Grébovka, also known as Havlíčkovy sady, is one of the most charming and peaceful spots in Prague, and visiting it was a truly delightful experience. The moment I entered the park, I was struck by the beauty of its greenery and the calm atmosphere, which feels like a quiet escape from the busy city. One of the highlights of the park is its stunning fountain, which is beautifully designed and surrounded by benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. The sound of flowing water adds to the peaceful ambiance and makes it an ideal spot for sitting, reading, or just reflecting.
Another fascinating feature of Grébovka is its small caves, which give the park a unique and slightly mysterious charm. Walking through these caves feels like stepping into a different world, and they offer interesting photo opportunities. The architecture and details in the park, from the old stone pathways to the decorative elements around the fountain and caves, show that a lot of care has been put into maintaining this beautiful space.
The park is spacious and well-kept, with plenty of areas to walk, picnic, or simply enjoy the surroundings. It’s not as crowded as some of the more famous attractions in Prague, which makes it easier to fully appreciate its beauty and relax in a serene environment. Families, couples, and solo visitors alike can find something enjoyable here, whether it’s exploring the caves, taking a leisurely walk, or admiring the fountain and gardens.
Overall, Grébovka is a wonderful combination of nature, architecture, and tranquility. It offers a break from the hustle and bustle of Prague and gives visitors a chance to connect with nature while enjoying a unique and picturesque setting. I would highly recommend Grébovka to anyone visiting Prague, whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, a scenic spot for photography, or simply a charming park to explore. It is a hidden gem that should...
Read moreHavlíčkovy Sady, or Grébovka, is Prague’s second-largest park, laid out in the English style with winding paths under old trees, terraced slopes, and the Botič stream running along its lower edge. At the heart of it stands the legacy of Moritz Gröbe, railway and mining tycoon, who built his summer villa and estate here in the 1870s.
Gröbe’s commission left the park with a curious mix of Romantic architecture and winemaking tradition. The Grotta, designed by Antonín Barvitius and Josef Vorlíček, is a theatrical rockwork cavern with pools, grotto arches, and a fountain court - part of a 19th-century fashion for artificial caves. Higher up, the Viniční altán (c. 1880) looks out over the city: a wooden belvedere pavilion set among the vines, restored in the 2000s after long neglect during the communist years. Its terraces today make one of the finest vineyard viewpoints in Prague.
The Villa Grébovka itself is a neo-Renaissance mansion, once a private summer palace, now ringed with lawns and circular carriageways. Gröbe laid its foundation stone in 1871, marking his ascent into Prague’s industrial elite. Below, the sloping vineyards recall a tradition much older than the tycoon: Charles IV first planted vines here as part of his 14th-century programme for the New Town, later nurtured under Rudolf II. Czech wines - crisp, acidic, shaped by the northern climate - are still produced here on a small urban scale.
Across the grounds, playful follies remain. The Pavilon Grébovka, designed by Josef Schulz in the 1870s, was Gröbe’s games room: skittles to the west, archery to the east, all in a rustic-romantic wooden shell. Today it serves quieter refreshment. Between grotto, villa, vineyards and pavilion, Grébovka feels less like a single design and more like a patchwork of Prague’s cultural ambitions - aristocratic garden ideals, bourgeois industry, and the stubborn survival of winegrowing on the...
Read moreOne of the best parks Prague has to offer. The park is extremely large and offers a lot of unique experiences as part of it.
At one of the enterances there is a playground where children may enjoy themselves. Further on you stumble upon a large palace with a platform that gives you a stunning view of Prague.
Further down you reach an old looking wooden building that serves as a restaurant, located right above a field of wine grapes.
Further down there are large open fields of grass with the occasional tall tree which create a nice shade in summer. At the bottom of the park you can find a circle of flowers and public toilets.
The highlight of this park for me however are the man made caves that you can fully explore. This area includes a beutiful fountain and court with two more floors. The second floor offers a nice view of the fountain and some private seating. The third floor is made up of multiple paths carved into the rock, allowing for a fun time trying to uncover what hides in each corner.
Overall the best park in Prague and truly...
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