Horka

Horka is a small natural monument near the village of Podolí in the Brno-venkov district of South Moravia, Czech Republic. Despite its modest size, this protected site packs a surprising variety of geology and rare plant life into two low hills separated by a shallow ravine.

How to get there?

Podolí sits close to Brno, in an area of gently rolling farmland dotted with pockets of steppe-like vegetation. The protected site lies right beside the village's main road, making it an easy stop by car or bicycle — a popular choice for Brno residents looking for a quick escape into nature. Given its small footprint, a visit typically takes no more than half an hour.

What will you see?

The natural monument consists of two limestone-like hillocks. The one closer to the road bears the marks of a former small quarry, with exposed rock faces still visible today. The bedrock here is made of Culm conglomerates — sedimentary rock typical of this part of Moravia, formed from fragments of older geological material cemented into a hard mass over millions of years.

On the sun-exposed, dry slopes, thermophilic (heat-loving) plant communities have developed — vegetation adapted to the hot, arid microclimate created by the exposed rock. This steppe-like flora, increasingly rare across the farmland of Central Europe, is the main reason the site was placed under protection. Among the grasses and herbs grow species typical of dry grasslands, and the variety of microhabitats — from bare rock to grassy slopes — also supports insects associated with warm, dry environments, including species considered rare in the region.

The shallow ravine separating the two hillocks adds further variety, creating a transition between a slightly more humid valley floor and the dry, sun-baked slopes above. As a result, a remarkably compact area hosts a sharp contrast in habitats — from heat-loving vegetation to species that prefer shade and moisture.

Protection and history of the site

Horka received its legal protection status relatively recently: the area was designated by a regulation of the South Moravian Region, with the protection taking effect at the turn of 2018 and 2019. The goal was to preserve the valuable steppe plant communities growing on Culm conglomerate rock, habitats that have become increasingly scarce in the region due to intensified agriculture and the overgrowth of former wasteland. Although one of the hillocks still shows traces of past stone extraction, that very history helped shape the varied rocky landscape visible today.

When to visit?

Late spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the steppe vegetation is in bloom and the dry slopes buzz with insect life. Early spring, on the other hand, offers a chance to spot the first understory species before taller grasses take over. Because the terrain includes steep, sun-exposed slopes, it's worth avoiding the hottest midday hours in summer and wearing sturdy footwear.

Frequently asked questions

What is Horka near Podolí? It is a small natural monument made up of two hills formed from Culm conglomerate rock, protected for its rare thermophilic (steppe-like) plant communities.

Where exactly is it located? It lies next to the village of Podolí in the Brno-venkov district, close to the city of Brno in South Moravia.

Since when has the area been protected? Legal protection was established by a regulation of the South Moravian Region issued at the end of 2018, taking effect in March 2019.

What makes this place special? Highlights include exposed Culm conglomerate rock faces, traces of a former small quarry on one of the hillocks, and rare plant and insect communities typical of dry, warm habitats.