Husova kazatelna

Husova kazatelna – the legendary boulder near Obděnice

Husova kazatelna is a protected natural monument and one of the most notable boulders in the Czech Republic, tucked away in the forest near the village of Obděnice, in the Petrovice municipality, Příbram district. Wrapped in a legend connected to Jan Hus, this striking rock formation draws hikers exploring the trails of central Bohemia who want to combine a walk with a piece of geology and local folklore.

How did the boulder form?

The rock is the product of millions of years of weathering and erosion-denudation processes acting on deep-seated igneous rock. Water, wind, and repeated temperature changes gradually exposed and shaped the block, giving it its distinctive, almost sculpted form. The result is a massive stone measuring 4 by 2.5 meters and standing 2.7 meters tall — reportedly the largest single boulder in the Czech Republic.

Where does the name come from?

The name refers to a legend claiming that Jan Hus himself once stood on this stone and preached from it while passing through nearby Petrovice on his way to Kozí Hrádek. The story has circulated among locals for centuries and turned the boulder into a symbol of the region's Hussite heritage. Interestingly, the Jesuits of Petrovice, who disliked the association with Hus, referred to the same rock as "Čertova kazatelna" — the "Devil's Pulpit" — and for a time both names existed side by side.

What can you see at the site?

The surface of the boulder features a depression measuring 80 by 60 centimeters, popularly known as a "sacrificial bowl." Natural hollows like this one often acquired ritual associations in folk imagination over time, although their formation is generally attributed to ordinary rock weathering rather than deliberate use.

Nature protection status

Husova kazatelna was declared a small-scale protected area in 1977. The protected zone covers 9.07 hectares in total, encompassing not just the boulder itself but also the surrounding patch of forest, which has preserved natural habitats. The nature monument status is meant to safeguard both the unique rock formation and its immediate surroundings from uncontrolled interference.

Where exactly is it located?

The boulder sits roughly 400 meters northwest of Žemličkova Lhota, a settlement belonging to the Petrovice municipality in the Příbram district, close to the village of Obděnice. The site lies along a marked nature trail, making it easily accessible to hikers throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach Husova kazatelna on foot? Yes, the boulder is located right along a marked nature trail and is accessible to visitors all year round.

Why is the boulder called a "pulpit"? Because of the legend that Jan Hus once preached from the top of the rock on his way to Kozí Hrádek.

Is this really the largest boulder in the Czech Republic? According to available sources, yes — Husova kazatelna is considered the largest single boulder in the country, measuring 4 by 2.5 meters and 2.7 meters in height.

Since when has the site been protected? The area around the boulder was declared a protected natural monument in 1977.