Žižka's oak, Ancient oak tree in Náměšť nad Oslavou, Czech Republic.
Žižka's oak is a summer oak in Náměšť nad Oslavou that reaches about 20 meters in height with a massive trunk around 10 meters in circumference. The interior of the trunk is hollow and has been sealed with a shingled roof.
Dendrology studies suggest the tree originated around 960 when thick forests covered Moravia. Its age of roughly 1000 years makes it a rare survivor from that distant period.
The oak got its name during the Czech national revival period as a symbolic connection to Jan Žižka, a medieval military leader.
The tree sits at the end of a narrow, winding road, so it is best to park your car about 150 meters away. This precaution makes the location easy to visit without hassle.
The trunk becomes noticeably wider as you go up, gaining an extra meter of circumference at about 5 meters above ground. This unusual shape is the result of 1000 years of growth and makes the tree botanically noteworthy.
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