Franciscan Gardens: A Tranquil Oasis in Prague's New Town

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.