Prague Botanical Garden

Prague Botanical Garden stretches across more than thirty hectares in the Troja district on the northern bank of the Vltava, right next to Prague Zoo. It was approved for construction in 1968 based on a design by architects Josef Hrůza and Jiří Navrátil, with the first section opening in 1969. For its first two decades the garden served mainly scientific purposes and remained closed to the general public — it only opened its gates to visitors in 1992, when an exhibition area of around three hectares became accessible. Since then the grounds have steadily expanded, adding new plant collections and architectural features.

What is there to see in the garden?

The garden's centerpiece is the Fata Morgana greenhouse, opened in 2004. The building has an unusual S-shaped layout and houses three distinct climate zones, letting visitors move from dry tropical and subtropical vegetation, through humid lowland rainforest, to cool, moist mountain flora — all within a single walk. It ranks among the largest structures of its kind in Central Europe, allowing exotic plants to thrive regardless of the season outside.

The second defining feature is St. Clare's Vineyard, acquired by the garden in 1995 and protected as a national heritage site. The chapel on its grounds was built between 1691 and 1695 at the initiative of Count Václav Vojtěch of Sternberg, who named it after his wife, Clara Bernardina of Maltzan, as a gesture of thanks for successful grape harvests and the prosperity of the estate. The vineyard remains a working one, and strolling among its rows is a favorite activity for visitors during the warmer months.

The grounds also include a Japanese Garden, one of the most popular corners of the site — a compact, carefully arranged space blending traditional Far Eastern garden design with the local climate and plant life.

Getting there and when to visit

The garden is located in Troja, close to Troja Chateau and Prague Zoo, making it easy to combine a visit with other attractions in this part of the city. Its expansive grounds, varied terrain, and riverside setting make it a popular destination for walks among both tourists and Prague residents looking to escape the bustle of the city center.

Frequently asked questions

What is Prague Botanical Garden? It is a public botanical garden in the Troja district, founded in 1969, featuring plant collections, a tropical greenhouse, a vineyard, and a Japanese garden.

What is the Fata Morgana greenhouse? Opened in 2004, it is an S-shaped greenhouse divided into three climate zones representing different types of tropical and mountain vegetation.

Is there a vineyard on the grounds? Yes, St. Clare's Vineyard, taken over by the garden in 1995, is a protected national heritage site with a chapel dating from the late 17th century.

When did the garden open to the public? The first section was built in 1969, but the garden only became publicly accessible in 1992.