Walking Tour Czech Republic Europe Towns - Zlín

#walkingtour #czechrepublic #village #villagelifevlog #villagetour #church #architecture #town #europeancountry #europe #zlín History Zlín's history dates back to the medieval period, though it remained a small town for much of its early history. It began to grow rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the influence of the Bata Shoe Company. Founded by Tomáš Baťa in 1894, the company transformed Zlín into an industrial hub, attracting workers and shaping the city's development. Under Baťa’s leadership, Zlín became an important center for shoe manufacturing and later, a broader symbol of modern industrial and urban planning. The Bata company built much of the city's infrastructure, including factories, residential housing, schools, and public services, creating a model city for the early 20th century. Many of the buildings from this period exhibit the principles of functionalism, a modernist architectural style that focuses on utility and simplicity. Architecture and Design Zlín is especially famous for its functionalist architecture, with iconic buildings designed by the architect František Lydie Gahura and other contemporaries. One of the most famous landmarks in Zlín is the Bata Skyscraper, completed in 1938. At 77 meters tall, it was the tallest building in Czechoslovakia at the time and became a symbol of the city’s modernity and industrial progress. The skyscraper, often compared to the early skyscrapers of New York, features an elegant, streamlined design with an emphasis on practicality. Another important aspect of Zlín's architectural legacy is its design schools, most notably the Tomas Bata University. The city’s historical link to design and architecture remains influential, and Zlín continues to foster creativity in various fields, including industrial design and graphic arts. The Baťa Legacy The impact of the Bata Shoe Company on Zlín cannot be overstated. The company not only provided employment to thousands of people but also created a distinctive urban and social model that shaped the city's character. Bata implemented a form of corporate social welfare, offering employees affordable housing, healthcare, and education. This approach was ahead of its time and left a lasting imprint on the development of social welfare programs in Czechoslovakia. Tomáš Baťa’s influence extended beyond business into broader cultural and social realms. His commitment to innovation and education continues to be remembered through the Tomas Bata University, which offers programs in business, engineering, design, and the humanities. Modern Zlín Today, Zlín is a vibrant city that blends its industrial past with modern developments. It continues to be a regional center for commerce, education, and culture. While the Bata Shoe Company no longer has the same presence in the city, its legacy endures through various cultural institutions, including the Bata Shoe Museum and the city's emphasis on design and innovation. The city's surrounding natural beauty, including nearby forests and the White Carpathians, also makes it a desirable location for nature lovers. Zlín is home to various cultural events, such as the Zlín Film Festival, which focuses on children’s and youth films, further cementing its place in the cultural landscape of the Czech Republic. CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Baťa Skyscraper 1:45 Monument to Baťa brothers 2:45 Gahura Boulevard 6:09 Zlín Castle 9:08 Tomáš Baťa Mansion 12:35 Christmas Market 15:57 Church of St. Philip and St. James 18:26 Collective House in Zlín 19:25 Villa of Jan Antonín Baťa 21:00 The Quarter of Experimental Baťa Houses 23:38 Forest Cemetery 28:32 Baťa family 30:55 M. Zikmund + H. Týrlová 32:29 M. Drofa + F. L. Gahura 34:22 Chapel of St. Wenceslas 35:23 Through the industrial part 37:23 Former cemetery chapel 38:54 Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 43:34 Windmill - Větřák