Lešná is a destination for travelers who want to combine the history of castles and churches with a park. Zámek Lešná and the English landscape park are a central highlight; Kostel sv. Michaela and the chapels near the church offer a second. The castle focuses on its history of alterations and historical memory, while the church features sacred art and monuments.

Castle History and English Landscape Park

Zámek Lešná u Valašského Meziříčí was created around the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries by converting a medieval fortress. The Kinský family shaped the castle’s present appearance; in 1887, it became their family residence. This sequence gives the castle’s history a clear framework: the medieval predecessor was followed by the conversion and later family history.

The castle is part of an English landscape park with an extensive collection of mainly exotic trees and shrubs. The Museum of the Valašsko Region currently manages the park; the castle is located in its northern part. The grounds and the building are therefore directly connected spatially, while the church and chapels form a distinct cultural and historical highlight in Lešná.

The castle’s former use is also part of its history. A historical schoolroom has been set up in the former black kitchen on the ground floor since October 6, 2012. It recalls that a school was once housed in the castle. This brings the building’s history as a school into focus alongside its architectural history.

The announcement for 2026 lists the exhibitions “Pocta Kinským” and “Bankovky z celého světa” as part of the visitor offering at Zámek Lešná. There is also a playroom for children. If you plan to visit either of these attractions, check the current visitor program before your trip.

Kostel sv. Michaela and the Chapels

Kostel sv. Michaela is a prominent building in the municipality. Two ceiling frescoes dating from 1750 adorn the church: the Coronation of the Virgin Mary is depicted above the presbytery, and the Battle of Saint Michael with the Fallen Angels above the nave. The chapels of sv. Valentin and sv. Jan Nepomuský are also associated with the church. Together, these details depict different religious themes and give the interior its own historical depth.

Another lasting feature is the organ dating from 1885. The tower had three bells: sv. Michal weighed 1,000 kilograms, sv. Jan 560 kilograms, and sv. Valentin 261 kilograms. Kostel sv. Michaela was designated a National Cultural Monument in 1972. Those interested in sacred architecture will find, alongside the frescoes, an organ, the history of the bells, and the chapels as distinct aspects of the church.

Near the church stands the Bessova kaple, dating from 1827, with three graves. The Kinských kaple dates from 1892–1893; six graves are located to the left of the chapel. Away from the immediate church grounds, a Stations of the Cross along the former field road to Vysoká recalls an old route: two of the five original chapels remain. If you wish to visit these surviving structures, check their accessibility in advance.

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