Malesická skála

Malesická skála is a compact but striking natural monument north of the village of Malesice, in the Plzeň-město district, tucked into the valley of the Chotíkovský stream about 1.5 kilometers from the village. This rock tower rises out of Carboniferous river sediments and ranks among the more interesting examples of selective weathering near Plzeň.

How did this rock formation come to be?

The protected feature is an oval rocky pyramid measuring roughly 7 by 15 meters at its base and standing 7 to 20 meters tall. It formed through selective weathering, erosion, and water action on coarse-grained arkosic sediments of the Plzeň Carboniferous basin. The rock layers belong to the Týnec Formation of the Paleozoic era and are around 303 million years old.

The geological twist behind its shape lies in how it was deposited: an ancient river current moved at different speeds across different parts of its channel, which caused layers of sediment with varying composition and varying resistance to weathering to build up side by side. Over millions of years, the tougher layers held their ground while the softer ones were washed away or crumbled, leaving behind the irregular, eye-catching rock mass visible today.

How do you get to Malesická skála?

A yellow-marked hiking trail connects Malesice with Chotíkov and passes right by the rock. The route suits an averagely fit hiker and makes for a pleasant, short walk that combines the scenic stream valley with an unusual geological landmark along the way.

Is it allowed to climb or touch the rock?

The site's popularity has taken a toll on its condition. The rock has been damaged by tourists and climbers who chip off thin layers of ironstone and break apart conglomerate deposits. This kind of interference speeds up natural erosion and threatens the formation's long-term survival, so visitors are encouraged to admire the rock without climbing it or breaking off pieces.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Malesická skála located? North of Malesice, in the valley of the Chotíkovský stream, within the Plzeň-město district, about 1.5 km from the village of Malesice.

How old are the rocks forming this natural monument? The sediments that make up the rock belong to the Týnec Formation of the Plzeň Carboniferous basin and are roughly 303 million years old.

What's the best way to reach Malesická skála? The most convenient route is the yellow-marked hiking trail running between Malesice and Chotíkov.

Can visitors climb the rock? It's best avoided — the rock has already been damaged by climbers and tourists chipping off pieces, so it's better to admire it from a safe distance.

What causes the rock's unusual shape? Uneven weathering and erosion of sediment layers with differing resistance, originally deposited in a river channel with varying current speeds.