Behold the Chabská lípa a venerable sentinel. This is the oldest surviving linden tree in all of Prague. It stands proudly though hidden behind a private wall.
The Chabská lípa or Linden tree in Chaby is more than just a tree. It’s a living testament to the history of this area. It silently witnessed centuries unfold in the small settlement of Chaby. Just imagine the stories it could tell. Stories of the two farmsteads that once stood here. Stories of the nearby late Romanesque Church of Saints John and Paul. This hints at a larger settlement than you might imagine.
Records show that in the early 16th century a maltster named Prokop Prase owned this land. He generously donated the property including this magnificent linden to the Church of Saint Vojtěch. Later Chaby along with Zličín became part of Prague in 1968.
The Chabská lípa is a small-leaved linden Tilia cordata. Its trunk measures an impressive 665 centimeters in circumference. It reaches a height of 21 meters. Its broad crown is supported by ten main branches. Some say it has lived through 260 years. Evidence of past pruning is visible in the way its branches grow. They ascend in nearly parallel levels. This amazing tree has endured decades of storms and changes. It continues to thrive. It provides a subtle but important connection to Prague’s rich past.
Although not publicly accessible the Chabská lípa remains a symbol of resilience and longevity. It’s a hidden treasure a secret whisper of Prague’s enduring spirit. This remarkable tree stands as a silent guardian of history. A true wonder of nature. It reminds us of the long-lasting legacy of even seemingly small places. It has become something sacred. A reminder that age and beauty can coexist even in unexpected places.