Sukovy sady

Sukovy sady is a municipal park in the Pražské Předměstí district of Hradec Králové, right on the edge of the city centre and a short walk from the main train station. It offers a rare patch of greenery in an otherwise busy, densely built-up part of town, giving locals and visitors a shaded spot to pause before continuing their tour of Hradec.

Where is the park and how big is it?

The park stretches on both sides of the Gočárova třída avenue, which splits it into two sections: a larger one of roughly 14,266 m² and a smaller one of about 1,456 m², sitting opposite the former town hall of Pražské Předměstí. Altogether the site covers close to 1.6 hectares, bordered by Habrmanova, Nerudova and Horova streets. Its coordinates are approximately 50.211° N, 15.813° E.

What is the history behind this place?

The park was laid out in 1911 on the site of a former lake known as Bezedné jezero ("the bottomless lake") and adjoining private gardens. It was originally named Fialovy sady, honouring F. V. Fiala (1846–1914), the mayor of Pražské Předměstí and a coal merchant who also headed the local town-beautification society. Between 1946 and 1962 the name was combined with Rooseveltovo náměstí before the park eventually became known as Sukovy sady, the name it carries today.

The park's history has had its share of setbacks. In 1929 a hard frost damaged the trees, followed shortly after by a destructive storm. In 1954 the grounds were enlarged with the addition of a former private garden. The most significant change came in 2001–2002, when the park underwent a major reconstruction that brought new plantings, park furniture and parking spaces. In 2016, a developer's donation of 750,000 Czech crowns, originally earmarked for the park, was redirected toward other city projects instead.

What can visitors see in Sukovy sady?

The park's centrepiece is a monument to Jan Hus, unveiled on 11 July 1914 and created by sculptor František Fabiánek. Over time a small cluster of commemorative elements grew up around it: a linden tree dedicated to Hus was planted in 2002 and formally consecrated the following year, and in 2003 a stone tablet bearing the chalice symbol and the date of Hus's death was added nearby.

What does the park offer today?

Sukovy sady now functions as a rest and recreation area for people living in the surrounding neighbourhood. It includes a children's playground with climbing structures, slides and swings, making it a popular stop for families — helped by its proximity to the Aupark shopping centre, which lets visitors combine a walk in the park with some shopping. The green space is also occasionally used as a venue for cultural and sporting events organised by the city.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Sukovy sady park? The park covers roughly 15,700 m² in total, split by Gočárova třída avenue into a larger and a smaller section.

Where does the park's name come from? It was originally called Fialovy sady, after mayor F. V. Fiala. The name Sukovy sady was adopted later, over the following decades of its history.

What can you find in the park besides greenery? The main landmark is the 1914 monument to Jan Hus, accompanied by a commemorative linden tree and a memorial tablet, plus a children's playground.

Is the park suitable for a walk with kids? Yes — the playground with climbing elements and swings makes it popular with families, especially combined with a visit to the nearby Aupark shopping centre.

How do you get to Sukovy sady? The park lies close to Hradec Králové's main train station, right on the border between the Pražské Předměstí district and the city centre, making it an easy walk from most points downtown.