The sculptor Václav Levý, who carved these rocks, was the mentor of the renowned Czech sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek.
The sandstone faces are part of a larger, fragmented gallery of sculptures Levý created in the forest during his time as a castle employee.
The sculptures are often referred to as 'Devil's Heads' because of the menacing expressions intended to mimic demonic figures from regional folklore.
The carvings have been exposed to the elements for nearly 180 years, resulting in significant weathering of the original fine details.
The site is part of the Protected Landscape Area (CHKO) Kokořínsko – Máchův kraj, which protects both the geological formations and local biodiversity.
Devil's Head (Čertovy hlavy) consists of two nine-meter-tall faces carved directly into sandstone cliffs in a forest near Želízy. These sculptures were created between 1841 and 1846 by Václav Levý, a sculptor who served as the chef at the nearby Liběchov Castle. The reliefs are located within the Kokořínsko region, which is known for its unique rock formations and sandstone topography. The site serves as a trailhead for various marked hiking paths through the surrounding deciduous woodland. The carvings are prone to natural erosion due to the soft nature of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin sandstone. Access to the cliff face is entirely free and located on public forest land. The figures represent demonic visages, reflecting the Romantic era's fascination with folklore and dramatic natural settings. There are additional, smaller carvings by the same artist located in the nearby woods, including the 'Snake' and the 'Sphinx'.
From the bottom of the trail looking upward, using a wide-angle lens to capture both heads in one frame.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the forest trails can be muddy and uneven.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the dense forest canopy often attracts mosquitoes.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, as the narrow forest paths become congested on weekends.
Attempting to climb the vertical rock faces; focus on viewing from the designated forest path to prevent further erosion.
Do not touch, climb on, or carve into the soft sandstone, as it is highly susceptible to mechanical damage.
