LETNA PARK

Description

Essentials about Letna Park in brief

Letna Park (cz. “Letenské sady”) is one of the most popular recreational areas for Prague residents. Its popularity has not only to do with its very central location, directly opposite Prague’s old town on the northern bank of the Vltava River. Due to its many green spaces, its avenues and its variety of trees, the extensive park, which covers about 25 hectares, is a wonderful place to pass the time with a walk, a picnic, some sports, a visit to the special sights or a visit to one of the garden restaurants.

The sights and attractions in Letna Park

The Prague Metronome

Letna Park is home to one of Prague’s strangest sights, the so-called “Prague Metronome”. The artistic installation by Czech sculptor Vratislav Karel Novák was erected in 1991 on the remaining pedestal of the Stalin monument destroyed in 1962. The original name of the installation was “Time Machine”. However, due to its resemblance to a clock, colloquially the name “Metronome” has become accepted. The metronome symbolizes the inexorable passage of time and should be understood as a warning to remember the past. The 25-meter-high metronome is also clearly visible from Prague’s old town.

The carousel

Children will be more excited about another attraction in Letna Park. The oldest carousel in Europe is located in the park. The carousel with wooden horses in a delicately carved wooden pavilion dates back to 1892.

The Hanavský Pavilion

Another eye-catcher in the park is the Hanavský Pavilion, one of Prague’s most impressive Art Nouveau buildings, originally built as a representative pavilion for the Prague Agricultural Jubilee Exhibition in 1891. At that time it was the first building with a cast-iron construction in Prague. Today the pavilion houses a luxury restaurant with one of the most beautiful views of the breathtaking panorama of the Prague city center with its many bridges.

The beer garden

Speaking of food and drink, those who prefer beer to champagne can alternatively sit in the beer garden in Letna Park. On nice summer days and weekends, the beer benches bend under the weight of Prague residents and tourists. It’s no surprise that you can sit here in the shade of huge chestnut trees and enjoy an impressive view over the entire old town and up to Prague Castle while sipping a cool Prague Pilsner.