On the right bank of the River Vltava, in the peaceful Troja district, several places of interest to nature lovers lie within proximity to each other. One of the most visited tourist attractions is, of course, Prague Zoo. However, if you’d prefer peace and quiet instead of weaving your way through crowds, we recommend that you go next door – to the Prague Botanic Gardens.
The extensive complex lies on the Troja side of the River Vltava, an area of interest from a nature perspective, and comprises three parts. The largest is an outdoor exhibition with over 10,000 species of flowers and plants, and you can admire flora from a variety of Northern forests, the Mediterranean, prairies and semi-desert areas. The most appealing section is the Japanese meditation garden, where, among other things, regular bonsai exhibitions are held.
Another 5,000, predominantly thermophilous species, are kept in greenhouses. The largest, Fata Morgana, covering 1,750 square metres and forming a separate garden, houses mostly tropical and sub-tropical plants. The beautiful blooms of orchids, bromeliads and anthuriums are the favourite of many visitors, who come to see them all the year round.
Don’t miss the last part of the complex, St Clare’s Vineyard (Vinice sv. Kláry), the history of which goes back to the 13th century. Wine lovers will be delighted to know that the vines are still cultivated there. You can also taste the wine produced at the vineyard, at the Vinotéka sv. Kláry, on the site.
Whether you visit the Prague Botanic Gardens in the spring, summer, autumn or winter months, they will always have something to offer.
