Ztracenka

Overlooking the vibrant city of Prague, the Ztracenka Garden offers a tranquil escape. It’s a place where time seems to slow down. You can relax and soak in the panoramic views. Ztracenka, meaning “lost” in Czech, truly lives up to its name. It’s a hidden gem tucked away on a slope between Albertov, Karlov, and the New Town fortification walls. This charming Italian-style park was designed by architect Michal Gavlas. He drew inspiration from the gardens below Prague Castle, created by Josip Plecnik. The garden is a tapestry of terraces, red brick walls, and peaceful rest areas. Benches invite you to sit and admire the flower beds. The Ztracenka Garden reopened in 2010 after a complete reconstruction. Records show that this area has a rich history, serving as a vineyard and orchard since 1791. It later became a playground, but eventually fell into disrepair. The reconstruction involved removing many mature trees and planting over 70 new ones. In 2018, a poignant monument was unveiled in the Ztracenka Garden. It honors the victims of two totalitarian regimes: Nazism and Communism. This peaceful location was chosen to remember the thousands who suffered in the 20th century. The monument’s design, by architect Ondrej Tucek and sculptor Ladislav Sorokac, symbolizes the clash between good and evil. Two rough boulders grip a white marble pebble, representing a heart. The Ztracenka Garden’s terraced layout offers unique perspectives of Prague. Its slope provides breathtaking sunset views year-round. From this quiet spot, you can escape the city’s hustle and admire Vyšehrad, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, the Church of St. Apollinaire, and the lower part of New Town around the Vltava River. The Ztracenka Garden is part of a pedestrian greenway. It connects the Nusle Valley, New Town Walls, the Bastion at Calvary, Albertov slopes, and the Katerinska Garden. The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May to September and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October to April. Please note that dogs are not allowed within the garden.