Palaces

Kotuliński Palace in Czechowice-Dziedzice

On the main road leading to Bielsko-Biala, in the Bazaniec district, stands a Rococo residence surrounded by a historic park. The Kotulinski Palace on Zamkowa street is one of the more valuable relics of the former Cieszyn Silesia; today it houses a hotel with a restaurant, and its interiors retain their stucco decoration.

From the Kotulinskis to the Renards

Czechowice was bought in 1675 by Frederick Alexander, Baron Kotulinski of Kotulin. His son Franciszek Karol, High Chancellor of Lower and Upper Silesia and starost of the Glogow duchy, decided around 1730 to build a residence worthy of these offices. In 1765 the palace and the Czechowice estate were bought for 62,000 Rhenish guilders by Count Andrzej Renard; the family held it until 1856, laying out a flower garden, an orchard and a gardener's cottage. In the triangular tympanum above the risalit hangs the Renard coat of arms supported by two lions.

Later owners and renewal

The palace then changed hands frequently: it belonged to Baron Bernhard Heldreich, Joseph Heiser and a bank from Sopron; the last private owners were the Zipser manufacturers from Bielsko. In the early 20th century a glazed veranda with a winter garden was added at the rear. After 1945 an agricultural school operated here, and a thorough restoration was carried out after 2006 by the Polplast family, creating a four-star hotel — the building has since changed owners but remains open to guests.

Park and practice

Around grows a park with fine small-leaved lindens, shaped about 200 years ago to resemble candlesticks and form avenues; nature boards stand along the paths. The palace is best viewed from the park side, and its exterior can be admired all year round — a good stop on the way to Bielsko-Biala.