An 800-year-old garden oasis tucked away in the heart of Prague, a hidden gem that’s especially beautiful in the springtime when the stunning magnolia trees are in full blossom.
The gorgeous Vojanovy Sady – Vojan Gardens – are the oldest and best concealed gardens in Prague.
They date back almost 800 years, and although they are close to several of the main Prague sights, they’re so easy to miss.
Looking for a little quiet time in Prague? Welcome to our guide to Vojanovy Sady Prague.
Where To Stay Near Vojanovy Sady in Prague
Hotel Pod Věží – impeccable hotel in one of the best locations in Prague – next to one of the towers at the end of the Charles Bridge
Augustine Hotel – luxury 5-star hotel a two-minute walk from Vojanovy Sady, in a 13th-century monastery building
Hotel Ikona – beautiful place to stay, an early 18th-century Baroque townhouse halfway between the Charles Bridge and Vojanovy Sady
Three Storks – 5-star design hotel in a 14th-century building that was a monastery’s brewery
Vojanovy Sady Prague History
Vojanovy Sady is a large walled garden in the heart of Mala Strana Prague. It started out in 1248 as part of a larger fruit garden, and in 1653 it was incorporated into a convent of the Order of Carmelite Sisters.
During their time there – they remained until 1782 – they built the arcade wall around part of the Garden, separating it from the Convent. They also constructed the two chapels within the Gardens.
The Sisters of Loreto took over the Garden until 1921, and during this time it was partly remodelled along the lines of an English park. After being taken over by the Ministry of Finance, it was opened to the public and named after Czech actor Eduard Vojan, who lived close by.
Things To See And Do In Vojanovy Sady
Vojanovy Sady is one of the most spacious Prague gardens, with a surprising number of things to see. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Prague in springtime, when the daffodils and magnolia trees are in bloom.
The north side of the garden is below the former convent wall, with one corner devoted to a small apiary. There are three beehives, each carved with a wooden face. This area is where you’ll see the daffodils, quite a rare sight in Prague, in March and April.
This area is very close to a pond, which is in the shade of the surrounding trees for much of the day. It’s a blissfully peaceful spot, the main sound is the distant squawking of the peacocks on the other side of the garden.
There are several sculptures around the garden, and two chapels built by the Carmelites during their century-long tenure. They are both Baroque in style, albeit at opposite ends of the scale.
The Chapel of St Teresa of Avila is the more conventional of the two, with a partly frescoed interior. A few metres away across the lawn, the Chapel of St Elijah was built to resemble a cave, inside and out, with stone stalactites.
There is also a raised terrace above the garden, with a Baroque parterre where the peafowl hang out. The Church of St Joseph, which was connected to the Carmelite convent, is the other side of the Ministry of Finance building around the parterre.
As you descend the stairs to the lower level of the Garden, a long, partly shaded pathway lined with inviting benches leads back to the entrance gate.
Vojanovy Sady – Our Verdict
Vojanovy Sady is undoubtedly one of the best Prague parks and gardens. It’s close to, but feels a million miles from, the Prague tourist trail.
There’s a great deal to see there, plenty to keep kids entertained, and it’s one of the best parks in Prague to get some peace and quiet. Nearly everyone there is a local, and it’s a wonderful Prague experience.
Facilities In Vojanovy Sady
There are toilets on the right (north) side of the park. You will see signs pointing to a café here – it is just outside the Garden, in a shady courtyard close to the entrance to the Anglo-American University at Letenska 120/5.
There is also a small children’s playground in the corner of the Garden near the toilets.
Where Are Vojanovy Sady Prague?
The gardens are located in Mala Strana – also known as Lesser Town Prague or the Lesser Quarter.
They can be found on U Lužičkeho semináře, the street which runs from the Malostranska tram stop to the Charles Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks of Prague.
How Do You Get To Vojanovy Sady?
The Vojanovy Sady Gardens are in a very central Prague location, but quite easy to miss. Public transport takes you very close to the Gardens. Trams 2, 12, 15, 18, 20 and 22 all call at Malostranská tram stop, which is right outside Malostranská Metro station (green line A).
