U Plzeňské brány

U Plzeňské brány Park is a green space in Rokycany laid out on the grounds of the town's former municipal cemetery, right at the western edge of the historic centre, between Plzeňská and Jiráskova streets.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name refers to the old Plzeň Gate, once part of the town's fortifications, near which a late-Renaissance Church of the Holy Trinity was built around 1609, standing beside the road leading to Plzeň. In 1784, a new municipal cemetery was laid out around the church to replace older burial grounds that had previously sat in the town centre, and a gate together with a perimeter wall were built at the same time.

How did the cemetery become a park?

The cemetery stayed in use for generations, but eventually stopped serving its original purpose. Local residents had pushed for turning the grounds into a park as early as shortly after the First World War, though those plans only came to fruition much later. Park U Plzeňské brány was officially opened on 10 July 2012, and several architectural traces of its cemetery past were deliberately kept rather than removed, so the site's history remains visible today.

What is there to see in the park?

Coming from Plzeňská street, visitors pass through a stone gate carved from Teplá trachyte, designed by academic sculptor Václav Fiala of Klatovy. Two Latin inscriptions appear on it: "OMNIA VINCIT AMOR" (love conquers all) and "FESTINA LENTE" (make haste slowly). A triple wooden gate marks the second, more monumental entrance, facing the direction of the bus and train station. Inside, visitors will find a fountain called "Kamenná stuha" (Stone Ribbon) and a wooden bench named "Labyrint" (Labyrinth), alongside ordinary benches, waste bins, information boards, and the greenery typical of a town park.

Who is this park for?

U Plzeňské brány suits anyone looking for a quiet spot to rest while exploring Rokycany, as well as visitors interested in local history — the layout and the surviving cemetery-era elements make it a worthwhile stop on a walk through town. Its location close to the railway and bus station also makes it a natural gateway into the historic centre for travellers arriving by train or bus, before they even reach the main square.

Frequently asked questions

What stood on this site before the park was created? Until 2012 the site was occupied by the town's former municipal cemetery, established in 1784 around the Church of the Holy Trinity.

When did the park open? Park U Plzeňské brány officially opened on 10 July 2012.

What do the inscriptions on the stone gate mean? "OMNIA VINCIT AMOR" and "FESTINA LENTE" are Latin phrases meaning "love conquers all" and "make haste slowly", respectively.

How do you reach the park from the station? A triple wooden gate serves as the entrance to the park from the direction of the bus and train station.

Who designed the stone entrance gate? The stone gate made of Teplá trachyte was designed by academic sculptor Václav Fiala of Klatovy.