Masarykovy sady in Jaroměř

Masarykovy sady is a municipal park in Jaroměř, stretching along the right bank of the Elbe (Labe) river in the area locals call Na Ostrově — "on the island." The name is no coincidence: the land was historically an actual island, enclosed by the river's main course and a mill channel. Today the park is one of the town's favorite spots for a walk, sitting right next to the Komenského bridge and within easy reach of the historic Josefov fortress.

When was the park founded, and where does its name come from?

The park was laid out in 1886, alongside the construction of the neighboring school — at the time a boys' school that would later be named after Masaryk. It didn't carry his name from the start, though. In 1916, still under the Habsburg monarchy, it was renamed the Gardens of Archduke Karl Franz Joseph. Only after Czechoslovakia was founded, during the First Republic, did the park receive its current name, tied to plans for a monument to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk on the grounds. The foundation stone was laid in 1923, and the monument itself, created by professor Otakar Španiel, was unveiled in 1928. In 1926 the park grounds also served as part of the exhibition area for the Economic and Industrial Exhibition of Northeastern Bohemia.

What happened to the Masaryk monument?

The monument's history mirrors the turbulent 20th century of the country itself. It was destroyed twice — first in 1940, during the occupation, by the Nazis, and again in 1953 under the communist regime. A large boulder now marks the spot where it originally stood. A new monument to T.G. Masaryk was erected on the edge of the park, next to the Masaryk Elementary School, and officially unveiled on 28 October 2003 — the anniversary of Czechoslovak independence. It's this monument that visitors pass today when entering the park from the town side.

What other monuments and sculptures stand in the park?

Besides the Masaryk monument, Masarykovy sady is home to the Shepherd (Pastýř) sculpture by local sculptor Václav Antonín Wagner. The work has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964, confirming its artistic and historical value for the region. The entire park lies within Jaroměř's municipal heritage zone, which also covers the nearby town center.

How has the park's area changed over the years?

In 1945 the park was enlarged with the addition of the former Petrova zahrada garden near Velká Obec. As a result, today's Masarykovy sady covers a larger area than the original 19th-century park.

What does the park offer visitors today?

Masarykovy sady now serves mainly as a place for recreation. Benches line the paths for anyone who wants to sit and rest, and families with children can head to a fenced wooden playground located in the part of the park closer to the river. A small gazebo also stands in the grounds, a popular spot for a short break during a walk. Because the park sits on what was once an island between two branches of the Elbe, a stroll here naturally comes with river views — making it a common stop on short walking routes around Jaroměř, often paired with a visit to the nearby Komenského bridge.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Masarykovy sady located? The park lies in Jaroměř, on the right bank of the Elbe, in the area known as Na Ostrově, next to the Komenského bridge.

When was the park founded? It was laid out in 1886, alongside the construction of the neighboring school that would later bear Masaryk's name.

Why does the Masaryk monument stand at the edge of the park rather than its original spot? The original 1928 monument was destroyed twice — by the Nazis in 1940 and by the communist regime in 1953. A new monument wasn't unveiled until 2003, in a different part of the park, next to the Masaryk Elementary School.

What historic sculptures can be seen in the park? The best known is the Shepherd (Pastýř) sculpture by Václav Antonín Wagner, protected as a cultural monument since 1964.

Is there anything for children in the park? Yes, there is a fenced wooden playground in the section of the park closer to the river.

Is the park part of Jaroměř's historic town center? Yes, Masarykovy sady falls within the town's municipal heritage zone.