Čertova kazatelna

Čertova kazatelna, or the "Devil's Pulpit," is a protected natural monument on the edge of Plzeň, tucked into the Radčice district above the valley of the Mže River. Its name comes from the towering rock formations that resemble a preacher's pulpit rising above the treeline — a feature so striking that locals also sometimes call it Ďáblova kazatelna, meaning much the same thing.

Where exactly is Čertova kazatelna located?

The site sits along the road connecting Plzeň to Radčice, roughly one kilometer before the village itself. On the right-hand side of the road, a narrow protected strip of land covers a total of 2.4 hectares. A small parking area with an information board marks the entrance, making the natural monument easy to find even for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

What makes these rocks worth protecting?

The reserve protects a section of steep slope with exposed rock outcrops shaped by selective weathering of Carboniferous-era sediments. The result is a landscape of rock windows, ledges, and cornices carved into a ridge that stretches about 700 meters in length and up to 100 meters in width, with individual cliff faces reaching heights of up to 22 meters. These forms took shape during the Pleistocene, as the Mže River cut into the valley below and gradually exposed successive rock layers along the slope.

Why is it called the Devil's Pulpit?

The name isn't arbitrary. The tall rock towers rising above the surrounding forest resemble a pulpit from which one might address a crowd gathered below — a resemblance that clearly struck the imagination of locals long before the site was formally protected. Pairing dramatic rock formations with devilish names is a recurring pattern across the Czech landscape, where striking natural features were often given folkloric, sometimes ominous, titles.

Is it worth a visit?

Despite its modest size, the protected area offers something rare so close to a city center just a few kilometers away: a pocket of wild, rocky scenery right above the riverbank. A path along the slope lets visitors get close to the exposed rock faces, while the view over the Mže valley adds to the appeal. It makes for a short, quiet stop during a visit to Plzeň — particularly appealing to anyone interested in geology, or simply looking for a peaceful break away from the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Čertova kazatelna free? Yes, access to the natural monument is free and open to everyone.

How do I get to Čertova kazatelna from central Plzeň? Head out on the road toward Radčice — the natural monument lies about one kilometer before the village, on the right side of the road, where a small parking area with an information board marks the entrance.

How tall are the rock formations at Čertova kazatelna? The rock faces reach heights of up to 22 meters, and the full ridge stretches roughly 700 meters in length.

Why is this site protected? It preserves a unique set of rock formations — windows, ledges, and cornices — created by selective weathering of Carboniferous sediments and shaped by the erosive action of the Mže River during the Pleistocene.