About this place
Velká Amerika is a partly flooded, abandoned limestone quarry located in the municipality of Mořina, in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It sits roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Prague, placing it within easy reach for a short trip out of the capital.
What exactly is this place?
The name "Velká Amerika" refers to a former limestone quarry. Once extraction ended, part of the excavated area filled with water, producing a landscape defined by steep rock walls surrounding a pool at the bottom of the old workings. The site's coordinates are approximately 49.9594 N, 14.1986 E, pinpointing it precisely within Mořina.
Where exactly is it located?
Velká Amerika administratively belongs to Mořina, a small municipality in the Central Bohemian Region. This part of Bohemia is known for its limestone formations and remnants of past quarrying activity, and its proximity to Prague — about 15 km in a straight line to the southwest — has long kept it within reach of both locals and visitors to the capital.
Why a quarry rather than a natural lake?
It's worth being precise here: Velká Amerika is not a natural body of water but the result of industrial activity — limestone extraction. The flooding of part of the excavated pit happened only after mining stopped, rather than through any natural geological process. That distinguishes the site from glacial or karst lakes, even though visually the water framed by rock walls can create a similar impression.
How far is it from Prague?
At roughly 15 kilometers from Prague as the crow flies, the site is a realistic option for a short excursion from the city. The precise coordinates (49.9594 N, 14.1986 E) make it straightforward to locate on a map and plan a route toward Mořina.
Frequently asked questions
Is Velká Amerika a natural lake? No — it's a partly flooded, disused limestone quarry. The water appeared in the old excavation area only after mining ended, not through natural processes.
Where is Velká Amerika located? In the municipality of Mořina, in the Central Bohemian Region, about 15 km southwest of Prague.
What was extracted here? Limestone — the site operated as a quarry before part of it became flooded.
What are the coordinates of the site? Approximately 49.9594 N, 14.1986 E.
Is it close to Prague? Yes, it lies about 15 kilometers from the Czech capital, making it relatively accessible from the city center.
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