Havlíčkovy Sady (Grébovka)
Vinohrady, Prague 2
Havlíčkovy sady is
Prague's second largest park and is located directly across
from Riegrovy sady (on a map, not physically) on the other
side of Vinohrady, at the border with the Vršovice district. Locals call the park Grébovka after the famous villa that stands there.
Havlíčkovy
sady is about seven blocks south of Náměstí Míru (metro
line A). From Náměstí Míru, take tram 4, 13 or 22, get
off
at Jana Masaryka and walk down Máchova to Rybalkova
where you'll find the park's main entrance. You can also
get off at Ruská and
walk about three blocks west to another one of the park's
entrances.
The park's most notable landmark
is the beautiful Villa Gröbe (Grébovka).
This wonderful example of a Neo-Renaissance villa was built
as a luxury summer house for industrialist Moritz Gröbe
in 1871 - 1888. The building stands majestically in a tastefully
landscaped, terraced garden on the top of a slope that's
covered with a functioning vineyard. The villa is currently
not open to the public but you can visit the grounds and
enjoy a sweeping view of Prague from the hill. There's
a gazebo on the top of the vineyard where you can sit and
have wine. You can also enjoy coffee and snacks at a café near the villa or have a meal at the adjoining Pavilon Grébovka restaurant.
The park is large and very nicely
designed, and it is a pleasure to walk along its many paths. Locals like to spend time there jogging, picnicing or dog walking. There is also a playground for kids and an attractive grotto that is fun to explore. Many events such as the annual Wine Festival or Family Day take place at the park throughout the year.
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