Valachov

Valachov is a small but geologically remarkable nature monument set on a hill in the Plaská pahorkatina uplands, within the cadastral territory of Hracholusky nad Berounkou in the Rakovník district of the Central Bohemian Region. The site lies within the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, southeast of the village of Skřivaň, not far from the Hracholusky reservoir.

Why is Valachov protected?

The protection here targets the remnants of former slate mining together with the secondary sulfur minerals that formed afterward. Valachov is a mineralogical site shaped by secondary minerals resulting from pyrite oxidation, and it is considered a typical example of pyritic slate belonging to the Neoproterozoic Blovice formation. This distinctive geology has made the site a point of interest for geologists and mineralogists studying how iron sulfide minerals oxidize within slate rock over time.

Valachov was declared a nature monument on 29 November 1977 and is classified under IUCN Category III as a natural monument or feature.

A history of mining

Mining activity at Valachov stretches back centuries. The earliest written record of extraction here dates from 1543, when lead ore was mined from the hill. Much later, between 1871 and 1872, pyrite was extracted from Valachov's slope.

After mining ceased, physical traces of this activity remained in the landscape: two tunnels, measuring ten and fourteen meters in length, along with an eighteen-meter-deep shaft near the summit that is likely connected to the medieval lead-mining works. These remnants are not just a record of past industrial activity — they are also where the site's characteristic secondary minerals are found.

What can visitors see on site?

Visitors to Valachov can spot the traces of former mine workings set into the natural hillside — the entrances to the old tunnels and the outline of the historic mine shaft. This blend of industrial history and natural geology makes it a compelling stop for anyone interested in mineralogy or the mining heritage of the Křivoklátsko region.

What wildlife lives at Valachov?

The protected area supports a varied range of species. Visitors may come across various spiders and amphibians, along with reptiles such as common lizards, slow worms, and grass snakes. The presence of adders is also possible. This diversity stems from the mosaic of habitats found here, ranging from sun-exposed, rocky slopes to the damper pockets left behind by the old mine workings.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Valachov located? Valachov lies in the cadastral territory of Hracholusky nad Berounkou, in the Rakovník district of the Central Bohemian Region, southeast of the village of Skřivaň, within the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area.

When was Valachov given protected status? Valachov was declared a nature monument on 29 November 1977.

What exactly is protected at Valachov? The protection covers the remnants of slate mining and the secondary sulfur minerals formed by pyrite oxidation — a site of notable mineralogical significance.

Are there visible traces of past mining at Valachov? Yes. Two tunnels (10 and 14 meters long) and an eighteen-meter-deep shaft near the summit survive, linked to lead and pyrite mining dating back to the 16th century.

What animals can be found here? The area is home to spiders, amphibians, common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes, and possibly adders.