Franciscan Gardens: A Tranquil Oasis in Prague's New Town
Discover tranquility in the heart of Prague's New Town at the Franciscan Gardens, a historic oasis of calm and natural beauty.
The Franciscan Gardens, nestled in Prague's Nové Město (New Town), offer a serene escape from the city's vibrant energy. Founded in 1347, alongside a Franciscan monastery, the gardens have evolved from a space for monastic contemplation to a publicly accessible oasis. Throughout their history, the gardens have undergone several transformations. Initially, they served as a space for monks to cultivate medicinal herbs and find tranquility. During the Hussite Wars, the gardens faced destruction but were later restored by the Franciscans, who added features like a well, a monastery pharmacy, and a fountain. In the mid-18th century, the gardens were redesigned in the French Baroque style, featuring ornate hedging, sculptures, and a chapel. After the communist takeover in 1950, the gardens were opened to the public. Today, the Franciscan Gardens provide a peaceful retreat with numerous benches, flowerbeds, a small fountain, herb beds, and a children's playground. The Church of Our Lady of the Snows, remnants of the former Franciscan monastery, and the National Literature Memorial are nearby. The gardens are open year-round and only close at night, offering a tranquil and romantic atmosphere in the evening.
Local tips
- Take a break from sightseeing and relax on one of the many benches, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
- Visit in the evening for a romantic and mysterious ambiance as the gardens prepare to close.
- Explore the nearby Church of Our Lady of the Snows and the National Literature Memorial to enrich your visit.
A brief summary to Franciscan Gardens
- Vodičkova, New Town, 110 00, CZ
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Franciscan Gardens are easily accessible on foot from Wenceslas Square. From the square, walk towards the Church of St. Wenceslas and find the Alfa passage on the right. Follow the passage to reach the gardens. Alternatively, access the gardens from Jungmannovo Square or Vodičkova street.
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Public Transport
To reach the Franciscan Gardens via public transport, take Metro lines A or B to Můstek station. From Můstek, walk towards Wenceslas Square and follow the Alfa passage to the gardens. Alternatively, take tram lines 3, 5, 6, 9, 14 or 24 to Václavské náměstí. From there, it's a short walk to the gardens through one of the passages. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.
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Taxi
Taxis can drop you off near Wenceslas Square or Jungmannovo Square, from where it is a short walk to the Franciscan Gardens. A short taxi ride in the city center typically costs around 60 CZK. Keep in mind that the regulated maximum fare is 36 CZK per kilometer, with a base fare around 40 CZK.
