The basalt columns were formed approximately 30 million years ago during the Tertiary period.
The cooling process created regular geometric shapes, primarily pentagonal and hexagonal prisms.
Panská skála is the most famous example of columnar jointing in the Czech Republic.
The site was officially declared a protected natural monument in 1953.
The columns were exposed after workers began mining the stone for local glassmaking and construction purposes.
The site achieved international fame as a filming location for the popular 1959 Czech fairy tale movie 'Proud Princess'.
Mansion Rock, known locally as Panská skála, is a protected geological monument featuring vertical basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The site consists of pentagonal and hexagonal columns up to 12 meters long that were exposed by centuries of quarrying. This formation resulted from the cooling of basaltic lava in a volcanic vent during the Tertiary period. It is recognized as the oldest protected geological formation in the Czech Republic. The exposure was historically used as a quarry before being preserved for its scientific and aesthetic value. The structure is often called the 'Organ' due to the arrangement of its vertical columns resembling the pipes of a musical instrument. It is located near the town of Kamenický Šenov in the Lusatian Mountains.
From the small pond at the base, which provides a reflection of the vertical rock pillars.
Walk the circular path around the base to view the columns from different angles.
Wear shoes with good grip as the surrounding terrain is uneven and can be slippery.
The area is fully open-air; check weather forecasts before arriving.
Do not attempt to climb the steep face of the basalt columns, as it is prohibited to protect the formation.
