Brethren Lime Tree

Talking about the Bohemian Brethren monuments, one shall not forget about the ancient lime tree by no. 77. Small-leaved lime with circumference 8.4 m, height 32 m, estimated age more than 450 years, is a true hallmark of the place, even though it is rather hidden out of sight, meaning you need to get closer to see it.

According to a legend the Bohemian Brethren planted it when leaving their homeland in 1547 or 1548, when the Body was closed, and they were banished.

Like with every event lost in the haze of centuries, where myth replaces history, more versions of the tree’s origin have been preserved.

In one the tree was watered by the tears of the Brethren saying farewell to their homeland. In another the tree grew from three twigs or sprigs symbolizing faith, hope and love. They were planted by the Brethren, who collected some of their native soil here to bring it with them to the new home. One way or another, it is certain that the ancient tree, originally combined from three trunks, is here to remind us of a very sad epoch in the Czech history.

The lime has just two trunks today, because the third broke in the windstorm of 1930. A chalice was made from the broken off wood, and a bowl for worshipping purposes of the renewed Bohemian Brethren. The condition of the tree is periodically inspected. The township takes great care of it to preserve the majestic lime for future generations.