A few years ago in June, ten IWAP members met our guide, Dana Chaploupková, to tour the Prague Botanical Gardens and Troja Chateau. The tour started at the botanical gardens, which is located on the right bank of the Vltava River near the Prague Zoo and the Troja Chateau.
Dana expertly guided us through the different areas of the gardens while informing us on the history of both the gardens and Prague, and pointing out historical landmarks on the horizon. My favorite part of the gardens was the Japanese Meditation Garden with bonsai and stone pathways. The botanical gardens cover over fifty hectares with something for people of all ages to enjoy. Keep in mind the gardens change with the seasons, so there is always something new to see.
The tour continued as we wound our way down past the St Clara Chapel and St Clara Vineyards on our way to Troja Chateau. The Troja Chateau was built in Baroque style for the Sternberg family during the seventeenth century. The outside of the chateau is not to be missed with its beautiful, sculptured staircase, gardens and fountains. The grand staircase is decorated by sculptures depicting gods and goddesses fighting with the Titans. The inside of the chateau is decorated with magnificent Baroque paintings featuring mythical elements. The murals on the wall are the work of A. Godin and his son Isaac.
Each year the chateau hosts different exhibitions of art. If you want to get out of the city and enjoy a stroll in a garden, have a glass of locally produced Czech wine, or visit a chateau, I can highly recommend a visit to these lovely places. Complete information about Troja Chateau can be found here.
