Discover Tomáš Baťa’s Home, a Michelin-Starred Culinary Gem, and Captivating Tales
Baťa’s Villa: Home of a Visionary
We begin with the influential figure who changed Zlín’s landscape altogether. Baťa’s Villa, constructed between 1909 and 1911, served as a family home for Tomáš Baťa, a pioneering businessman who envisioned his home not just as a serene getaway, but also a viewpoint overlooking his factory.
A number of distinguished individuals contributed to its construction. The initial design was drafted by the Vizovice builder František Novák, while Baťa later handed off the task of finishing the villa to the timely Czech architect, Jan Kotěra. He ultimately shaped the villa into something understated, thoughtful, and surprisingly modern for its era. Instead of extravagance, the house celebrates simplicity, practicality, and a focus on comfort, reflecting Baťa’s philosophy of life and business. Yet, you can still admire an array of skilled craftsmanship and well-considered details
The house features a garden, which was created in partnership with landscape architect František Thomayer. This setting truly feels like a tranquil retreat within the city’s confines, at a time when the area was evolving into an industrial center. Today, you can roam the ground floor and get a glimpse of the Baťa family’s way of life and the foundational philosophy of the globally recognized company.
Čipera’s Villa: from mayor to gallery
In contrast to Baťa’s villa, which symbolizes moderation and utility, Čipera’s villa showcases another angle of Zlín’s elite. Dominik Čipera, who was the director of Baťa factories, served as mayor and later minister, commissioned a residence that was, in its time, the biggest and most prestigious villa in the city. This villa was crafted by architect Vladimír Karfík, who took inspiration more from luxurious English estates rather than strict functionalism. The result is a two-story villa made of exposed brick with a hipped roof, perched on a hillside above the city and surrounded by manicured gardens, terraces, and staff quarters.
As you enter, you’re welcomed by a generous entrance hall adorned with marble, leading onto a spectacular staircase that rises to the upper levels. There’s a formal study furnished with built-in pieces along with other rooms tailored to reflect the owner’s esteemed position. Some original features remain intact, allowing a glimpse into what life was like in the villa.
After a thorough renovation, the villa now opens its doors to the public and functions as an exhibition venue for the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts in Zlín. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and smaller cultural events. The permanent exhibition not only highlights the villa’s architecture, but also delves into the life story of its owner, who immigrated to Canada after the February coup of 1948.
Zikmund’s Villa: a world behind closed doors
While Baťa was busy shaping the city and Čipera played a role in its governance, Miroslav Zikmund sought adventures around the globe. His villa stands apart from a traditional museum—it feels more like a home where the owner just stepped out momentarily. However, Zikmund’s villa is not merely the residence of a notable traveler; it carries a surprisingly rich history. Built in the 1930s for the first district governor of the Zlín region, Josef Januštík, it had a brief stint owned by the Oscar-winning director Elmar Klos, before Zikmund made it his own.
Zikmund moved into the villa in 1953 and lived there for nearly seventy years. Alongside architect Zdeněk Plesník, he adapted the villa to fit his specific needs, resulting in a distinctive space that reflects the life of a man always on the go. The interior has remarkably remained almost unchanged; within it, you will find thousands of books, mementos from travels in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, in addition to workspaces where significant reports and films were made. During the tour, you can explore the library, study, darkroom, and other rooms that have the aura of a space where the occupant has just briefly stepped away.
Yet, this villa was more than just a private haven for a single traveler. For years, it served as a gathering spot for artists, writers, and notable Czech cultural icons—guests included Václav Havel, Miloš Forman, Ludvík Vaculík, and the Zátopeks. Nowadays, the villa is regarded as a cultural monument and is celebrated for its authenticity, making it one of the most fascinating examples of post-war architecture in the entire country. Above all, it continues to embody the spirit of a home where global explorations were planned.
Jiří Hanzelka’s villa: bigger, bolder, different
For a year after his travels, Jiří Hanzelka lived in Zlín in the same residence as the Zikmunds, sharing space with his wife. While Zikmund grounded himself in one place, Hanzelka opted to build a new house on the hillside right above Zikmund’s villa, again designed by architect Zdeněk Plesník. While Zikmund’s house is more intimate and personal, Hanzelka’s appears grandiose and monumental. This might be due to the fact it was built to house an organ borrowed from Prague, and the spacious interiors echo that ambition. However, Hanzelka did not reside here for long; by 1958, he gifted it to the city with the condition that it would function as a nursery school. Today, it operates as a day care center for rehabilitation.
Vavrečka Villa: functionalism with a Michelin star
Among the residences that have had a notably diverse history is Vavrečka Villa. Erected in 1941 based on designs by architect Vladimír Karfík as a distinguished home for Hugo Vavrečka, one of the directors at Baťa Group, it initially conveys elegance and tranquility. However, if you look closely, it reveals a captivating mix of Kötterer Modernism and Functionalism.
However, the family did not stay in the villa for long; after World War II, they were forced to leave. An interesting tidbit is that their daughter, Božena Havlová, used to visit her parents there with her sons, one of whom was Ivan and the other Václav, who later became the president of the Czech Republic. In a separate turn of events, the villa was converted into a children’s home and served this purpose until the 1990s. Only in recent years has it undergone a thoughtful restoration led by architect Josef Pleskot, which has rejuvenated its dignity and assigned a new function to it.
Today, it houses the La Villa restaurant, which earned a Michelin star in 2025, successfully placing Zlín on the global gastronomic landscape. The garden is more than just pretty; it also grows herbs, fruits, and vegetables, all of which are utilized in the dishes served.
Zlín villas: architecture with a system
Unlike other cities where individual villas stand apart, the Zlín villas share an essential theme: they were conceived as part of a well-organized system. The Baťa company didn’t just focus on production, but also on housing, urban planning, and the city’s overall visual aesthetics. As a result, Zlín continues to maintain the appearance of a cohesive unit, where architecture seamlessly integrates into everyday life.
Are you interested in a one-day tour of Zlín’s villas? Begin at the Baťa Villa, then proceed to the Zikmund and Čipera Villas, and wrap up your day at the Vavrečka Villa—with a dinner that meets Michelin-star standards. Just remember: certain tours require advance bookings, and it’s wise to reserve your lunch or dinner in advance at La Villa restaurant, which is among the most popular dining spots in the Zlín Region.
