Parukářka Park: A Žižkov Green Escape

Parukářka Park, situated on the Hill of the Holy Cross in Prague's Žižkov district, provides a unique escape with a rich history. Originally established as vineyards by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, the area later became known as Hejtmánka. In the 19th century, it was acquired by Jan Hrabánek, a wig maker, giving the park its current name. The park's transformation continued with the establishment of an ammunition factory, Sellier & Bellot, in 1826. The factory produced percussion caps and ammunition until it was moved in 1935 due to safety concerns as the city expanded. Remnants of the factory walls can still be seen near the path leading to the hilltop. During the Cold War, Parukářka Hill became the location of a massive anti-nuclear bunker, the Bezovka complex, built between 1950 and 1955. The bunker was designed to shelter 5,000 people for up to two weeks, with its own water and electricity sources. Today, part of the bunker houses the Cold War Museum, and tours are available. Today, Parukářka Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It features three playgrounds, a dog obstacle course, table tennis, and the longest slide in Prague. Visitors can enjoy refreshments at the Hospůdka Parukářka, a beer garden near the bunker entrance. The park also offers grilling spots, a nature trail, and a menhir, a mystical stone monument erected in 2004. The hilltop provides stunning views of Prague Castle, the Žižkov Television Tower, and the National Monument in Vítkov.