Chvalský lom

Chvalský lom is a former sandstone quarry and protected nature site on the eastern edge of Prague, in the district of Horní Počernice. Covering only about two hectares, this small but notable spot combines traces of past mining activity with valuable natural habitats, which is why it has been under formal protection for several decades.

Where does the name come from and what was this place originally?

The name refers to the nearby village of Chvaly, today part of Horní Počernice, next to which the quarry was located. Sandstone was extracted here, a building material long used in the construction of roads and local structures in the surrounding area. Some sources even connect this stone with famous Prague landmarks such as Charles Bridge or St. Vitus Cathedral, though such claims are difficult to verify with certainty and should be treated with caution.

How long did quarrying continue here?

Large-scale sandstone extraction took place from the 19th century onward, when the material was needed for expanding the road network connecting Prague with nearby settlements. Mining activity ceased in the first half of the second half of the 20th century, when a double-track railway line was built nearby. Continuing to quarry stone in the area would have interfered with train traffic, so operations were abandoned and the site was left to nature.

Why was this place given protected status?

Chvalský lom was declared a protected natural monument in 1988. Two main reasons drove this decision. The first was the presence of the sand martin, a bird species that nests in the exposed banks and walls of the former quarry, relying on the specific conditions created by bare sandstone surfaces. The second reason was the site's geological value: the abandoned quarry exposes a rock profile belonging to what is known as the Peruc-Korycany formation, which is significant for research into the geological structure of the Prague region.

What can visitors see at Chvalský lom today?

Access to the quarry itself is currently limited, and the site also serves as a base for a local scout troop, which further shapes how the area is used. Even so, the surroundings remain an interesting stop on the map of eastern Prague for anyone curious about geology and local nature, offering a glimpse of how a former industrial site can, over time, turn into a protected pocket of nature within the boundaries of a large city.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors freely enter Chvalský lom? Access to the quarry itself is currently restricted, partly because the area is used as a base by a local scout troop and partly to protect bird habitats.

What was mined at this quarry? Sandstone was extracted here and used, among other things, for building roads linking Prague with the surrounding villages.

When did mining end? Extraction stopped in the mid-20th century, after a double-track railway line was built nearby, as continued quarrying would have interfered with train operations.

Since when has the site been protected? Chvalský lom has held the status of a protected natural monument since 1988, mainly due to the presence of the sand martin and the site's valuable geological profile.