent exhibition Comenius′ Contribution to the Humanity. While you stroll through the historical town center, don’t forget to visit the town square, the town fortifications and the so-called Large Steps.
