Park Miroslava Horníčka

Park Miroslava Horníčka is a small, quiet park in the center of Plzeň, tucked just behind the Great Synagogue of Plzeň. Despite sitting only steps from Republic Square and the busy city center, it stays calm — a spot locals slip into for a short break away from the noise of downtown.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park is named after Miroslav Horníček, an actor, writer and satirist born in Plzeň on November 10, 1918, and one of the most recognizable figures in twentieth-century Czech culture. The Plzeň 3 district council gave the park his name in 2004 to honor its famous native son.

What is there to see in the park?

The park's centerpiece is a bust of Miroslav Horníček created by academic sculptor František Bálek, unveiled on November 10, 2004. A year earlier, on the same date in 2003, a memorial plaque dedicated to the artist was unveiled at the same spot. Beyond the monument, the park is mostly greenery and benches — a compact place to sit rather than a park built around attractions.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park sits directly behind the building of the Great Synagogue of Plzeň, close to Republic Square, the city's historic heart. Because of this position it is sometimes described as a hidden corner of downtown: despite being so central, few visitors know about it, since it is tucked behind surrounding buildings and off the main walking routes.

Who is this park for?

The park works best as a short stop while exploring central Plzeň, for instance right after visiting the Great Synagogue next door. It is not a destination worth a dedicated trip on its own, but a pleasant addition to a walk through the historic center, especially for anyone curious about Miroslav Horníček and postwar Czech culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Miroslav Horníček, the park's namesake? Miroslav Horníček (1918–2003) was born in Plzeň and worked as an actor, writer and satirist, regarded as one of the notable figures of twentieth-century Czech cultural life. The park was named after him in 2004 by decision of the Plzeň 3 district council.

What is in the park besides greenery? The main memorial feature is a bust of Miroslav Horníček by sculptor František Bálek, unveiled in 2004, along with a memorial plaque unveiled a year earlier — both placed to mark consecutive anniversaries of the artist's birth on November 10.

How do you get to the park? The park sits right behind the Great Synagogue of Plzeň, a short walk from Republic Square, in the very heart of Plzeň's historic center, making it easy to fold into a walking route through downtown.

Is the park worth visiting? It is a small spot that doesn't require a long visit — a few minutes are enough for a quiet walk and a look at the bust. It works best as a brief stop while sightseeing nearby landmarks, including the synagogue itself.

Is the park open to everyone? Yes, as a public green space it is freely accessible to everyone at any time, with no entry fee.