Chuchelná brings together the history of the Lichnovský family, a museum about the history of war, and Chuchelenský Forest. Visitors exploring the village can focus on different things: architectural and historical landmarks, an exhibition with interactive features, or nature and outdoor activities. Each of these themes offers a different reason to get to know Chuchelná better.
Chapel, Crypt and Lichnovský History
In the centre of Chuchelná, a park beside the village pond is home to the Chapel of the Holy Cross (sv. Kříže) and the Lichnovský family crypt. Its crypt contains three restored sarcophagi belonging to members of the princely family. The building itself is also notable: the chapel is a sophisticated, romanticising central-plan structure built from exposed brickwork. Its form and materials give it a distinctive architectural character.
The Lichnovský Mausoleum was designed and built in 1902 and 1903 by the renowned Opava master builder Julius Lundwall. The family’s history in the area goes back further: towards the end of the 17th century, Chuchelná became the centre of a large Lichnovský estate. Zámek Lichnovských Castle served as a hunting lodge and country retreat. Zámecký Park now covers 5.5 hectares; its present-day layout took shape around the middle of the 19th century. Together, these sites represent different periods in the Lichnovský heritage.
The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Povýšení sv. Kříže) also has its own clearly defined history. The original church was built in 1921 and 1922 and destroyed during the Second World War. The new church was designed by Jan Krömer and consecrated in 1996. This allows visitors to trace the village’s architectural history across several decades without confusing the original church with the present building.
Museum with Exhibits and Hands-on Activities
The Muzeum Chuchelná has a permanent exhibition on the Second World War, covering the years 1938 to 1945. The museum includes an air-raid shelter that visitors can enter, as well as military uniforms on display. Visitors can also try their hand at guarding a border crossing. The exhibition thus combines artefacts with an activity visitors can experience for themselves.
The military history exhibition grew out of the years of work by members of a local history and geography association, who study the region’s wartime history. Guided tours are available by prior arrangement. Please coordinate your visit with the museum before travelling.
Chuchelenský Forest and Cycle Route 6096
Chuchelenský Forest is known in scientific literature, especially among geologists who study the Quaternary and botanists. It is home to montane and submontane plant species, including sedmikvítek evropský, žebrovice různolistá, samorostlík klasnatý, kýchavice zelenokvětá and věsenka nachová. For visitors interested in botany or geology, the forest offers a different perspective on the area from its historic buildings and museum.
The deep forests around Chuchelná invite visitors to hike and cycle on regional routes. One specific route is the 12.5-kilometre Cycle Route 6096, which runs from the Krzanowice / Chuchelná border crossing via Bohuslavice and Kozmice, joining Cycle Route 55 before Hlučín Lake. Check current route conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Vršovice, Chlebičov, Velké Hoštice, Pustá Polom, Hrabyně, Větřkovice, Čermná Ve Slezsku, Sosnová
For the broader travel overview: Opava District.
