Uherské Hradiště stands for Moravian Slovakia, a racy region with image composed of typical folklore, dulcimer music, good wine, beautiful national costumes and lively folk traditions. The country around is as manifold as can be, with special natural features, the Morava River (the March), extensive forests and rich, original flora and fauna, picturesque highlands and agricultural land. Tourist's attractions include the memorable castle of Velehrad, the château of Buchlovice, the Buchlov Castle, all of these quite close to the town, and the town's own sights. Founded in 1257 by Přemysl Otakar II, Uherské Hradiště was a defence fortress against Hungarian raids. But numerous archaeological finds testify to much older settlements. There are a few Palaeolithic artifacts, traces of Neolithic settlements and of a culture characteristic for painted and rope ceramics, testimonies of Celtic and Roman presence. The place had been one of Great Moravia's important centres as shown by archaeological exhibitions of the Great Moravian Memorial at Staré Město (foundation of a church and cemetery plus foundations of another church dating back to the third quarter of the 9th century at Valy) and at Sady (remainders of a temple complex.) There are many interesting architectural sights in the town itself, like the remainders of the l5th-century town walls with the Mattthew's Gate, a late-l7th-century baroque fountain, and many burgher houses. The highest value of all has been assigned to the late-Gothic l5th-century town hall; the Plague Post erected in the middle of the Vigin Mary Square in 1721; the Franciscan Monastery with a refectory from 1490; the Jesuit Church and college from 1643; and the l4th-century St Elisabeth's Hospital Chapel. The new Town Hall was built in 1891-93 and is adorned with Joža Úprka's frescos in the ceremonial hall which depict the founding of the town by Přemysl Otakar II and the confirmation of privileges by King George of Poděbrady. Serving as Gallery of the Slovácké Museum, the old baroque armoury arsenal is unique. The Museum's main part has been accommodated in a house reconstructed in 1936 and again in 1940-42 by architect B. Fuchs. The local cultural life has several highlights-the Festival of Folk Music Instruments; the Summer Film School; the envi ronmentalist forum "It concerns you, too"; Buchlovská svíca, the international cast medal, plaque and plastic art symposium. There are several centres of cultural activities: the theatre Slovácké divadlo; Slovácké Museum with collections of national history; School of Industrial Design; the Culture Club, cinemas and galleries. Cultivating folk traditions, several clubs and ensembles organise many modest events, like feasts in some neighbourhoods, chats around the dulcimer, concerts. Fairs and days on which memorable places open doors to the public have become a tradition. Last few years have been characteristic of turbulent building development and redevelopment of the historical core. Uherské Hradiště is assuming a friendlier face with many services, shops and fun.

The parochial František Xaver's Church built by Jan Jeroným Canevall in 1670-1685

Slovácké Museum

Overall view of the town

This pharrmacy 'U zlaté koruny' (Golden Crown) has been dispensing medicine since late l7th century

Franciscan Monastery with refectory, founded in 1490