Blaník

Blaník
Blaník from south west
Highest point
Elevation	638 m (2,093 ft)
Coordinates	49°38′32″N 14°52′22″E / 49.64222°N 14.87278°E / 49.64222; 14.87278Coordinates: 49°38′32″N 14°52′22″E / 49.64222°N 14.87278°E / 49.64222; 14.87278
Geography
Location	Czech Republic
Parent range	Mladovožická pahorkatina

Blaník (Czech: [Blaɲiːk]) is a mountain emblazoned with legends, in the Czech Republic near Louňovice pod Blaníkem. The hill and surrounding area is a nature reservation. The Blaník massif consists of two forested rocky hills, the Great Blaník (638 m) and the Small Blaník (580 m).

In the 5th century BC, during the Hallstatt period was at Great Blaník a Celtic Oppidum in circular shape with two rows of huge stone walls whose remains are still visible around the top, later stronghold and probably a wooden castle. The year 1404 was the beginning of the pilgrimages to the mountain. One of the traditions of local residents is New Year's Eve ascent of the mountain. In the years 1868-1871 there were held a camps requesting the Czech state law. From there has been broken off in 1868 one of the foundation stones of the National Theatre in Prague (1750 kg). At the top stands 30 m high wooden observation tower from 1941 in the shape of a Hussite watchtower.

At the top lie remains of a medieval castle. At the Small Blaník (formerly Bare Hill) are also the ruins of the pilgrimage chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, construction was completed in 1753. Then abolished in 1783 by decree of the Emperor Joseph II. Below it used to be a cave with hermit, in the middle of the ruins today grows a huge old spruce about 160 years old, which is called the "Monk".

An ancient legend says that a large army of Czech knights led by St. Wenceslas sleeps inside the mountain. The knights awaken to help the Motherland when it is in great danger. According to the legend, when this happens, Blaník's trees will dry out but an old, dead oak tree under the mountain will turn green and a small spring by the mountain will become a river. Then during an epic battle between the Czechs and their overwhelming enemy the Blaník knights will come to their aid led by St. Wenceslas on his white horse. The enemy will retreat to Prague where they will finally be defeated. Day in the mountain is long as a year on the surface.