Horní Landhauska

Hidden behind its unassuming name, Horní Landhauska stands as a silent witness to Prague’s rich tapestry of history. Tucked away in the heart of Havlíčkovy Sady, a park that once bustled with activity, Horní Landhauska whispers tales of a bygone era. It was once a grand homestead, a rustic retreat for families of the upper class, boasting vineyards and expansive gardens. Built sometime during the 17th century, Horní Landhauska was once a haven for weary priests of the Jesuit order. During the 19th century, it found a new owner in the hands of Moritz Grőbe, a prominent figure who transformed the surrounding land into one of Prague’s most famed parks. He built a luxurious villa, Villa Grőbe, and turned the old vineyard into a lush English-style landscape park. Villa Grőbe, still a prominent fixture in the park, was originally designed as a summer residence for Grőbe and his family.
However, after Grőbe’s death, the stately villa became a victim of neglect and the park fell into a state of dismay. The city of Prague intervened in the early 1900s, restoring the park to its former glory and saving the magnificent Horní Landhauska from ruin. Today, the old homestead is a reminder of the resilience of Prague’s cultural legacy and a symbol of the city’s commitment to preserving its past. It silently observes, as park visitors stroll through the ancient trees, stopping to enjoy a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or to simply soak in the tranquility of the park.