Lidická hrušeň, Historical pear tree in Lidice, Czech Republic.
The Lidická hrušeň is a common pear tree of the Pařížanka variety growing in Lidice beside the memorial's main path, between the footbridge over the stream and the ground plan of the church, next to the well. When it was declared a protected tree on 11 July 2007 it measured 9.5 metres in height with a trunk circumference of 162 cm. Its crown was broken by the blast when St Martin's church was blown up, and the damage is still visible on the trunk.
The tree existed before Lidice was completely destroyed by Nazi forces on June 10, 1942, and was the only fruit tree to survive the demolition of the entire village. Its survival connects the present directly to this tragic chapter of World War II.
The pear is of the Pařížanka variety, a common pear (Pyrus communis). Local resident Antonín Nešpor identified it in 2001 as one of three saplings planted in 1941 by guard Václav Vandrdle and Anna Peková, using his mother's account, period photographs and Peková's own testimony.
The tree is easily accessible from the main path of the memorial complex and can be visited throughout the year. It is best to respect the marked protection zone around it and refrain from leaning objects against it or attempting to climb.
The tree bears visible scars from the explosions that destroyed the village, yet its crown regenerated and continues to grow from the damaged trunk. These marks and its ongoing growth tell a story of resilience that visitors can see firsthand.
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