Otrokovice

Otrokovice (Czech pronunciation: [ˈotrokovɪtsɛ]; German: Otrokowitz) is the second largest town in the Zlín District, in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 18,000 inhabitants. It is located in a hilly part of the historical region of Moravia, 10 km west of the city of Zlín, at the confluence of the rivers Morava, Dřevnice and the Mojena Brook.

Otrokovice
Town
Flag
Coat of arms
Otrokovice
Location in the Czech Republic
Coordinates: 49°12′36″N 17°31′51″E
Country Czech Republic
RegionZlín
DistrictZlín
First mentioned1141
Government
  MayorHana Večerková
Area
  Total19.61 km2 (7.57 sq mi)
Elevation
190 m (620 ft)
Population
 (2020-01-01[1])
  Total17,879
  Density910/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
765 02
Websitewww.otrokovice.cz

Economy

In past the town was significantly connected with the Bata company which owned multiple local industries including the large shoe factory that created its initial wealth.

Barum (Continental AG) has a manufacturing facility in Otrokovice which is a major employer for the town. Another important manufacturing site is Toma where various companies of various industries are located, and Zlin Aviation that operates from the airfield next to the Barum factory.

Shopping

The town lacks a clear centre, instead having a scattering of shops and other businesses across several areas. In 2014, a large Kaufland store opened towards the south of the town. This area has turned into a commercial centre including a pet shop, toy shop and a large electrical retailer.

Transport

In addition to the conventional modes of transport, Otrokovice is also equipped with private domestic airport and a wharf at Baťa navigable canal.

Rail

Otrokovice is the primary stop on the main train line from Prague, with fast trains taking around 3 hours. It is also a hub station with trains going East through Zlin and South, through Staré Město.

Road

Highway 55 now links the town into the main Czech highway network. Driving time to Prague is around 2:40 and to Brno is 50 minutes.

Bus

The town has a regular bus service, linking main areas of the town. Trolleybus line connects Otrokovice with Zlín.

Paths

A new path (suitable for cycling and inline skating) was built in 2014, following the course of Dřevnice river to Zlín.

Společenský dům

Sights

  • Church of St. Michael the Archangel – built in 1769, expanded in 1849
  • Statue of St. John of Nepomuk – built in Gothic Revival style of the late 19th century.
  • Hotel Společenský dům – designed by Vladimír Karfík in the form of trifoliated propeller in commemorance of the tragic air crash of Tomáš Baťa and his pilot in the foggy morning July 12, 1932, shortly after their departure from Otrokovice airport. Společenský dům was built in 1936 and its opening was attended by the President Edvard Beneš. Nowadays it is a cultural monument.
  • St. Adalbert's Church – designed by M. Korvas and built in 1995
  • Statue of Tomáš Baťa – cast from the original located in the English East Tilbury
  • Na letišti – natural monument

Twin towns – sister cities

Otrokovice is twinned with:[2]

References

  1. "Population of Municipalities – 1 January 2020". Czech Statistical Office. 2020-04-30.
  2. "Partnerská města" (in Czech). Město Otrokovice. Retrieved 2020-09-10.


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