Park Holubička

Park Holubička is a small pocket park in Prague's Malá Strana district, tucked into the corner where Valdštejnská and Klárov streets meet, right by the Malostranská metro station and at the foot of the Old Castle Steps. It's easy to walk past without noticing, but the handful of benches and quiet greenery make it a welcome pause in one of the busiest parts of the district.

Why is it called "Holubička" (Little Dove)?

The name comes from a sculpture, not from any resident birds. In 1960, sculptor Václav Šimka installed a work titled "Dívka s holubičkou" ("Girl with a Dove") on the site, and the park has been known by that nickname ever since. The statue remains the clearest landmark for anyone trying to get their bearings in this corner of Malá Strana.

What's the history behind the park?

The park was laid out in the 1920s on land where a military bakery had previously stood. Before that, this small plot at the base of Castle Hill served purely practical purposes tied to Prague's garrison. Turning a functional service building into a patch of public green space fits into the broader tidying-up of the area around Hradčany and Malá Strana carried out between the two world wars.

What is there to see today?

Beyond the "Girl with a Dove" statue, the park's main appeal is simply calm — a good number of benches and enough greenery to muffle the noise of the far busier streets nearby. It isn't a sightseeing destination so much as a place to sit down for a moment, and it stays noticeably quieter than the crowds a short walk away at Charles Bridge.

In 2025, the park hosted a temporary exhibition of brutalist building miniatures by artist Kryštof Kintera, staged to mark his fiftieth birthday. The models on display included the Kotva department store, Prague's central telecommunications building, and reconstructions of demolished structures such as the former Hotel Praha. The exhibition was temporary and is not a permanent feature of the park.

How do you get to Park Holubička?

The easiest route is on foot from Malostranská metro station (line A) — the park sits just a few steps from the exit, on the corner of Valdštejnská and Klárov. It's also a natural stopping point for anyone walking from Charles Bridge toward Prague Castle via the Old Castle Steps, which begin right next to it.

Is it worth a special trip?

Not really as a standalone destination, but it's a pleasant stop along the way — a few minutes are enough to take in the statue and continue on toward the castle or down to the river. Visitors who value it tend to be those looking for a quiet break away from Malá Strana's main tourist routes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the park is open to the public and can be visited daily without any restrictions.

Where does the park's name come from? From Václav Šimka's 1960 sculpture "Girl with a Dove," which stands in the park.

Are the brutalist building miniatures still on display? No. Kryštof Kintera's miniature exhibition was a temporary installation that ended in 2025 and is not a permanent part of the park.

What's the quickest way to reach the park? On foot from Malostranská metro station — the park is right at the corner of Valdštejnská and Klárov, next to the Old Castle Steps.

What's nearby? The Old Castle Steps leading up to Hradčany, and Charles Bridge, a few hundred meters away on foot.