Přírodní divadlo Divoká Šárka

Přírodní divadlo Divoká Šárka is a natural amphitheatre carved into a hillside within the Divoká Šárka nature reserve, on the western edge of Prague. Today it functions as a scenic stop along the reserve's walking trails, but it carries the legacy of once being one of the largest open-air opera venues in Europe.

How did this place come to be?

The theatre was built in 1913 on the initiative of opera singer Emil Pollert, together with Jaroslav Kvapil and Antonín Fencl. The slope above the Čertův mlýn inn in Divoká Šárka was adapted starting in spring of that year, with the ambition of creating a summer stage for the National Theatre. The scale of the project was remarkable: at the time of its opening, it was the largest natural theatre in Europe, seating more than 9,500 people on wooden benches, with room for another eight thousand standing spectators.

What was performed here?

The opening production, which drew crowds on May 16, 1913, was Bedřich Smetana's "The Bartered Bride." Performances continued regularly afterward, interrupted only by the restrictions of the First World War between 1914 and 1918. The venue kept staging shows until 1922, when the last performance took place on June 6 of that year, after which the project was shut down for economic reasons.

What remains of its former glory?

After performances stopped, the auditorium gradually became overgrown with trees, and the natural amphitheatre blended back into the valley landscape. It's hard to picture today that this same hillside once held thousands of spectators dressed in period clothing, listening to opera under the open sky. Even so, the terrain has retained its distinctive bowl-shaped form, still recognizable to an attentive visitor.

Are events still held here?

Yes, though on a much smaller scale than a century ago. Since 2005, an annual opera evening has been organized here, echoing the site's original purpose. This one-off yearly event draws opera lovers and history enthusiasts eager to experience the unique acoustics and atmosphere of a natural amphitheatre surrounded by greenery.

Why is it worth a visit?

Divoká Šárka is one of the most beautiful nature reserves within Prague's city limits, and the former theatre is an interesting stop along walks through the valley. The site combines scenic qualities — steep, rocky slopes, the Šárecký stream, and paths through greenery — with a fascinating chapter of the Czech capital's cultural history. While walking through the reserve, it's worth taking a short detour to the old auditorium to see, firsthand, the ground that once hosted Europe's largest opera performances.

Frequently asked questions

Is the theatre still an active performance venue? No, regular performances ended in 1922. Today only an annual opera evening takes place here.

Where exactly is the theatre located? Within the Divoká Šárka nature reserve, on the slope above the former Čertův mlýn inn, in the western part of Prague.

How many people could the auditorium hold at its peak? More than 9,500 seated spectators plus room for eight thousand standing — making it the largest natural theatre in Europe at the time.

Which production opened the venue? Bedřich Smetana's "The Bartered Bride," staged on May 16, 1913.