Stipa






Photographs: Touristic info centre Zlinsky Kraj

Windmill
The stone Dutch-style windmill above the village of Štípa was built in the years 1858-60 by an old inhabitant, Kristián Kovář, on land purchased from the village. He built the entire building as well as the grinding equipment, along with his son. The mill ground flour for farmers of surrounding villages until the Second World War. After the war it still served for several years for scrapping. In 1964, the owner had to entrust the mill to state monument care, which then repaired the mill. After 1989, the mill was returned to the descendants of the original owners.

Church
Construction on the Baroque pilgrimage Church of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Štípa was begun in 1616 by Albrecht of Valdštejn. This single-nave church with two side chapels was completed and ceremoniously consecrated in 1765. The church, together with the adjacent monastery, is a unique architectonic object and the landmark of this local part of the Zlín municipality. The interior of the church has remained authentically preserved and forms an artistically uniform whole, entirely unique in the Zlín district. The gracious figure of the Blessed Virgin of Štípa is located at the main altar, dating from the beginning of the 14th century. The celebrated pilgrimage to Štípa is also related to this statue. Currently, a spiritual renewal of the once famous pilgrimage site is underway.

Zoological garden
The Zlín zoological garden ranks among the most beautiful locations in all of Moravia. The grounds of the zoo spread out over the historic park. It has been 200 years since its founding and exotic animals have been kept here for 75 years. Today’s zoo offers a unique collection of 210 animal species other zoos do not have. One original aspect is the division of the grounds according to individual continents.

Château
A unique addition to the zoological garden is the Lešná château. It was built at the end of the 19th century by Austrian nobles, the Seilern family. Lešná Château surprises visitors primarily with its rich woodcarving adornment of the interiors and the extensive collection of Oriental objects, paintings and porcelain. It is also popular due to the possibilities for holding wedding ceremonies here, which take place in the Hall of the Ancestors. The château is surrounded by a lovely, historical park, in which more than 1,140 plant species and variants are cultivated. This provides for walks under the canopies of centuries-old trees, as well as seating in romantic nooks.