GALLERY: Prague to restore historic park overlooking city center

A Czech team of architects has won the competition to redesign the Chotek Gardens (Chotkovy sady), Prague’s first public park, with major improvements planned for next year. The design preserves the park’s 19th-century character while introducing modern amenities such as cycling routes, new viewpoints, and picnic areas.

The renovation is expected to transform a long-neglected green space into a safer and more accessible urban park for residents and visitors. The park has not seen major investment in over 30 years, leaving paths, benches, and lighting in poor condition. Funding will come entirely from tourism revenue.

The winning team—Martina Kameníková, Radek Prokeš, and Matouš Jebavý of studio Arkytek—plans to retain the original layout designed by František Josef Thomayer while adding innovative features.

Key improvements include restoring a water feature near the Julia Zeyer monument, installing new seating and lighting, and reintroducing a collection of solitary perennial plants popular at the turn of the 20th century.

“Chotek Gardens should become a green oasis with new views of Prague and spaces to relax,” said Pavel Vyhnánek, director of the Prague Castle Administration. “We want the park to serve both residents and visitors without restrictions, funded entirely from tourism revenues.”

The redesign will also accommodate modern park use, including a new cycling route designed to minimize conflicts with pedestrians, safer entrances, and better pathways.

Ondřej Boháč, director of the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), highlighted the focus on accessibility and safety. “We want the park to be enjoyable for all visitors while meeting contemporary operational needs,” he said.

New viewpoints along the southern edge will offer scenic vistas of the city, and picnic areas with tables will be added. The central meadow and tree-lined edges will preserve the historic landscape while integrating modern greenery, colorful plantings, and seasonal variation.

Construction is expected to begin after detailed planning, with design work completed by 2027 and full realization over the following years. The estimated cost of the project is approximately CZK 80 million.

The city plans to cover the expenses through tourism-related income, providing a way for visitors to contribute to public amenities while alleviating pressure on municipal budgets.

The Chotek Gardens were founded in 1832 on the site of a former agricultural area near Prague Castle. They were originally called Lidová zahrada and renamed after Karel Chotek in 1841. The park connects to nearby Letná Park via a footbridge over Chotkova Street, making it a key urban green corridor.

With Prague joining other European capitals in revitalizing historic parks, the project reflects a broader trend of combining heritage preservation with modern urban needs. Residents and visitors can expect gradual improvements in safety, accessibility, and recreational value over the next decade.