Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pet
∫
ín Hill
Covered with forests, orchards and strolling
lovers, Pet
∫
ín Hill creates a soft counterpoint to
the spires of Hrad
≤
any on the Vltava's left
bank. Rising more than 300 m (1,000 ft) above
sea level, the area began life as a vineyard in
the 15th century, but has been a public park
since 1825. Early chronicles say it was the site
of pagan rituals to the god Perun, and believers
still practise ancient rites here on 1 May each
year. Above all, however, it is the perfect escape
when the city crowds become too much to bear.
Strahov Stadium
It may be ugly, but
Strahov Stadium
(above) is
the largest arena of its kind
in the world. It was built for
Sokol, a physical culture
organisation, and used for
gymnastic rallies. Today it
is a rock concert venue.
Top 10 Features
1 Observation Tower
2 Strahov Stadium
3 Strahov Monastery
4 Mirror Maze
5 Hunger Wall
6 Karel Hynech Mácha
Statue
7 Church of St Michael
8 Rose Gardens
9 Church of St Lawrence
0 Funicular
Strahov Monastery façade
Nebozízek restaurant
(Pet∫ínské sady 411)
offers spectacular
views of Prague from
its window seats.
Observation Tower
Modelled after the
Eiffel Tower in Paris,
Pet∫ín Hill's
Eiffelovka
stands only one-quarter
as high as its inspiration,
at 63.5 m (210 ft). It was
created for the Jubilee
Exposition of 1891. A
climb of 299 stairs leads
to the viewing platform.
•
Map C4
• Strahov Monastery:
Open 9am-noon,
12:30-5pm daily, Adm
• Strahov Stadium:
Closed to the public
• Observation Tower:
Open 10am-5pm daily,
Adm
• Mirror Maze: Open
Apr-Aug: 10am-7pm
daily, Sep-Oct:
10am-6pm daily,
Nov-Mar: 10am-5pm
Sat-Sun, Dis. access,
Adm
• Church of St Michael:
Closed to the public
• Church of St
Lawrence: Closed to the
public
• Funicular: Open
9am-11:20pm daily,
Adm
Strahov Monastery
Founded in 1140, Strahov
houses the nation's oldest
topics in the National
Literature Museum while still
functioning as a monastery.
The Theological Hall, with its
frescoes and statue of St
John
(above)
, is a must-see.
32
For more parks and gardens in Prague
See pp40-41
