Vidoule, Natural monument in Jinonice, Czech Republic.
Vidoule is a table hill of 372 m in the northwest corner of Jinonice, between Košíře and Butovice, whose southern, southeastern and northern slopes are protected as a natural monument. Its summit plateau is capped by marls and opuky of the Lower Turonian over Cenomanian sandstone, and the slopes carry rock outcrops, former pastures and scrub.
Originally called Vidova hora, the hill's foot was used in 1680 to bury victims of the plague. Until 1948, caves cut into the rock sheltered Prague's poor. The summit later held a waterworks complex, a school campus and remains of state air defence fortifications.
The hill's original name was Vidova hora. In 1680, during the plague epidemic, victims of the disease were buried at the foot of the hill. Until 1948, caves cut into the rock were inhabited by Prague's poor.
Access is available via two walking routes: a natural path along the base and an upper trail with views from the ridge. Wear sturdy footwear and respect the protected status, as this area requires careful handling by all visitors.
The summit holds remains of Czechoslovakia's state air defence (PVOS): forts, ruined buildings, underground tunnels, roads and fences, just west of the Odkolek bakery. The hill is also one of Prague's few remaining unbuilt plateaus, and its sandstone walls hide springs that feed the Motolský potok.
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