From here, walk south along Klarov, the busy main street with the tram stops, to the junction, where you’ll see the Jelinek Slivovitz Museum. Go straight on, with Jelinek on your left. You’re now on the correct street, U Lužičkeho semináře.
Continue for around 100 metres, and take the right fork in the road, and walk alongside a high wall. Vojanovy Sady are right behind it. You’ll then come to an archway and a WC sign on the right – this is the entrance to Vojanovy Sady park.
There is an additional entrance on Letenska, which is not signposted. Turn left into the entrance to the Anglo-American University (Letenska 120/5), continue past the café and down into Vojanovy Sady.
If you’re approaching the Gardens from Charles Bridge, you need to descend from the bridge at the stairs leading down to Kampa Island, then turn under the bridge where you come to a square, with the Čertovka Canal on your right.
Turn right at the Hotel Čertovka, sticking to the left-hand side of the street, passing through a small square. The entrance to Vojanovy Sady is on your left, barely 200 metres from the Charles Bridge.
Vojanovy Sady Prague Opening Times
These vary by season. They open daily throughout the year at 0800.
In spring and summer they remain open until 1900 – with an occasional extension until 2000.
In February and March, and again in October and November, they are open until 1700.
In December and January, they close at 1600, which is dusk.
What Other Prague Attractions Are Near Vojanovy Sady?
Another of the best gardens in Prague, the formal Baroque Wallenstein Gardens, are also hidden away behind a high wall, the other side of Letenska, only a minute’s walk away via the hidden exit described above. They are the Gardens of the Wallenstein Palace, which is home to the Czech Senate.
The Charles Bridge, far and away the most famous and beautiful of the bridges in Prague is a short walk away. You can also get down to the shore of the river, where swans and ducks often congregate, and there’s a great view up the river Vltava to the Charles Bridge and Old Town Prague.
One of the finest churches in Prague, St Nicholas Church Mala Strana, is a five-minute walk away on Malostranské náměstí is a Baroque masterpiece, and its belfry is one of the best towers in Prague to climb for views over the city.
Several of the best Prague gardens are also located nearby. The Vrtba Garden is another Baroque beauty, with views over St Nicholas Church and Prague Castle. This garden is on the lower slopes of Petřin Hill, a series of gardens and woodland with the Petřin Tower, one of the best viewpoints in Prague, at the summit.
Vojanovy Sady Prague – Final Thoughts
I lived in Prague for over four years, and have written extensively about my former home city. Here’s a selection of further articles for you to browse:
Top Sights In Prague
55 Amazing Things To Do In Prague – By A Former Local
Charles Bridge Prague – one of the most beautiful bridges in the world
Old Town Square Prague – one of the most beautiful squares in the world
Týn Church Prague – stunning Gothic church with fairytale spires
Landmarks of Prague – 22 unmissable sights in the city
Jewish Prague – all Jewish sites in Prague, including those beyond the Josefov district
Hidden Gems in Prague -27 off the beaten track sights to seek out
How To Visit Prague Zoo – one of the best in Europe
Other Parks In Prague
Prague Parks – green escapes, riverside walks, beer gardens and more
Letna Park – one of the largest city parks, with superb views over the city
Stromovka Park – former royal hunting grounds in Holešovice
Petřin Hill – outstanding hillside park with some of the best walks in Prague
Prague Gardens – the stunning formal gardens of Prague
Vrtba Garden – glorious early Baroque terraced garden in Mala Strana
Petřin Hill – outstanding hillside park with some of the best walks in Prague
Prague by Area
Old Town Prague – one of the most captivating old towns in Europe
New Town Prague – the modern heart of the Czech capital – but a taste of the old is never far away
Malá Strana Prague – the enchanting Baroque ‘Lesser Quarter’ below Prague Castle
Kampa Island Prague– the most beautiful and intriguing of Prague’s islands
Vltava River in Prague– everything there is to see along the river in the Czech capital
Themed Articles On Prague
Churches in Prague – 20 wondrous churches from St Vitus Cathedral to a modernist masterpiece in Vinohrady
Communist Prague – 18 Fascinating Places To Explore
Sunsets In Prague – the 10 best places to see them
Prague Streets – the city’s most beautiful streets
Prague World War 2 Sites – including the Heydrich assassination site and more