Statue of Flora at Santoška park

The Statue of Flora at Santoška Park is a Baroque sculpture of the reclining Roman goddess of flowers and spring — one of only two surviving pieces from the 18th-century decorative scheme of a garden in Prague's Smíchov district. It stands in Santoška Park, laid out on the northern and northeastern slope of Paví vrch (Peacock Hill), right above the Mrázovka road tunnel, in Prague 5.

Who carved the Flora statue?

The sculpture was created by Ignác František Platzer, one of the most respected Baroque sculptors working in Prague, known for numerous works decorating the city's palaces and churches. He made the Flora statue in the second half of the 18th century, during a major Baroque remodeling of the grounds around the Santoška farmstead.

Why is there a Baroque statue in this garden?

The garden and the adjoining Santoška farmstead, dating back to the mid-17th century, belonged at the time to Dr. F. V. Sonntag, a doctor of law. He commissioned the remodeling of the estate and had it decorated with Baroque sculpture. Besides the reclining Flora, putti figures on the pillars of the garden's entrance gate have also survived. Together, these two elements are the only remaining evidence of the estate's original sculptural decoration.

Is the park protected as a heritage site?

Yes. The Santoška farmstead together with its surrounding garden — including the Flora statue and the gate putti — is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The protection covers the whole ensemble as a witness to the Baroque-era history of Smíchov, which at the time the statue was made was still an independent town rather than a district of Prague.

When did the park open to the public?

For a long time Santoška remained a private estate. It opened to the public only in 1907, after the municipality of Smíchov purchased the land. Since then, residents have been free to walk the paths of the former garden and see the surviving Baroque sculptures, including Flora herself, without paying an entrance fee.

Where exactly is the statue located?

The statue stands within Santoška Park in Prague 5, on the slope of Paví vrch, right next to the Mrázovka road tunnel. It's a quiet, green corner of the district, away from the bustle of the city centre, popular with locals for walks, rest, and short outings with children or dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the statue depict? The Roman goddess Flora, associated with flowers, spring and abundance, shown in a reclining pose typical of Baroque garden compositions of the period.

When was the statue made? In the second half of the 18th century, as part of the Baroque remodeling of the garden at the Santoška farmstead.

Who sculpted it? Ignác František Platzer, a noted Baroque sculptor active in Prague.

Is entry to Santoška Park free? Yes, the park has been a public, free green space since 1907, when it passed into the ownership of the Smíchov municipality.

What else survives from the garden's original decoration besides Flora? The putti figures on the entrance gate pillars — together with the reclining Flora, they are the only traces of the estate's original 18th-century sculptural decoration.