Zámeček Dolní Tošanovice

Zámeček Dolní Tošanovice is a small Empire-style chateau standing in the northeastern part of the village of Dolní Tošanovice, in the Frýdek-Místek district of the Moravian-Silesian Region, close to the Polish border in the Zaolzie area. It's a quiet stop for visitors interested in local history and manor architecture, well off the main tourist routes.

Where did this building come from?

A small fortified stronghold once stood on this spot, first mentioned back in 1445. The chateau in the shape visitors can see today was built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries on the initiative of the Mattencloit family, who gave it its distinctive Empire-style appearance. After Jan Mattencloit's death in 1824, the estate changed owners several times over the course of the 19th century.

A turning point in the building's history came in 1910, when the estate was bought by Vítězslav Chlumský, a respected Czech orthopedic physician. In 1933 he had the former residence rebuilt into a luxury villa, giving the interiors a more representative, livable character.

What happened to the chateau after the war?

After the end of World War II, the building lost its former status. It was taken over by the State Farm of Český Těšín, which used it as housing for its employees. Only after 1990, through restitution, did the property return to the descendants of the Chlumský family.

In 2006 the chateau itself, together with its preserved tiled stoves, was listed as a Czech cultural monument, confirming its historical value. Unfortunately, in 2015 the building was hit by a fire that destroyed a significant part of the roof — traces of that event are still partly visible in its current condition.

What can you actually see there?

Zámeček Dolní Tošanovice remains private property and its interior is not open to visitors. What you can do is admire the Empire-style silhouette of the chateau from outside while walking along the surrounding village roads. It pairs well with a short stroll through Dolní Tošanovice and neighboring Horní Tošanovice, home to a similar manor house of its own.

The surroundings have a peaceful, rural character — the gently rolling foothills of the Silesian Beskids are well suited to walking and cycling, and the chateau makes for an interesting landmark along the way.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the building can only be viewed from the outside, the best time to come is anywhere from spring through autumn, when the greenery around the chateau looks its best and longer daylight hours allow you to combine the visit with a longer walk around the area. In winter, local roads can be harder going in poor weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the chateau? No. Zámeček Dolní Tošanovice is privately owned by the Chlumský family and is not open to visitors.

Who built the chateau? Its present Empire-style form was given by the Mattencloit family at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, on the site of an earlier stronghold first recorded in 1445.

Why is the chateau historically significant? Since 1910 it belonged to Vítězslav Chlumský, a notable Czech orthopedic physician, and in 2006 it was listed as a Czech cultural monument.

What happened to the chateau in 2015? A fire damaged the building and destroyed a large part of its roof, effects that are still visible in its current state.