The Botanical Garden runs from the top of Troja hill to the right bank of the Vltava river and covers 52 hectares. The garden spreads out across this vast area like a velvet blanket and has three different spaces: the outdoor area, with over 10,000 species; the greenhouses, with 5,000 species; and the vineyards, where you can even try wine from the winery.
What to see at Prague Botanical Garden
Japanese garden
Located outdoors, the design of this garden was based on the search for inner peace and relaxation. The scenery and paths evoke mountain landscapes with trees, rivers and lakes, and for many people it is the main attraction of the garden. It has species typical to Japan such as cherry trees, which blossom in spring and tinge the area stunning shades of pink. Bonsai exhibitions are often held here—growing and caring for this species is a true art.
Fata Morgana greenhouse
This tropical greenhouse was built on a rocky, ‘S’ shaped plot and is home to 5,000 species of plant and 60 different species of insect and fish. Flora and fauna include orchids, palm trees, bromeliads and beautiful multi-coloured butterflies; the selected species are typical to desert regions, tropical jungles and subtropical mountain areas.
The name Fata Morgana refers to the mirage or optical illusion that is created during a thermal inversion, perhaps because the 130-metre-long greenhouse is divided into three parts with different temperatures and air humidity levels. This recreates a tropical journey during the different seasons of the year without actually needing to move through time.
Exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions on various subjects are held around the garden on topics such as carnivorous plants or tropical butterflies, for example. However, there are also permanent exhibitions such as those on Mediterranean flora, quagmires, and the forest habitats of Asia and North America, two areas with specific environmental conditions for the growth of certain species.
Vineyards
The botanical garden has two vineyards: Salabka and St Claire. The latter was founded in the thirteenth century and is one of the largest and most historic in Prague. It also has a winery where you can sample local wines in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the flourishing landscape of the botanical garden.
Prague Gardens research and education centre
The botanical garden is a public institution that forms part of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This means that the work carried out in the garden aims to save endangered flora and maintain its diversity, among other objectives. That is why it runs programmes on subjects such as the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, improving medicinal plants and micropropagation for breeding.
Although botanical gardens appeared in Europe as centres dedicated to the growth of medicinal plants, over time they became research centres committed to conserving any flora under threat. Today, the botanical garden is also one of the most important education facilities in the Czech Republic and it is visited by hundreds of schools who take part in tours and activities.
The botanical garden transforms with every season of the year. Various corners burst into bloom, the colours of each area continuously change, the fields of flowers, treetops, streams and even the pace of the ecosystem are all different. No matter whether it is spring, summer, winter or harvest time, this magical forest always has something beautiful and unique to show visitors.
