Vilémovický tis, Protected red yew tree in Vilémovice, Czech Republic

Vilémovicky Yew is a protected red yew tree located in the garden of a baroque mansion in the village. The tree reaches approximately ten meters in height and features a notably thick trunk that visitors can observe up close.

According to legend, Benedictine monks colonising the area around 1210 found this yew while felling trees and left it standing, since the yew was held a symbol of death. A settlement named Vilémovice grew beside it. No expert age analysis or confirming records are known.

The yew appears in the coat of arms of Vilémovice. An old green plaque reading "Tree protected by the state" is embedded in its bark. The tree was to feature in the television series Paměť stromů (Memory of Trees), episode 15, but was cut for running time.

The yew stands in the rear part of the castle park in Vilémovice, sheltered by surrounding trees and a park wall. Some branches dried out in the 1990s and were removed, so the crown is less regular than in older photographs. Look for the old green label reading "Tree protected by the state" grown into the bark.

Scientists estimate this yew tree is between 1500 and 2000 years old, potentially making it the oldest tree in the Czech Republic. Its longevity comes from both the resilient nature of the yew species and the efforts of generations to protect it.