přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole

Gazing upon this unassuming landscape, can you imagine the echoes of ancient geological processes that shaped the very ground beneath our feet? Here at Přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole, we stand at a crossroads of time. The two rocky outcrops flanking Plzeňská Street, near the Motol Crematorium, whisper tales of a distant past. Přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole became a protected natural monument in 1982. This area, spanning nearly four hectares and reaching elevations between 285 and 318 meters, holds a unique geological significance. Přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole is a prime example of the Motol Formation of the Lower Silurian period. These outcrops reveal fascinating glimpses into the Earth’s history. The rock formations themselves, composed of Silurian diabases and shales, provide a window into the deep past. The prominent rocky outcrop known as Kalvárie overlooks the Motolský Brook valley. This area’s southern slopes, sparsely dotted with vegetation, are remnants of what was once a thriving rocky steppe ecosystem. The northern slopes, transformed into a park in the late 20th century, now offer a recreational haven for the nearby Řepy housing estate. Přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole houses a surprising diversity of plant and animal life. The resilient Sesleria albicans and Cirsium pannonicum cling to the northern slopes beneath the dark pines. Here, the rare relict Allium strictum thrives on the rock with the inscribed cross, making this one of its few remaining habitats in Bohemia. The south-facing slopes still harbor fragments of feather grass steppe, creating a refuge for small invertebrate fauna. The protected area has faced significant human impact over the years. Originally used as pastureland, the cessation of this activity in the mid-20th century led to a gradual overgrowth of the area. The introduction of non-native tree species, like the black pine and acacia, further altered the landscape. However, ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect the remaining rocky steppe communities and, if possible, expand them in the future. As you stand here at Přírodní památka Kalvárie v Motole, let your imagination transport you back to a time when these rocks stood bare and exposed, when ancient seas teemed with life. The remnants of this past are still visible today. Take a moment to appreciate the enduring power of nature.