Lukasova lípa, Solitary linden tree in Telecí, Czech Republic.
Lukasova lípa is a solitary linden tree growing in a rural setting near the Church of St. Mary Magdalena, with a trunk measuring several meters in diameter at its base. The interior contains a spacious natural cavity formed over centuries of growth.
During the 17th century, when religious persecution swept the region, local residents used the hollow trunk to hide and conduct secret worship services. This made the tree a silent witness to acts of faith and community resilience.
The tree earned its name from villagers who gathered inside its hollow trunk to copy religious texts and sing prayers, with their voices carrying across the countryside. This practice turned the tree into a gathering place and a symbol of shared faith.
The tree can be reached by following marked hiking trails from the village center, roughly 500 meters from the main square. The walk is straightforward and the route is easy to follow.
The interior cavity is spacious enough to accommodate multiple people, a feature that developed naturally over many centuries of growth. This unusual structure made it possible for groups to gather while remaining concealed.
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