Pravčická brána, Natural sandstone arch in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic
The rock formation spans 26.5 meters at its base, rises 16 meters high, and varies between 7 to 8 meters in width throughout its structure.
Prince Edmund Clary-Aldringen commissioned the construction of Falcon's Nest chateau near the arch in 1881, adding architectural value to this natural monument.
The sandstone arch gained international recognition after serving as a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Visitors can access the arch via a marked trail from Hřensko village, with entrance fees of 75 CZK for adults and 25 CZK for children.
The narrowest section of the arch measures only 3 meters in thickness, making it a remarkable example of natural sandstone erosion processes.
Location: Hřensko
Elevation above the sea: 373 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Website: http://pbrana.cz/en
GPS coordinates: 50.88371,14.28125
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:38
Geological forces have carved openings, arches, and caves into rock formations across continents through millions of years of erosion. Water, wind, and weathering have shaped these natural structures from various rock types, creating landmarks that reveal the Earth's ongoing transformation. The formations appear in diverse environments, from coastlines where ocean waves carve passages through limestone cliffs to desert regions where wind erosion creates openings in sandstone walls. This collection spans locations such as Durdle Door along England's Jurassic Coast, where a 200-foot (60-meter) arch rises from layers dating to the Mesozoic era. The Faraglioni Rocks off Capri reach heights of 360 feet (109 meters) and include a natural passage navigable by boat. In landlocked regions, formations like the Eyes of God in Bulgaria's Prohodna Cave display symmetrical ceiling openings where sunlight penetrates the rock. Desert sites such as Las Ventanas in Argentina's Andes showcase wind-carved arches in remote sandstone landscapes. Each location offers direct evidence of erosion processes that continue shaping these geological features, from readily accessible coastal points to isolated areas requiring significant travel to reach.
Geological formations created by natural processes over millions of years. These stones and rocks display various shapes: arches, monoliths, spheres, and pillars. From Australia's Uluru to Norway's Kjeragbolten, these formations document Earth's history.
The Czech Republic contains numerous rock formations, castles, and caves outside its capital. Explore sandstone arches in Bohemian Switzerland, witness Gothic architecture at Křivoklát Castle, or visit the limestone quarries of Velke Amerika. The country's historical sites include Renaissance chateaux, Baroque churches, and medieval fortresses, while natural landmarks feature cave systems and mountain spa towns.
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