Smetanovy sady

Smetanovy sady is a municipal park in Hořice, laid out on the western slopes of Gothard Hill and regarded as one of the most artistically and landscape-wise valuable parks in eastern Bohemia.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park is named after composer Bedřich Smetana, even though he never actually lived in Hořice himself — his connection to the town was through his parents. Smetana's parents were both from Hořice, and it was here, in the Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, that they were married in 1820. Honouring that family tie to one of the most celebrated Czech composers was the direct reason behind the park's creation.

Who founded Smetanovy sady, and when?

The initiative came from Dalibor, a local music society, which decided at its general assembly in 1889 to establish the park as a kind of monument to Smetana. The layout was designed by Julius Krys, a garden architect from Prague, while the planting and groundwork were carried out by Alois Arnold, a gardener brought in from Konopiště. The park was officially opened to the town's residents and visitors on 31 May 1901, following more than a decade of preparation.

What can visitors see in the park today?

Smetanovy sady covers more than 3 hectares, combining the role of a representative parkland monument with that of an everyday recreational space for local residents. Its avenues are lined with sculptures of prominent Czech cultural figures of the 19th century — a feature that sets it apart from many other municipal parks in the region and reflects its original purpose as a memorial. The layout of the paths and the mature tree stock echo the landscape-park style typical of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In recent years the park has been undergoing gradual modernisation. In 2020, the Atelier Krejčiříkovi studio prepared a redesign project for the site, part of which includes a new children's playground intended to draw more families into the park. As a result, Smetanovy sady is gaining features suited to the needs of today's visitors without losing its historic character.

Who is this park for?

The park makes a pleasant destination for a quiet walk for anyone visiting Hořice who wants to relax among greenery, as well as for history and landscape-architecture enthusiasts — the sculptures of Czech cultural figures along its avenues turn a simple stroll into something of an educational walk. Families with children can look forward to steadily improving facilities as the site's revitalisation progresses. Its proximity to the town centre makes it easy to combine a visit here with sightseeing at Hořice's other landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the park named after Bedřich Smetana? The composer's parents were from Hořice and were married here in 1820 in the Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary — the park was created to commemorate that connection.

When did Smetanovy sady open? The park officially opened on 31 May 1901, after the decision to establish it was made by the Dalibor music society in 1889.

Who designed the park? The layout was designed by Prague garden architect Julius Krys, with the planting carried out by gardener Alois Arnold from Konopiště.

How big is the park? Smetanovy sady covers more than 3 hectares on the western slopes of Gothard Hill.

What is distinctive about the park's appearance? Its avenues feature sculptures of 19th-century Czech cultural figures, and the park is currently undergoing revitalisation that includes a new children's playground.