Průhonice Park: A UNESCO Masterpiece
Escape to Průhonice Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Prague, offering stunning landscapes, diverse flora, and a peaceful retreat in nature.
Průhonice Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a remarkable example of 19th-century garden architecture. Located just southeast of Prague, in the village of Průhonice, this expansive park covers 250 hectares and offers visitors a serene escape into nature. The park's history began in 1885 when Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva-Tarouca, a passionate botanist and landscape architect, acquired the Průhonice estate. Inspired by English gardens, he transformed the existing landscape into a masterpiece, combining native trees and plants with exotic species. The result is a diverse and harmonious environment featuring meadows, ponds, streams, and a rich collection of woody plants. The park also houses the Romanesque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, dating back to 1187. Visitors can explore the park via 40 km of groomed trails, discovering various scenic spots. The park is particularly known for its rhododendrons, with over 8,000 units in 100 species and cultivars, which bloom in late spring. The neo-Renaissance Průhonice chateau, though not fully open to the public (it houses the Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences), provides a stunning backdrop to the landscape. Its exterior features Renaissance sgraffito and a fresco of Saint George slaying the dragon. Průhonice Park offers something to see in every season. Whether it's the vibrant rhododendrons in spring, the lush greenery in summer, the colorful foliage in autumn, or the tranquil snow-covered scenery in winter, the park's beauty is ever-present.
Local tips
- Visit in late May to witness the spectacular bloom of the rhododendrons.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is best explored on foot via its many walking trails.
- Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no restaurants or cafes inside the park.
- Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash.
A brief summary to Průhonice
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Prague, take the Metro line C (red line) to Opatov station. From Opatov, take bus 363, 385 or 357 to Průhonice. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. A single ticket covering the journey from Prague to Průhonice costs approximately 24 CZK.
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Driving
From Prague, take the D1 highway towards Brno and take exit 6 for Průhonice. Follow the signs to the park. Parking is available in the paid parking lot in front of the Průhonice Castle. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around 50 CZK per hour.
