Zlin Attractions

The town of Zlin is different from many of the other towns and cities across Southern Moravia. Its modern history is closely linked to a company that was established here. In 1894 the Bat'a family started a footwear manufacturing company here, and built the factory as well as facilities for the company workers, including accommodation. Over the years the factory and the town of Zlin grew substantially. During World War I the Austro-Hugarian forces commissioned the Bat'a company to supply the footwear for the military, and the Bat'as' and the town prospered. Eventually, the family decided to move their operation to Canada, and they, along with much of their workforce, immigrated to the Canada.

In the Bat'a shoe factory's original building in Zlin is a museum with exhibits on manufacturing shoes and the history of the Bat'a company.

Zlin was called Gottwaldov during the Communist Regime but reverted to the name Zlin in 1990.