The sculptures were carved directly into the abandoned granite quarries of Lipnice, a region historically famous for its high-quality stone.
The 'Golden Eyes' monument features giant, lifelike eyes carved into the rock, reflecting the theme of constant surveillance.
The project was initiated as a reaction to the history of secret police activity in the region during the Communist era.
The installations are part of an ongoing project to transform industrial scars in the landscape into commemorative art pieces.
The three carvings of the memorial are spread across different sections of the forest, requiring visitors to hike between them.
The sculptor Radomír Dvořák involved local stone-carving students in the creation of the memorial to preserve traditional masonry skills.
Zlaté oči (Golden Eyes) is a central component of the National Memorial of Eavesdropping, a series of outdoor stone carvings located in the forests near Lipnice nad Sázavou. Created by sculptor Radomír Dvořák and his team, the monument consists of three distinct large-scale stone reliefs embedded directly into the rock face. The carvings are designed to symbolize the act of surveillance and the historical legacy of state-sponsored eavesdropping in the former Czechoslovakia. The memorial is situated along a trail that connects several related installations, including 'Ústa pravdy' (Mouth of Truth) and 'Hlava XXII' (Head XXII). These installations utilize natural granite boulders and abandoned quarry walls to create a site-specific art experience. The trail is integrated into the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands landscape. Access is provided via public walking paths through the woods surrounding the Lipnice castle area.
Directly in front of the stone eyes to capture the scale of the carving against the surrounding forest.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the paths through the forest and quarries can be uneven or muddy.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the forested quarry areas are prone to ticks and mosquitoes.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Lipnice Castle for a full day of historical exploration.
Do not rely solely on GPS, as signal can be inconsistent in the dense forest; follow local tourist trail markings.
Practice 'leave no trace' principles; do not climb on or touch the stone carvings to prevent erosion.
