Kurovický lom

Kurovický lom is a flooded limestone quarry in the municipality of Kurovice, in the Kroměříž district of the Zlín Region in eastern Czechia. The former quarry has gradually turned into a strikingly clear lake, and since 1999 the entire site has been protected as a nature reserve of supranational significance.

How to get there?

Kurovický lom lies about 1.5 km south of the village of Kurovice, right on the boundary between two geographical regions — the Hornomoravský úval lowland and the Hostýnské vrchy hills. The nearest larger town is Kroměříž, and the surrounding road network makes the quarry a popular destination for day trips from across the Zlín Region. The site sits at roughly 49.2733 N, 17.5217 E.

What will you see?

Limestone and marlstone were quarried here from the mid-19th century onward, with the quarry itself already in operation before 1840. The stone, known locally as "kurovina," was used mainly to supply the nearby cement works in Tlumačov, feeding the region's construction industry for decades. Extraction was gradually scaled back from 1997, and the abandoned pit began filling with rainwater and groundwater seepage, forming the remarkably clear lake seen today.

In 1999, a nature reserve was established on the site of the former quarry, protecting specially safeguarded amphibian and reptile species that now live there. The rock walls, deep water, and varied habitats give the site both ecological and scenic value — a clear example of an industrial site turning into a valuable ecosystem over time.

An educational center also operates within the reserve, where visitors can learn about the quarry's history and current state through an exhibition tracing its transformation from an active mining site into a protected natural area. Nearby, an apitherapy center offers treatments based on bee products — an unusual attraction that pairs wellness with time spent in a natural setting.

Why visit?

Kurovický lom is best known for the striking color and clarity of its water, which on sunny days takes on shades of turquoise and emerald — a effect typical of flooded limestone quarries. The site appeals to nature and geology enthusiasts looking for a quiet spot by the water, as well as to visitors curious about the region's mining history. Its status as a protected reserve means the area should be treated with care, so it's worth checking local conservation rules before a visit.

When to visit?

The best time to visit is during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn, when the water is at its clearest and longer days allow for an unhurried walk around the lake. In autumn the site tends to be quieter, making it a good choice for visitors seeking a calmer, less crowded experience with nature.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kurovický lom? It is a former limestone and marlstone quarry in the municipality of Kurovice, now flooded and protected as a nature reserve centered on a scenic lake.

When was quarrying carried out here? Quarrying took place from the mid-19th century, with the site already active before 1840; extraction was gradually reduced starting in 1997.

What was the quarried stone used for? The limestone, known locally as "kurovina," was used mainly to supply the cement works in Tlumačov.

Is the site protected? Yes — since 1999, Kurovický lom has been a nature reserve of supranational significance, protecting specially safeguarded amphibian and reptile species among other things.