Starkočský lom

Starkočský lom is a small but geologically remarkable nature reserve located about 1 km southwest of the village of Starkoč, in the Kutná Hora district of the Central Bohemian Region. The protected area covers just 0.61 hectares and sits at an elevation of 225–235 metres, making it one of the smallest yet most scientifically valuable geological sites in this part of the Czech Republic.

Why is this old quarry protected?

Starkočský lom is a classic mineralogical locality, best known for its occurrence of almandine garnet. The quarry walls also contain lenses of quartzitic erlanes whose uneven weathering has carved distinctive hollows into the rock face, resembling artificially cut climbing steps. Alongside almandine, mineralogists have recorded dumortierite, fluorite and kyanite here — an unusually rich combination of minerals for such a small site.

What else does the rock reveal?

Beyond its mineralogical interest, the quarry is also a significant fossil site. Among the notable finds are remains attributed to the coral Isis miranda and a sponge of the genus Gribrospondia, whose presence here is considered unique within the Czech Republic. This combination of mineralogical and paleontological value led to the site being granted legal protection on 10 October 1985, with the designation taking effect on 1 December 1985.

What does the site look like today?

The disused quarry is now densely overgrown with shrubs and young trees, surrounded by cultivated farmland typical of the rural landscape of central Bohemia. As a result, Starkočský lom is not a destination for mass tourism — it mainly attracts visitors with an interest in geology, mineralogy and local natural history rather than those seeking scenic hiking views.

Who should visit?

Starkočský lom is a good example of the small yet scientifically valuable natural sites scattered across the Kutná Hora region. It is worth a stop if you are interested in traces of historic quarrying, the local geological structure, or if you want to extend a trip to nearby Kutná Hora with a quieter, lesser-known stop off the main tourist trail. Given its small size and overgrown state, a visit typically means a short walk along the former quarry walls rather than a full hike.

Frequently asked questions

What is Starkočský lom? It is a small, disused quarry protected as a natural monument, notable for its mineralogical and paleontological finds.

Which minerals can be found here? The site is best known for almandine garnet, alongside recorded occurrences of dumortierite, fluorite and kyanite.

Have fossils been found in the quarry? Yes, finds include remains attributed to the coral Isis miranda and a sponge of the genus Gribrospondia, whose presence here is considered unique in the Czech Republic.

When was the area protected? It was declared a natural monument on 10 October 1985, with the designation effective from 1 December 1985.

What does the quarry look like now? The site is densely overgrown with shrubs, surrounded by farmland — it is a place of scientific and natural interest rather than a classic scenic viewpoint.