Čičov, Natural rock formation and steppe reserve in Libčeves, Czech Republic.
Čičov is a nature reserve in the village of Libčeves in the Czech Republic, centered on a bare basalt hill. The site features exposed rock faces and open grassland typical of steppe environments.
The reserve was given protected status in 1951 to shield its geological formations and plant life from active basalt quarrying at the time. That decision allowed the natural plant communities on the hill to survive to this day.
The exposed basalt rock at Čičov draws geologists and botanists who come to study rare aragonite crystals found inside the rock formations. These crystals are uncommon in basalt, which makes this site a point of interest for researchers across the region.
The reserve is within walking distance of the Libčeves-Horenec bus stop, with a short path leading up to the hill. The terrain is easy to walk on foot and no special equipment is needed.
The southern slopes of Čičov are home to the Czech meadow pasque flower and Danish milk-vetch, two plant species that are very rare in the region. Both thrive in the dry and sunny conditions that the exposed rock naturally creates on that side of the hill.
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