Chotkovy sady

Chotkovy sady is Prague's oldest public park, tucked into a hillside right below Prague Castle in the Hradčany district. Covering less than four hectares, this compact, densely wooded plot has served locals for nearly two centuries as a shaded walking spot with views over the rooftops of Malá Strana and the towers of the castle above.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park was originally called "Lidová zahrada" (People's Garden). Only in 1841, a few years after it opened, was it renamed in honour of Count Karel Chotek, the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia at the time, on whose initiative the garden had been created.

How did the park come to be?

Chotkovy sady was founded in 1832, and its creation was closely tied to the building of a new road connecting central Prague with the area around the castle — today's Chotkova Street. That road replaced a steep, awkward footpath known as "Myší díra" ("Mouse Hole"), which visitors previously had to climb to reach the castle. The park was laid out in the English landscape style, with winding paths and informally arranged greenery, a clear departure from the geometric formality of earlier Baroque gardens. It is considered the first park in Prague conceived from the start as a genuinely public space rather than a private garden attached to a palace.

What is there to see in Chotkovy sady?

Beyond the mature trees and greenery, the park holds a monument to the Czech writer Julius Zeyer, unveiled in 1913 — one of Prague's better-known Art Nouveau-era park sculptures. Viewing terraces within the park open onto the Vltava valley and the rooftops of Malá Strana, making it a popular stop for visitors walking from Prague Castle down toward Charles Bridge.

Where exactly is the park located?

Chotkovy sady borders the Royal Garden (Královská zahrada) and Prague Castle directly, in the Hradčany district. It makes a natural stop for anyone touring the castle complex — simply exit through the gate facing Chotkova Street to find yourself among its old tree-lined avenues.

Is the park changing?

The park had long been waiting for renovation, as its paths and infrastructure had grown worn over the decades. The Prague Castle Administration launched a competition for the site's revitalisation, and the winning design aims to preserve the park's historic character while adding new viewpoints and rest areas for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chotkovy sady the oldest park in Prague? Yes — it is regarded as the first park in the city conceived as a genuinely public space, opened in 1832.

Where does the park's name come from? From Count Karel Chotek, the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia, at whose initiative the park was created. It was originally called "Lidová zahrada."

What is worth seeing in the park? The 1913 monument to writer Julius Zeyer, and the viewing terraces overlooking the Vltava and Malá Strana.

How big is the park? It covers roughly 3.7 hectares.

How do I reach the park from Prague Castle? The park sits directly next to the Royal Garden and Prague Castle, reachable from Chotkova Street, just a few minutes' walk from the castle's main gates.