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Klácelka

Klácelka is a man-made cave in a forest near Liběchov in the Czech Republic, created during the 1840s by the sculptor Václav Levý. Chiseled from sandstone, it forms an allegorical Blaník hall of sleeping heroes. The complex includes figures such as Zdeněk Zásmucký, the Hussite leaders Jan Žižka and Prokop Holý, the sleeping Blaník army, and dwarf figures forging weapons for them. The interior walls are decorated with reliefs from František Klácel’s fable Lišák Ferina. The work commemorates Klácel and reflects Protestant symbolism and memories of the Hussite Wars. It is freely accessible along a blue tourist trail near Želízy.

Klácelka stone reliefs in a wooded setting, with carved figures in recessed niches and iron gates in front.
Klácelka stone reliefs shown in a wooded area near a leaf-covered path and iron fence.
© Petr1868 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Two carved knight figures in the Klácelka rock face beside a metal gate and railings.
Knights carved into the rock face at Klácelka, with a gate and railings in front.
© · Public domain
Klácelka rock cave with a dark arched entrance and a gated stone alcove in the forest.
Klácelka in Litoměřice District, showing a weathered rock cave with a carved entrance and a gated alcove.
August 2023 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Klácelka sandstone relief of a motorcyclist riding left on a stone wall
A carved motorcyclist relief at Klácelka, shown in a close view of the stone wall.
© · Public domain
A narrow forest trail near Klácelka winds downhill past moss-covered boulders and bare trees.
A wooded trail beside the Klácelka area, with mossy boulders and exposed roots along the path.
April 2026 © · CC0

Identification

TypeMan-made cave with a complex of sculptural works
TitleKlácelka

Historical context

Date createdAround 1840, during the 1840s

Creator

ArtistVáclav Levý
Artist descriptionUntutored young man at the time of carving; one of the more interesting Czech monumental sculptors of the 19th century

Discovery and provenance

Named afterFrantišek Klácel, theologian and philosopher
Depicted subjectIllustrations to František Matouš Klácel's fable Ferina lišak

Iconography and meaning

Figures depictedZdeněk Zásmucký, Jan Žižka, Prokop Holý, the sleeping Blaník army, and dwarves wielding or forging weapons
Additional carved symbolA chalice carved on a nearby rock, symbol of the Hussites
Interior decorationInterior walls festooned with reliefs from Klácel's fable Lišák Ferina
Interpretation of subject matterHuman weaknesses expressed through animal allegories
ThemeBlaník theme associated with Protestant symbolism and the memory of the Hussite Wars
Artistic formAllegorical Blaník, described as a hall of sleeping heroes

Materials

MaterialSandstone rock

Physical characteristics

SiteCave and surrounding sandstone outcrop

Location and ownership

LocationForest near Liběchov, Mělník District, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Specific settingLeft side of the valley of the Liběchovka stream, within Liběchov, just under 1 km south of Želízy
AccessFreely accessible
Access routeBlue circular hiking trail from Liběchov through Želízy and Tupadly
Nearby related siteThe Devil's Head above Želízy, another work by Václav Levý
Nearby related artworksPasses other monumental sculptures by Levý, including the Devil's Heads

History and restoration

ConditionHeavily damaged by water, wind, and tourists