Růžičkův lom

Růžičkův lom is a disused quarry at the foot of Velký Kosíř hill, right beside the road connecting Čelechovice na Hané with the hamlet of Kaple, in the Prostějov district of the Olomouc region. For decades it stood as its own protected nature reserve, but in April 2017 that individual protection was cancelled and the site was folded into a newly created, larger national nature monument called Kosířské lomy, which unites three former quarries: Růžičkův lom, Státní lom, and Vápenice.

Why is this quarry protected?

The main reason for protecting the site lies underground, quite literally, in its rock. The Devonian limestone layers exposed here preserve an unusually rich record of ancient marine life — fossilized corals, fish, mollusks, and numerous other organisms that lived in the seas covering this region hundreds of millions of years ago. Kosířské lomy is considered one of the richest Moravian localities for Paleozoic limestone fossils, making it a valuable open-air archive for geologists and paleontologists studying the deep past of Central Europe.

What else is there besides the fossils?

Beyond its scientific value, the former quarry also stands out ecologically. The exposed rock faces and scree slopes have given rise to a distinctive habitat, and the herb layer growing among the stones supports rare and endangered plant species adapted to these harsh, rocky conditions. The surrounding landscape includes dry grasslands with remnants of old orchards, adding further biodiversity to this compact but ecologically significant area.

How do you get to Růžičkův lom?

The most convenient approach is via the third-class road running from Čelechovice na Hané toward Kaple. From there, a paved path leads up toward the summit of Kosíř, and a small parking area has been built right at the start of that path for visitors. It's a practical starting point both for those interested in geology and for anyone planning a longer walk through the Velký Kosíř nature park, within which the entire Kosířské lomy monument lies.

Frequently asked questions

Is Růžičkův lom still a separate protected area? No. Since 2017 it has been part of the larger national nature monument Kosířské lomy, which combines three former quarries.

What kind of fossils can be found in the quarry's rock? Devonian marine fossils — corals, fish, mollusks, and other organisms preserved in limestone, making the site one of the richest Paleozoic fossil localities in Moravia.

Where can I park near the entrance? A small parking area is located along the road between Čelechovice na Hané and Kaple, right where the paved path up Kosíř begins.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes — the quarry lies within the Velký Kosíř nature park, and the other two parts of the monument, Státní lom and Vápenice, are close by.