Havlíček Gardens
Havlíček Gardens, also known as Grébovka, is a city park in the south of the Vinohrady district, which was built in the Italian Renaissance style. It is separated from the Vršovice and Nusle districts by the Botič stream. The park is nicknamed Grébovka Park after its founder Moritz Gröbe, who bought the land in a very poor condition in 1870. During the following 17 years, he had it turned into a landscape with more than 120 species of exotic trees and plants. There he had an artificial stalactite cave constructed, as well as a neo-Renaissance villa, the Pavilion and the Viniční Altán (Vineyard Gazebo). Havlíček Gardens occupy an area of 11 ha, including a vineyard that was founded by Charles IV in the 14th century. The park is a favourite place for residents to walk and relax. In addition, grape harvest festivals are held there regularly.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
Krymská bus stop, tram stop
Náměstí Bratří Synků bus stop, tram stop
Opening hours and admission
Havlíček Gardens are open to the public free of charge. Opening hours: from April to October from 6am to midnight, from November to March from 6am to 10pm.
Interesting facts about Havlíček Gardens
BUILDINGS IN HAVLÍČEK GARDENS
Viniční altán (Vineyard Gazebo) is situated in front of the neo-Renaissance villa and was incorporated into the vineyard on the southern slope. The wooden gazebo with distinctive wooden features was designed by Antonín Barvitius and Josef Schulz. Originally, it was used as a music pavilion. At present, there is a garden café where visitors can enjoy wine from the adjacent vineyard. For information about opening hours, click here.
The Pavilion is situated in the upper end of the park and was designed by architect Josef Schulz. It is made mainly of wood. It used to serve as a garden game room with a shooting range, a skittle alley and chess tables. After it was reconstructed, it has been used as a café and visitors can see a replica of the original skittle alley. For information about opening hours, click here.
Gröbe Villa is a two-storey summer residence of Moritz Gröbe, situated above the valley of the Botič stream. The exterior was designed by Antonín Barvitius and interior by Josef Schulz. Today, it is used as an educational centre for lawyers. It is open to the public only occasionally.
The Grotta Cave is an artificial rock designed as a romantic element of the park. It was built according to the design by Antonín Barvitius and Josef Vorlíček, who incorporated several caves and secluded places with stone stools into it.