“A quarry, you say?” “Yes, a quarry, but not just any quarry.” The Národní přírodní památka Cikánka I, right here before you, was once a bustling quarry. This quarry supplied the renowned Slivenec marble, an ornamental stone popular in central Bohemia. Evidence suggests that the quarry’s activity dates back to the 13th century. Imagine the rhythmic clang of hammers and chisels echoing through the air. This marble, quarried from this very spot, was used to create tombstones in the Old Jewish Cemetery, paving stones on Prague’s streets, and decorative elements in various Baroque churches. Now a testament to Prague’s natural heritage, the Národní přírodní památka Cikánka I has shed its industrial past. It boasts a rich feather grass steppe, home to a diverse ecosystem of thermophilic flora and fauna. The quarry’s legacy lives on, not in stone, but in the vibrant tapestry of life that thrives within its bounds.
Lochkovský potok
Listen closely. Have you ever felt the hush of a hidden stream a secret whispered among the trees? That’s the