Vrchlického sady

Vrchlického sady is a compact but historically significant park in the heart of Prague, sitting right in front of the Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží). It's a place where greenery, Art Nouveau architecture, and the everyday bustle of travelers meet, worth a short stop even between train connections.

Where does the park's name come from?

The park is named after Jaroslav Vrchlický, one of the most important Czech poets of the late 19th and early 20th century. It received this name in 1913, a year after the writer's death, as a way of honoring his literary legacy. Before that, the site simply functioned as the city park by the station.

How has the park changed over time?

The green space on this site dates back to the 1830s, when Count Chotek initiated a promenade garden on former baroque fortifications, lined with poplar trees and dotted with cafes surrounded by shrubs and flower beds. Everything changed with the construction of the station named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, which opened in 1871 — a large municipal park grew up around it, later known as the Great Municipal Park. A further expansion followed in 1884, designed by landscape architect František Josef Thomayer. At the start of the 20th century, part of the grounds was redesigned according to plans by architect Karel Skalák, giving the park a more representative character.

What used to be found in the park?

The earlier layout of the park included a small lake, a rock garden, and a network of promenade paths. It also featured a statue of US President Woodrow Wilson. In 1916, a monument to naturalist Jan Svatopluk Presl was added, set within a large flower arrangement shaped like Prague's coat of arms. These features show how, from early on, the park combined a recreational role with one of civic commemoration.

Why does the neighboring main station matter so much?

Vrchlického sady can't really be separated from the Main Railway Station, built between 1901 and 1909 and considered the largest Art Nouveau complex in the Czech Republic. The park and the station building grew up almost side by side, together forming a coherent piece of urban space — a green buffer between busy railway infrastructure and the rest of the city center. For travelers arriving in Prague by train, the park is often their first real encounter with the city, and its Art Nouveau surroundings immediately set the tone for the visit ahead.

Who is this place for?

It's a natural stop for people on the move — waiting for a train, changing connections, or just starting to explore Prague. Thanks to its central location, the park also serves as a resting spot for people working nearby. It isn't a sprawling green space like Prague's larger parks, but its value lies in its location and historical context rather than its size.

Frequently asked questions

How did the park get its name? It was named Vrchlického sady in 1913 in honor of the poet Jaroslav Vrchlický, a year after his death.

Did the park appear together with the station? Greenery already existed on the site earlier, but the park took its current shape and significance alongside the construction of the railway station in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Who designed the park's expansion? The 1884 expansion was designed by landscape architect František Josef Thomayer, while part of the grounds was later reworked by Karel Skalák in the early 20th century.

What monuments historically stood in the park? The park once held statues of Woodrow Wilson and naturalist Jan Svatopluk Presl, the latter installed in 1916.

Is it worth visiting while exploring Prague? Yes, especially for travelers arriving by train — it's a natural stopping point right by the Main Railway Station, blending history with the everyday life of the city.