Ctiborův dub, Historical oak tree near Střílky, Czech Republic
Ctiborův dub is an old oak tree growing near the village of Střílky in the Chřiby mountain region. Standing about 9 meters tall in an area at roughly 520 meters elevation, the trunk remains sturdy despite its age and past damage.
The tree originated roughly 600 years ago and received its name from an old tale about a bodyguard who fended off a bear with a young oak sapling. The Chřiby region has been inhabited for centuries and the tree became a landmark within this long history.
The tree takes its name from Ctibor, a bodyguard from a local legend, and links nature with the historical stories of the region. Visitors can see in this oak a symbol of brave deeds and the connection between people and their natural surroundings.
You can reach the tree by following the blue-marked hiking path from the Samota lodge toward the ruins of Střílky Castle. The trail passes through forest areas, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
In the 1940s the hollow trunk suffered damage when local children started a fire inside while trying to catch owls. The marks from this incident remain visible on the bark today.
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