Lípa neviny, Historic linden tree in Buchlov Castle, Czech Republic
Lípa neviny is an ancient linden tree growing on the grounds of Buchlov Castle. The tree rises from a lawn beneath a castle terrace and can be observed from a stone table positioned above it.
In 1581, a young nobleman named Vlček planted this tree upside down with roots pointing skyward as proof of his innocence in a murder case. The unusual planting was rooted in medieval belief that nature could testify to truth or guilt.
The tree stands as a testament to medieval Czech justice practices, where natural elements served as instruments of truth and judgment.
The tree stands in the third courtyard of Buchlov Castle at approximately 500 meters elevation. You can see it during the castle's regular opening hours.
Despite being planted upside down with roots toward the sky, the tree has continued to grow normally and sprouts multiple shoots from its unusual position. This ability to thrive under such paradoxical conditions makes it a botanical oddity that defies expectations.
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