Čubernice

Čubernice is a small but remarkably interesting nature monument located just south of the village of Ohrozim, in the Prostějov district of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic. The protected area covers barely 1.2 hectares and occupies a steep, rocky slope in the valley of the Čubernice stream, from which it takes its name. It is managed by the Olomouc Regional Authority, and its protected status is relatively recent — it was declared by regulation on 9 November 2020.

Why is this place protected?

The main reason for protection is the presence of heat-loving plant populations, their associated communities, and the fauna that depends on them, along with grassland-herb meadows. The steep, stony slope creates a distinct microclimate that has allowed species typical of dry, sun-exposed steppe habitats to survive here.

What can you see here?

The vegetation within the monument is largely natural in character. Steppe grasslands and low shrubs dominate the landscape, interspersed with rocky outcrops emerging from the slope. Plant species found here include pointed rampion, large-flowered pasque-flower, clustered bellflower, and brown mullein, along with shrubs of white saxifrage and wild pear trees. Together they give the site a semi-steppe appearance that stands out in this part of the region.

Traces of a prehistoric hillfort

Čubernice is not only valuable for its ecology — it is also an archaeological site. Within the monument, on the steep slope shaped by the Čubernice stream, lie the remains of a prehistoric hillfort dating back to the late Stone Age. Surface finds are sparse and document settlement from that period, although more detailed archaeological research has not yet been carried out.

It is worth mentioning the rescue excavation conducted in 1996 by archaeologist M. Šmída. It uncovered a defensive ditch with a flat bottom, approximately 220 centimetres wide, located on the most accessible, northern side of the hillfort. This finding confirms that the hill was once deliberately fortified, adding a historical dimension to the site alongside its ecological value.

Location and accessibility

The nature monument lies south of the village of Ohrozim, directly adjacent to the valley of the Čubernice stream. Its approximate coordinates are 49.4733°N, 17.0215°E. It is a small area, but one that combines two rarely paired values on such a limited plot of land — natural and archaeological significance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Čubernice? It is a nature monument (přírodní památka) in the Prostějov district, protecting heat-loving steppe vegetation on a steep slope of the Čubernice stream valley, while also serving as an archaeological site containing the remains of a prehistoric hillfort.

When was the area granted protected status? The nature monument was established by Olomouc Region Regulation No. 3/2020, dated 9 November 2020.

What plant species can be found there? The site is home to species such as large-flowered pasque-flower, clustered bellflower, brown mullein, white saxifrage, and wild pear trees, along with steppe grassland communities.

What did the archaeological research reveal? In 1996, archaeologist M. Šmída carried out a rescue excavation that uncovered a flat-bottomed defensive ditch about 220 cm wide on the northern side of the former hillfort.

Where exactly is Čubernice located? The nature monument lies south of the village of Ohrozim in the Prostějov district of the Olomouc Region, Czech Republic.