Spytihněv between the Morava River, Baťa Canal and history

Spytihněv is located in a place where the river landscape and history are closely connected. The Morava River flows south of the municipality and has shaped life in its surroundings for centuries. A marked route of the Moravian Cycling Trail also runs through the municipality along the Morava River and the Baťa Canal.

Nature and leisure

The bodies of water around Spytihněv, created by gravel extraction, play a special role. They cover approximately 30 hectares and can be used for swimming in summer. From spring to autumn, these waters also offer opportunities for sport fishing.

The “Rekreační areál Skleníky” complex has a swimming pool that is accessible for a fee to both overnight guests and the general public. During the summer months from June to September, the swimming pool includes a small paddling pool, a slide and a water jet. The complex also has an adventure mini-golf course with several terrain obstacles. Clubs, balls and scorecards are loaned out according to the bar’s opening hours.

Culture

The annual highlights of cultural life in Spytihněv include the Slovácké hody s právem. The festival takes place on the second Sunday in October and is a recurring cultural event in the municipality’s annual calendar.

A sacred landmark is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in Spytihněv. It was completed in 1712 and consecrated in 1740 by Bishop Jakub Arnošt of Liechtenstein. Inside is an artistically valuable main altarpiece by Ignác Raab.

History

The Hradišťsko archaeological site near Spytihněv preserves the remains of a fortified lowland settlement on the left bank between the meanders of the Morava River. The rampart of the fortified settlement has survived and remains visible. It is approximately 160 metres long, about 3 metres high and almost 20 metres wide at its base. Its construction followed an older tradition known from the period of Great Moravia.

The development of the settlement itself is also connected with the river landscape. It may have been moved to the higher right bank of the Morava River in the 13th or 14th century. The earlier settlement had been located near the fortified settlement since the 11th century.

Water and boating

In the area of the Spytihněv weir, the artificially constructed Baťa Canal branches off from the main course of the Morava River at its first lock. The excursion boats Morava and Kordulka are based at the Na Rejdě landing stage. The Morava can accommodate 60 people, while the Kordulka can accommodate 11. Regular and chartered trips are offered; bicycles can be transported as well.

Na Rejdě also includes the traditional Na Rejdě fisherman’s pub serving refreshments, an exhibition about the Baťa Canal, toilets, showers and other visitor facilities. During the season, the MORAVA excursion boat operates from the landing stages in Spytihněv, Napajedla, Uherské Hradiště and Uherský Ostroh and carries bicycles.

Directly at the Na Rejdě landing stage, visitors can rent seven houseboats, motorboats with outboard motors and traditional canoes. This brings together different ways of spending time on the water: excursion trips with scheduled or chartered connections, bicycle transport and the rental of various boats.

Other places in the same district

For further regional orientation, you can also visit Nedašova Lhota, Biskupice, Lipová, Doubravy, Tlumačov, Racková, Valašské Klobouky and Slušovice for a look around.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.