Staré Město: History, Churches and Leisure

Archaeological evidence of Great Moravia, churches and museums shape the cultural side of Staré Město. There are also opportunities for cycling and water activities, as well as leisure destinations such as KOVOZOO.

Great Moravian history and archaeological finds

The Great Moravia Memorial stands above the foundations of the Great Moravian church “Na Valách” and has been a national cultural monument since 1969. Three exhibitions are devoted to the history of Great Moravia, the history of Constantine and Methodius, and the prehistory of the Uherskohradišťsko region. Historical themes and archaeological evidence are thus brought together at the heart of a visit.

Špitálky is also a national cultural monument in Staré Město. Its site contains the foundations of a Great Moravian church and traces of earlier settlement. The church foundations at Na Špitálkách were discovered in 1949. Excavations also uncovered a cemetery with 42 richly furnished graves. Together, these finds offer a tangible insight into the archaeological history of the place.

Churches and their special features

St. Michael’s Church stands on the site of a 9th-century rotunda; it also includes the former ossuary chapel of St. John the Baptist. Inside the church, you can see the remains of the former rotunda beneath an illuminated glass panel. Its historical connection is thus reflected not only in the building’s history but also in a visible feature of the church interior.

The Church of the Holy Spirit offers a different architectural accent: its rotunda-shaped floor plan symbolizes a Great Moravian church, and the main nave is clad in glass. The vestibule is open to visitors daily during the day, but cannot be visited during services. As visiting arrangements may change during services or special events, check the conditions before your visit.

KOVOZOO: Metal animals, museums and a terrarium

KOVOZOO is an attraction featuring metal animals on the redeveloped grounds of a former sugar factory in Staré Město. In addition to the metal animals, visitors can see industrial, fire-fighting and agricultural machinery. The Veteran Museum complements the exhibition with historic cars and motorcycles. It is a permanent indoor exhibition that opened in 2019.

The Veteran Museum displays around six dozen vehicles dating from the early 20th century to the 1970s; the number may change. Admission is included in the KOVOZOO entrance fee. Admission to the Maják Šrotík observation tower is also included. As these arrangements may change, check them before travelling.

The KOVOZOO terrarium moved to larger premises in Staré Město in March 2024. Among the animals on display are pythons, venomous snakes, a caiman, desert and rainforest lizards, monitor lizards, poison dart frogs, turtles, spiders and scorpions. Guided tours with commentary are available for schools and groups and can be tailored to their needs; advance arrangements may be necessary.

The Blacksmithing Museum is open daily and accessible to all KOVOZOO visitors. Its visiting arrangements may change depending on KOVOZOO’s operations. The hands-on forge also offers blacksmithing courses where you can experience the craft yourself. Advance booking is required outside the summer holidays.

Cycling and excursions on the water

The marked, paved cycle path along the Baťa Canal and the Morava River runs through Staré Město and is suitable for road bikes. If you are considering this option as part of your travel plans, check the current path conditions in advance.

Hamboot rents out motorboats and canoes seasonally for trips on the Baťa Canal and the Morava River. As operating conditions may change, check in advance whether rentals are available during your travel dates. This makes it possible to factor a water-based activity into your plans without confusing it with the cycle path.

More leisure activities

The seasonal Širůch outdoor swimming pool has a 50-metre outdoor pool with a slide, a children’s paddling pool, a beach volleyball court, table tennis and a children’s playground. Človíčkova stezka offers a different kind of attraction: the Sports Museum, with its outdoor wooden playground, is located in Rybníček Staré Město Sports Park and combines sporting history with physical activity and child-friendly learning.

MOTOKÁRY Staré Město is an outdoor go-kart track on the edge of the REC Group site. It offers two-seater karts, children’s karts, 50 cc EASY Mini Karts, and karts specially adapted for people with disabilities. No driving licence is required; check age and training requirements before taking part. The season and schedule may change, so check the current visitor information.

Discover more destinations: Podolí, Žítková, Vlčnov, Modrá, Korytná, Nivnice, Pašovice, Bystřice Pod Lopeníkem.

Back to the main travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.