Park Charlotty G. Masarykové

Charlotte Garrigue Masaryková Park is a compact, leafy green space in Prague's Hradčany district, laid out along the line of the city's former Baroque fortifications, right next to the historic Písek Gate. It's a spot where Prague's military past quietly gives way to shaded paths and a calm, local pace of life.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park sits in Prague 6, on the boundary between Hradčany and Bubeneč, just a short walk from Prague Castle. It's framed by the streets Na Valech, Badeniho, Mickiewiczova, Na baště sv. Ludmily, Na baště sv. Jiří and Tychonova. One quirk worth knowing before you visit: the street K Brusce cuts straight through it, splitting the green space into two separate sections that you cross one after the other.

Why does the park have such an unusual, elongated shape?

The layout is no accident. The ground beneath today's lawns and footpaths was once a defensive moat, part of the Baroque fortification ring that encircled Prague. Once the military no longer needed the land, the city bought it in 1913 and turned it into a public park, likely to a design by architect Karel Skalák. That's why the paths still trace the outline of the old ramparts and bastions — walking through the park effectively means walking the perimeter of Prague's historic defensive works.

How did the park get its current name?

Originally the place carried a much plainer name, simply the park or orchard by the Písek Gate (park/sad u Písecké brány), after the nearby historic city gate. It wasn't renamed until 2001, when it was dedicated to Charlotte Garrigue Masaryková. American-born and originally surnamed Garrigue, she was the wife of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia — and out of respect for her, he added her maiden name to his own. Charlotte was known for her progressive, feminist views and her active social engagement, and naming a park in the heart of Hradčany after her was a way of honoring her role alongside the country's founding president.

What should visitors know about its heritage status and restorations?

The site was already listed as a cultural monument back in 1973, recognizing the historical value of the old fortification remnants. It later underwent two major refurbishments: a first round in 2000, followed by a more extensive renovation between 2003 and 2006. Together these projects gave the park its current tidy paths, greenery and resting spots, while still preserving the character of the original 20th-century design built over the old ramparts.

Why is it worth a stop while exploring Hradčany?

The park is only a few minutes' walk from Prague Castle, making it an easy, quiet break from the crowds around the main sights. It also offers a glimpse of a less touristy side of Hradčany — a small, villa-lined neighborhood that grew up on top of the old bastions — along with a close-up look at the Písek Gate and some breathing room away from the busier streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the park? The easiest way is on foot from Prague Castle, or by tram to the Mickiewiczova/Tychonova area in Hradčany.

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's an open public city park with no entrance fee, accessible year-round.

Where does the park's current name come from? It was renamed in 2001 in honor of Charlotte Garrigue Masaryková, the American-born wife of Czechoslovakia's first president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.

What's nearby? The historic Písek Gate stands right beside the park, and Prague Castle is just a few minutes' walk away.