While the Bata brand has grown leaps and bounds, becoming renowned world-over, Zlín has proudly maintained the Bata factories that put their little town on the map.
The owners, well aware of how many feet their shoes have adorned, and how beloved their brand is, have opened the factory doors to visitors who want to see where it all began.
For the history-buffs out there, the most important facts about the history of Bata are recorded and displayed in the Museum of Shoemaking, which attractively presents the values and principles behind the success of the company and the development of the town.
With the world’s love for Bata, this jaunt through history definitely puts Zlín on every travel wish list.
The proud home of Bata, Zlín is a city in southeastern Moravia in the Czech Republic, virtually unknown before World War I. Owing to the Bata factories, Zlín grew into a self -confident town and is today known for its unique architectonic and urban concept.
Fondly known as Bata’s Utopia, Zlín has the quintessential small town charm that never fails to win visitors’ hearts.
There are several wonderful attractions in Zlín, in addition to the legacy of Bata. Several mobile phone apps are available to take you through the city, or you can book a guided tour and visit local landmarks, such as the Bata Skyscraper, the Large Cinema, the Department Store, the Market, the House of Art and the villa quarter of Letná.
Scenic routes are another proud offering in Zlín. You can float down the beautiful Bata Canal from Otrokovice to Skalice, or cycle on the arterial bicycle path that runs along the canal. For the adventurous souls who want to do it all, the two can be combined to explore the route partly on a bike and partly by boat.
For the flora and fauna fanatics, Zlín gives you the perfect setting to soak in the antiquity of the Czech Republic when you visit the historical Lešná Château, which is also the gateway to the region’s most renowned zoo. Well known for being divided as per continents, the zoo provides a unique ambience of having Africa, Australia, South America and Asia just a few steps apart.