Prague Botanical Garden

The Prague Botanical Garden, located in the beautiful district of Troja, is one of the city’s hidden treasures, covering a vast area of about 70 hectares. Founded in 1969, the garden was initially created for scientific purposes, but today it is one of the main attractions for residents and tourists, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, scientific research, and recreational spaces. Located near the famous Troja Castle and Prague Zoo, the garden is easily accessible and is an ideal destination for a day outdoors. The garden project was entrusted to architects Josef Hrůza and Jiří Navrátil and engineer J. Jager, who transformed a rugged terrain into a botanical paradise. The garden is developed on different altitude levels, ranging from 179 to 276 meters above sea level, creating a variety of microclimates suitable for plants from different parts of the world. One of the main attractions of the garden is the Fata Morgana greenhouse, a modern structure inaugurated in 2004 covering an area of 2,200 square meters. The greenhouse is divided into three climatic sections: the first one houses succulent plants and species from the savannah, coming from Central America, Madagascar, and South Africa; the second is dedicated to the tropical rainforest, with a seven-meter high waterfall; the third section, artificially cooled, features flora from the Andes, Cape Town, Tasmania, and New Zealand. This greenhouse not only offers a fascinating journey through different ecosystems but also serves as an important center for the conservation of exotic plants. Outside, the botanical garden is divided into different themed areas, each with its own uniqueness. The Peony Meadow, the North American Prairie, and the Ornamental Garden are just some of the sections showcasing the diversity of cultivated plants. The Japanese Garden, with its rhododendrons, peonies, and Japanese cherry trees, is particularly enchanting in spring and autumn, when the colors of the leaves create a magical atmosphere. Another point of interest is the Santa Clara vineyard, one of the oldest in Prague, dating back to the 13th century. The vineyard offers a panoramic view of the city and a historic wine cellar where visitors can taste local wines. The vineyard has been recently modernized and continues to produce wine, which is available for purchase at the wine shop located inside the garden.