Nad závodištěm

Nad Závodištěm is a small but scientifically remarkable nature monument on the southwestern edge of Prague, in the district of Velká Chuchle. The protected area occupies a steep slope above the Vltava river valley, sitting directly above the well-known Velká Chuchle horse racing track and the main railway corridor connecting Prague with Beroun. The reserve's name literally translates to "above the racetrack," reflecting its position overlooking the course and the river valley below.

Why is this site protected?

Unlike most nature reserves, Nad Závodištěm was not established to protect rare plants or animals, but rather for its outstanding geological exposures. Covering 22.28 hectares, the site preserves one of the classic rock profiles documenting the development of the Prague Paleozoic Basin during the Ordovician and early Silurian periods. The exposed rock layers reveal, in sequence, the Kosov, Dobrotivá, and Bohdalec formations, which together allow scientists to trace how the marine environment of this region changed hundreds of millions of years ago — and how the life within it evolved alongside those changes. The area has held protected status since 1988, making it one of the longer-standing geological reserves in the Prague region.

What gives this location its scientific significance?

The scientific history of this site dates back to the mid-19th century, when French geologist and paleontologist Joachim Barrande conducted his groundbreaking research into the Paleozoic sediments surrounding Prague. It was in this very area that he discovered some of the first fossil colonies that would later form the foundation of his monumental work on the fauna of the Bohemian Silurian and Ordovician periods. Because of this legacy, Nad Závodištěm holds a lasting place in the history of European paleontology — it is not merely a local geological curiosity, but a reference point for researchers studying some of the earliest chapters of life on Earth.

What can visitors see here?

Visitors will primarily encounter rock outcrops that expose the layered geological structure of the slope — alternating bands of shale and limestone bearing visible traces of ancient marine life, including invertebrate fossils typical of Ordovician and Silurian seas. This is not a landscaped park with tourist infrastructure, but rather a protected scientific site, so visitors are expected to treat it with care: collecting rock samples or disturbing the exposures is prohibited.

How to get there

Nad Závodištěm lies in Velká Chuchle, a district in southern Prague that is conveniently reachable from the city center thanks to its proximity to the railway line toward Beroun as well as local bus connections. The neighboring horse racing track means the site is often visited by people combining a day at the races with a short walk along the valley slope.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nad Závodištěm a public park? No — it is a strictly protected nature monument safeguarding geological exposures, not a landscaped recreational area.

What exactly is being protected here? Ordovician and early Silurian rock profiles that document the development of the Prague Paleozoic Basin and the accompanying evolution of marine life.

What is the connection to Joachim Barrande? This is the area where the 19th-century researcher discovered some of the first fossil colonies used in his pioneering paleontological work.

Can visitors freely collect fossils here? No, the site has been legally protected since 1988, and removing or damaging rock material is forbidden.

Where does the reserve's name come from? The name refers to the site's location directly above the Velká Chuchle horse racing track, which lies just below the slope.