Hanův park

Hanův Park is the largest municipal park in Domažlice, located in the Týnské Předměstí district on the eastern edge of the town's historic center. Established in 1933, it has served as the town's main green space and recreation area ever since, in this small Chodsko-region town near the German border.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park is named after Petr Hana (1836–1908), a merchant, entrepreneur and politician aligned with the Young Czech party, who served as mayor of Domažlice for sixteen years, from 1889 to 1905. During his time in office the town gained boys' and girls' schools, an expanded hospital, a public library, a sewage system and a new town hall. Hana also co-founded the local branch of the Czech Tourists' Club in 1893 and chaired it until the end of his mayoral term. In recognition of his service, the emperor awarded him the Golden Cross of Merit with Crown.

What is the park's centerpiece?

The dominant feature of Hanův Park is the monument to Petr Hana, unveiled in 1933, the same year the park itself was laid out. The bust was created by sculptor Alois Langenberger and remains the park's focal point and most photographed spot.

Are there other historic features in the park?

The park also holds a column shrine (boží muka), a small wayside sacred monument protected as a cultural heritage site. Structures like this are a familiar part of the Chodsko regional landscape, typically found at crossroads and places of remembrance.

Did the park once have a small zoo?

Yes. For decades, Hanův Park was home to a small zookoutek — a municipal animal corner where residents and visitors could see birds of prey, storks, peacocks, deer and badgers. The zoo eventually closed, but the idea of bringing it back keeps surfacing in local debates about the park's revitalization; as recently as 2023, Domažlice councillors were still discussing whether the zookoutek could return to its former spot.

What is the park like today?

Hanův Park remains the largest green space in Domažlice. It hasn't seen a major overhaul in a long time, which is why the town keeps returning to the topic of revitalization — alongside the zoo question, discussions also cover new paths, planting and recreational infrastructure. The park serves the role typical of large municipal green spaces: a place for everyday walks, a bench in the shade of old trees, and a quick stop for visitors touring the town.

Who is this place for?

It's primarily a destination for Domažlice residents looking for a break close to the center, but it's also worth a look for visitors exploring the Chodsko region — the park combines a recreational role with a layer of local history (the mayor's monument, the wayside shrine) and is an easy walk from the town square.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hanův Park located? In Domažlice, in the Týnské Předměstí district, east of the town's historic center.

When was Hanův Park established? The park was laid out in 1933 and named after Domažlice's long-serving mayor, Petr Hana.

Who was Petr Hana? A merchant and politician who served as mayor of Domažlice from 1889 to 1905 and initiated the construction of schools, a hospital, a library and the town hall.

What's worth seeing in the park? The 1933 monument to Petr Hana by sculptor Alois Langenberger, and a historic column shrine (boží muka).

Does the park still have a zoo? No — the historic zookoutek has closed, though the town has discussed restoring it as part of the park's revitalization.

Is it a large park? Yes, it's the largest park in Domažlice.