Prudkí

Prudkí is a small municipality and village located in the Zlín District in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. It lies approximately 10 km east of the regional capital Zlín and 12 km west of Břeclav, surrounded by agricultural fields and low-lying forests. The settlement is situated on the banks of the Rožnovská stream, which has historically supplied the local community with water for irrigation and domestic use.

The first written mention of Prudkí dates back to the 13th century, when it was part of the landholdings of the Zrinyi family. Over the centuries the village grew modestly, with its development closely tied to the agricultural economy of the region. During the 19th century, a small textile mill was established, providing employment for many local residents. In the latter half of the 20th century, the village experienced gradual modernization, with new roads and utilities linking it to nearby towns.

Today Prudkí has a population of about 650 inhabitants. The demographic structure is typical of rural Czech communities, with a mix of families, retirees, and a few young professionals who commute to larger urban centres for work. Public services include a primary school, a community centre, and a small medical clinic. The local economy remains largely agricultural, with dairy farming, crop cultivation, and viticulture among the principal activities.

The village centre features a late Gothic church dedicated to St. Michael, built in the 15th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1782. Another point of interest is the wooden bridge over the Rožnovská stream, originally constructed in the early 19th century and renovated in the 1980s. Traditional folk festivals are held annually, showcasing regional music, dance, and cuisine.

Prudkí is part of the Moravian-Silesian Cultural Landscape, with its heritage and rural traditions contributing to the broader cultural identity of the Zlín Region. The municipality actively participates in regional development programmes aimed at preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable tourism.