The Devil's Pillar, Stone formation in Vyšehrad, Czech Republic.
Description
The Devil's Pillar consists of three large stone columns made of granodiorite, standing within the grounds of the historic Vyšehrad fortress in Prague. Each column rises several meters from the ground and bears visible signs of weathering and damage from centuries past.
History
The columns are first documented in a text called Bellum hussiticum, which mentions fragments of one pillar at the cemetery of the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Over time, these stone remnants became integrated into the Vyšehrad fortress landscape where they remain today.
Culture
A local story tells of a priest who made a wager with the devil to hold a Mass service before the devil could bring a column from Rome. This tale remains deeply rooted in how people understand and speak about this place today.
Practical
The site is located within the Vyšehrad fortress complex and can be reached through the main entrance area of the grounds. Visitors should explore the fortress on foot, and pathways may vary in condition depending on weather and recent maintenance work.
Did you know?
Geological studies prove that the stones actually come from quarries in central Bohemia near the Sázava region, not from Rome as legends claim. This scientific finding contradicts the popular story and shows how local tales can differ greatly from what really happened.
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