Šabachův park

Šabachův park is a small, quiet pocket park in Prague's Dejvice district (Prague 6), named after the Czech writer Petr Šabach. It's not a headline sight, but it's worth knowing about if you're staying in Dejvice or passing by after visiting the nearby Hus Congregation building.

Where exactly is the park?

The park sits on a rectangular plot roughly 30 by 50 metres, squeezed between Kafkova and Wuchterlova streets. For years it was just an unnamed little square in the middle of Dejvice's residential blocks — it only became an officially named, small municipal park later on.

Why is the park named after Petr Šabach?

The park honours Petr Šabach (1951–2017), a widely read Czech writer who also served for a time as a Prague 6 city councillor. Šabach wrote the book behind "Pelíšky," one of the most beloved Czech films of the 1990s.

The idea to commemorate the writer came from film director Jan Hřebejk, who raised it at a Prague 6 council meeting. A few days later, a letter with the same request arrived at the town hall, this time from tenants of a building on Wuchterlova street. The square was officially named on 16 September 2018, marking the first anniversary of the writer's death.

What is there to see in the park?

The park's main draw is a fountain with a group of bronze horse sculptures, created by Czech sculptor Michal Gabriel and installed here back in 2008 — years before the square got its current name. The sculptor chose horses to recall a time when they were a normal part of everyday city life, a role now taken over by cars; the herd by the fountain works as a quiet reminder of that earlier era.

The sculpture stands opposite the Hus Congregation building in Dejvice, which makes it a handy landmark if you're looking for the park for the first time.

Who is this place for?

This is a neighbourhood park through and through — small, calm, with no real tourist infrastructure. It works well as a brief stop on a walk through Dejvice, especially if you're interested in outdoor sculpture or traces of Czech literary culture. It's not worth crossing the city for on its own, but if you're already nearby, a few minutes by the horse fountain make for a pleasant break.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Šabachův park located? In Prague 6, in the Dejvice district, between Kafkova and Wuchterlova streets, opposite the Hus Congregation building.

Who is the park named after? Petr Šabach (1951–2017), a Czech writer and former Prague 6 councillor, author of the book behind the film "Pelíšky."

When did the park get its name? On 16 September 2018, on the first anniversary of the writer's death.

What is the park's main attraction? A fountain with a group of bronze horse sculptures by sculptor Michal Gabriel, installed in 2008.