- Address: 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Website: prague.eu
- Working time: 24 hours
- Date of creation: 1783
In Prague, on one of the banks of the Vltava, there are the Riegrov Gardens, created in the 18th century and the first botanical garden in the capital. Their territory extends in a hilly area, and from the highest points you can see a panoramic view of the Old Town Square , old churches, cathedrals and even remote areas of the capital.
History of the Riegel Gardens
The year of creation of this park is 1783. Prior to this, there was an old vineyard, which was bought by the Colonel of the Imperial Army, Count Josef Emanuel Canal de Malabay. It was he who decided to turn the vineyard into a botanical garden. For the first time the park was called "Kanalka" in honor of the creator, but later it was renamed the Riegrovy Gardens. So the administration decided to pay tribute to the famous politician Franz Ladislav Riegre.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the territory of the park was divided into two parts, one of which housed houses. The smaller part was allocated to Riegrovy Gardens, which became a favorite vacation spot for Prague residents.
Features of Riegro Gardens
From the very beginning the park was distinguished by precise geometric lines, which were created due to carefully planted trees and bushes. This made him look like the Schönbrunn garden in Vienna. Wolfgang Mozart was on his way to the Riegro Gardens during his first visit to Prague. "Jeweler jewel" - this is how the great composer named this botanical garden.
Now the area of the Riegro Gardens in Prague is 11 hectares. They are characterized by an uneven hilly relief, the height difference of which varies between 130-170 m.
Sights of the Riegel Gardens
In former times, access to this park was only for noble masters, who needed to get special tickets for this. Now, the Riegro Gardens are available for everyone - from students to moms with strollers.
In the park there are both open lawns, where you can see panoramic views of the capital, as well as intimate corners. In addition to the picturesque nature and the opening views to Prague, in the Riegro Gardens there are also historical sights . Among them:
- a monument to politician Franz Ladislav Riegr, on which a famous Czech sculptor Josef Myslbek worked;
- a five-meter trihedral obelisk of 1840, reminiscent of the first owner - the Earl of Joseph Emanuele Canal de Malabaye;
- Lookout tower of the XIX century, converted into a modern restaurant;
- beer garden (Beer Garden), where in a cozy atmosphere you can taste traditional Czech beer;
- Chopinova street with architectural monuments, located on the eastern border of the park;
- house number 4, designed by architect Jan Koster in 1909 in the Art Deco style;
- houses Nos. 6 and 8, built by B. Vaigant in the early XX century in the Art Nouveau style.
Riegrove gardens and themselves are one of the main sights of the capital. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of the local nature, but also attend events organized here in good weather.
How to get to the Riegel Gardens?
An ancient natural park is located on the right bank of the Vltava River less than 1 km from the center of the capital. In walking distance from the Riegro Gardens there are many tram stops, metro stations and even the main metropolitan station. For example, in less than 700 m there is the George of Podebrady metro station line A, and in 500 meters it is the tram stop Italská, to which routes Nos. 1, 11 and 13 go.
From the center of Prague to the Riviera Gardens can also be reached by car. They are led to the roads Vinohradská, Italská and Legerova. At an average load all the way takes 7-9 minutes.