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Spring and Summer Gardens
The joy of public gardens is not only our delight in the lavish seasonal displays but the realization that someone else is responsible for all the work. All you need to do is stroll and enjoy what teams of gardeners have prepared.
The Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada)
The Franciscan Garden, tiny and hidden in the center of a block just off Wenceslas Square, is a delightful place to sit on any sunny day. It's known for its climbing roses, quiet benches, and herb garden. In one corner is a tiny playground for young children. The appealing facade Our Lady of the Snows church adds to the ambiance of this peaceful oasis in the busiest quarter of Prague.
New visitors to the garden can sometimes discover the entrances are elusive. The garden is accessible from either Jungmannovo námesti or through gates at the end of the arcade "Pasáž Světozor" off Wenceslas Square at Vodičkova 39. If you come through the pasáž, you can buy a small delicious ice cream cone on the way.
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Farther afield are two gardens in Pruhonice, at the edge of Prague, but still accessible by city transit services.
Pruhonice Castle gardens
These large gardens complete with woods, large pond, streams, and castle are well worth a visit to the outskirts of Prague. Stroll the well-groomed paths in the footsteps of the nobility who developed the garden.
The Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences has offices in the little chateau, so it is not open to the public. However, it hosts a small permanent educational exhibit about the park. A wide variety of restaurants are within 3 minutes walk of the park.
From Metro C stop "Opatov" take bus 385 to get to the little central square in Pruhonice. See interactive map below.
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Horticultural garden (Dendrologická zahrada) in Pruhonice
Few other than residents or botanists seem know about this splendid and vast garden. Open from the first Tuesday in April until the last Sunday in October, this research garden is worth the trip for its sweeping landscapes, large pond, rhododendrons and azaleas, climbing and bush roses, as well as lush beds of tulips, peonies, oriental poppies, and iris in season.
Check the detailed calendar of blooming seasons and information about admissions hours and prices. A small nursery near the entrance sells plants.
The horticultural gardens are most easily reached by car, but the Metro, plus bus and a short walk will also get you there. From Metro C stop "Opatov" take bus 385 to get to the Aquapalace Hotel and walk to the entrance of the park.
Interactive Map of Pruhonice
Hedgie's interactive map shows Pruhonice Castle, the Horticultural Garden, the Aquapalace Hotel, and the bus stop you'll need. Click on both the red map markers and the links for more information.
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