Peace Square in Zlín — online webcam on the main square
Peace Square in Zlín: the heart of Tomáš Baťa's city
Zlín is a city that cannot be confused with any other in the Czech Republic. Every quarter here bears the mark of Tomáš Baťa's industrial genius, and the central Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) is the oldest public space in the city, where commercial history, functionalist architecture, and the everyday life of modern Zlín intersect. Náměstí Míru is the oldest square in Zlín, formerly known as Hlavní náměstí and Masarykovo náměstí. Today, this online camera allows you to see it in real time — with its characteristic diamond-shaped paving, street cafés, and pedestrians strolling leisurely among the trees.
The square has always been the city's commercial center. Zlín merchants gathered here to make deals, sealing them with a traditional handshake — the so-called "aldamash." When the Občanská záložna building was constructed in 1892–1896, the center of public life was firmly established on this square. Since then, it has remained the main meeting place, promenade, and venue for city events in Zlín.
Architectural heritage: from Bauhaus to modernity
Zlín holds a unique place in European urban planning history. It is a city that grew around Baťa's shoe empire, and its architecture reflects the principles of functionalism, standardization, and rational planning. Zlín is a city of functionalist architecture with characteristic "Baťa houses", and Peace Square is surrounded by buildings that demonstrate the evolution of this style over more than a century.
The live stream shows a striking contrast of buildings: a historic structure with a dark gabled roof and arched windows stands alongside modern multi-story buildings. It is precisely this contrast that makes Zlín interesting for studying architecture — there is no museum-like stagnation here; the city lives and evolves while maintaining its recognizable appearance.
In 2018, the square underwent a major renovation. The revitalization of the square took place in 2018 — the first large-scale reconstruction in 30 years. The project was developed by the Bratislava-based studio P.P. Architects, which proposed dividing the space into three intimate zones referencing traditional types of public spaces and Baťa's architectural tradition. The goal of the reconstruction was to restore the square's legibility — to define the boundaries between pedestrian zones, rest areas, and traffic routes.
How to get to Peace Square
Peace Square is located in the very center of Zlín, and it is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The square and the adjacent streets Rašínova, Soudní, and Bartošova form a pedestrian zone, so drivers should plan parking on neighboring streets or use underground garages in advance.
Zlín is well connected to the rest of the Czech Republic by rail and bus. The Zlín-Střelná railway station is a few minutes' drive from the center, and the bus station is a 10–15 minute walk from the square. For those traveling by car, the I/49 highway connects Zlín with Olomouc and Brno, and the exit to the city ring road leads directly to the central part.
Street cafés and everyday life
The right side of Peace Square is a zone of street cafés under white canopies, where locals and visitors drink coffee, meet with friends, or simply watch the world go by. Zlín is not a tourist metropolis, and the atmosphere here is accordingly calm, unhurried, without the hustle of Prague's central squares.
Pedestrians stroll across the square: students from the nearby Tomáš Baťa University, families with children, elderly couples. Decorative stone elements and clusters of trees create the feeling of a park-like space amid urban development. The sculpture visible in the lower right corner of the frame adds an artistic accent to the square — it is one of those details that make the space memorable.
Monument and sculptural elements
The sculpture on Peace Square is not merely a decorative element but part of the city's visual code. Zlín is rich in monuments and art objects, many of which are connected to the memory of Tomáš Baťa (April 3, 1876 — July 12, 1932), mayor of Zlín from 1923 to 1932 and the creator of the shoe empire that transformed a small town into one of the centers of Czech industry.
The monument on the square is a point of attraction for tourists and locals alike. It blends organically into the landscape, not dominating the space but complementing it, creating a natural meeting point and photo opportunity.
Zlaté jablko Shopping and Entertainment Center
In May 2008, a modern architectural accent appeared on Peace Square — the Zlaté jablko shopping and entertainment center. Its construction sparked debate among residents and architects: how to fit a large commercial facility into a historic space without disrupting the square's characteristic appearance? The result can be assessed in the live stream — the building has become part of modern Zlín, alongside the historic development and functionalist quarters.
Peace Square at night: what the camera shows after sunset
As the sun sets, Peace Square transforms. Streetlights illuminate the diamond-shaped paving pattern, light from café windows creates cozy islands against the darkening sky, and there are fewer pedestrians — only those who truly enjoy an evening stroll. The night stream from this webcam shows Zlín from an unexpected angle: quiet, intimate, free of tourist bustle.
In winter, the square looks especially picturesque — snow emphasizes the geometry of the diamond-shaped pattern, snow-covered trees frame the space, and the warm light of cafés beckons you to step inside. During the holidays, a Christmas tree is often set up and fairs are held — all of this can be seen through the online camera in real time.
Weather in Zlín: what the camera shows
Zlín is located in the Dřevnice River valley in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, and the climate here is moderately continental. The webcam on Peace Square allows you to assess the current weather in the city: whether it is cloudy, if it is raining, and how passersby are dressed. This is especially useful for those planning a trip to Zlín who want to know what to expect from the local climate on a specific day.
The city sits at an altitude of about 230 meters above sea level, surrounded by the hills of the Vršatské vrchy mountains, which creates its own microclimate — in winter it is slightly warmer here than in neighboring mountainous areas, and in summer the valley can be more stuffy. Nevertheless, thanks to its green spaces and open layout, Peace Square remains a comfortable place for walks in virtually any weather.
What the camera shows
The camera overlooking Peace Square in Zlín broadcasts the central part of the city from a slight elevation. The frame shows a large city square with a characteristic geometric paving pattern of red brick and light stone forming a diamond-shaped design. In the center of the square are clusters of trees, bench areas, and streetlights. Along the perimeter are buildings of various architectural styles: a historic structure with a dark gabled roof and arched windows with flags, modern multi-story buildings, and a large advertising banner on a façade. On the right side is a zone of street cafés under white canopies, with cars parked along the adjacent street. Pedestrians stroll across the square. In the foreground, decorative stone elements and trees are visible. In the lower right is a sculpture. The live stream operates around the clock, allowing you to observe the life of the square at any time of day.
