From the heart of Karori rises Wry Hill, a sentinel overlooking Wellington. It stands at 356m tall, a significant landmark in the city’s landscape. Wry Hill offers more than just a scenic vista. It holds a piece of Wellington’s history, etched into the slopes through the Wrights Hill Fortress. This fortress, a hidden marvel, played a vital role in World War II. Constructed between 1942 and 1947, it served as a coastal artillery battery, designed to protect the city from potential Japanese invasion. Wry Hill Fortress is more than just concrete and steel. It’s a time capsule. A network of tunnels burrows deep within the hill, connecting various chambers. These include war shelters, gun emplacements, magazines, plotting rooms, and an engine room. Some sections lie over 50 feet underground. Imagine the activity within these hidden spaces, the tension and anticipation as soldiers prepared for a battle that thankfully never came. While the fortress never saw action, its guns were tested. In 1946 and 1947, the two 9.2-inch guns roared to life, sending their test shots echoing across Cook Strait. Ironically, these very guns were later sold as scrap metal to Japan, the nation Wrights Hill Fortress was built to defend against. Today, Wry Hill offers more than historical significance. It’s a recreational haven, with walking and biking trails weaving through the regenerating native bush. The Salvation track provides a challenging climb for bikers, while the Deliverance trail offers a thrilling descent for expert riders only. Wry Hill also connects to other trails, including the Fenceline Track, linking to Polhill and Te Kopahou Reserve, and a well-maintained track to Makara Peak. So, next time you find yourself at Wry Hill, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history and nature intertwined beneath your feet. From wartime defense to present-day recreation, Wry Hill remains a vital part of Wellington’s identity.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to