Park Sacré Coeur

Park Sacré Coeur is a small green enclave on a hill above Kartouzská Street in Prague's Smíchov district, right by the Nový Smíchov shopping centre. Even though it sits just minutes from a busy road and a metro station, the atmosphere here feels far removed from the city bustle — winding paths, mature trees and rooftop views make it a favourite with locals looking for a quiet break and with visitors keen to see Prague from a less obvious angle.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name comes from the Sacré Coeur order — the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — which established a convent and a girls' school on this site in the second half of the 19th century. It was this former monastic complex, not any French landscaping style, that gave the park its lasting name. In both Czech and English the name is kept as a proper noun, borrowed directly from the French title of the religious congregation.

What is the history behind this place?

The land the park now occupies used to be a vineyard. That changed in 1872, when the superior of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Josephina Goetz, bought a villa in Smíchov that had once belonged to the Clary family and decided to turn it into a new educational institute for girls from wealthy families, modelled on similar French religious institutions. A park was laid out around the growing convent complex at the same time, meant to serve both the pupils and the surrounding neighbourhood.

A decade later, in 1882, the foundation stone was laid for a neo-Gothic chapel, which was completed and consecrated in 1884. The chapel quickly became the architectural centrepiece of the whole complex and remains one of the distinctive landmarks of this part of Smíchov today. Like many similar institutions in Czechoslovakia, the convent went through turbulent decades in the 20th century, when religious activity was interrupted and the buildings were repurposed. It was only in later decades that the complex was restored, allowing both the park and the chapel to survive to this day in a state that still reflects their original character.

What can visitors see in the park today?

Park Sacré Coeur now functions mainly as a neighbourhood recreation spot. It has a children's playground and a small city mini-zoo run by Prague's Stanice přírodovědců (Naturalists' Station), a feature that makes it especially popular with families. The paths wind through old tree cover, and because the park sits on a hillside, several spots open up to pleasant views over the roofs and towers of Prague. It's a place equally suited to a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply a quiet moment away from the crowds of the city centre.

Where exactly is the park and how do you get there?

The park lies in the Smíchov district, on a hill rising above Kartouzská Street and the Nový Smíchov shopping centre. The location is easy to reach — Anděl metro station and several tram stops are close by, making it simple to combine a visit with other sights on the left bank of the Vltava, such as Petřín Hill or Malá Strana.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free?

Yes, Park Sacré Coeur is an open, free public space accessible year-round.

Is there anything for children?

Yes — the park has a playground and a small mini-zoo run by the Stanice přírodovědců, which makes it an appealing destination for a family outing.

Can visitors see the former convent chapel?

The neo-Gothic Sacré Coeur chapel, consecrated in 1884, stands within the former convent complex next to the park and remains one of the more interesting architectural details in this part of Smíchov.

What's the best way to get to the park?

The easiest route is by metro to Anděl station, followed by a short uphill walk toward Kartouzská Street; trams stopping near Nový Smíchov are another convenient option.