Vinohrady and Vršovice This easy walk is ideal for aesthetes and those who enjoy the finer

the finer things in life. It leads

through an elegant part of Prague located on hilly terrain east of the historical centre. The area got its name from the
vineyards that Emperor Charles IV ordered to be planted here in the 14th century (one of which you will visit). Elaborate
façades, tree-lined streets, picturesque parks with city views, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Paris make this an area
that the cream of Prague society have always favoured. Today, this cosmopolitan district is known not only for its high
rents, but also for its top restaurants, wine bars, and cafés. The walk will also explore a small part of Vršovice and
Žižkov, two popular districts that share a thriving cultural life and are known for their eclectic mix of pubs, bars, and
cultural clubs.

From Vinohrady to Žižkov Žižkov is one of the most iconic Prague neighbourhoods outside of the historical centre.
In the past, its mostly working-class population, lively pubs and cabarets, and hilly terrain under Vítkov Hill together cast
an irresistible spell under which many an aspiring artist fell. Žižkov was home to two famous Jaroslavs – Hašek, author
of the world-famous humorous novel The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier Švejk During the World War, and
Seifert, a poet who is the sole Czech Nobel laureate for literature. Today Žižkov is undergoing rapid changes, but its heart
remains purely bohemian. The walk will take you first to the Vinohrady district, which gets its name from real vineyards
that were laid out on the hillsides here during the Middle Ages. Over time the grapevines were slowly replaced by
buildings. In today’s Vinohrady, you‘ll find beautifully decorated Art Nouveau and Historicist buildings alongside
austere Modernism in unusual colours and shapes. This winding route takes you through the streets of Žižkov leading to
the TV transmission tower, a modern symbol of this exciting district. Rest and refresh yourself at one of the many local
pubs that the district is known for.

Start   1 Náměstí Míru Square

There’s no doubt that náměstí Míru (Peace Square) is the heart of Vinohrady. The attractive square is a popular site
for various holiday markets. This square lies at Vinohrady’s heart, with the neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila at its
centre. Other important buildings on the square include the Vinohrady Theatre (Divadlo na Vinohradech) and the
National House Vinohrady (Národní dům na Vinohradech), site of conferences, concerts, and balls.

1 Church of St. Ludmila w ludmilavinohrady.cz

At its centre stands the Church of St. Ludmila, whose 60m high towers dominate the area.

  3 Vinohrady Theatre w divadlonavinohradech.com

In stark contrast to its severe Neo-Gothic lines, the Vinohrady Theatre, to the left of the church, catches the eye with
its swirling Art Nouveau lines. A few steps from the theatre is the National Building in Vinohrady, a monumental
Neo-Renaissance edifice that’s home to cultural events and restaurants w nardum.cz

4 The Havlíčkovy Gardens were inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Grottoes, fountains, waterfalls, and a lake
create a romantic atmosphere, beautifully complemented by the charming wooden gazebo in the middle of the
vineyard. The entire complex is dominated by a stately villa with a terrace that offers views of the surrounding areas.

5 Krymská Street Even readers of the New York Times know that inconspicuous and somewhat grubby Krymská
Street is the centre of Prague’s alternative culture and the hippest address in the city. You’ll find a number of places
that blend café culture with the arts, plus a still-authentic – but not too wild – nightlife. We recommend coming back
here in the early evening.

6 Heroldovy sady/ Gardens Bilgi yok.

7 Šaloun Atelier Hradešínská St. 9 Kotěra Villa Bilgi yok.

Two buildings worthy of note are the Art Nouveau atelier belonging to sculptor Ladislav Šaloun (creator of the
massive Jan Hus
sculpture in Old Town Square) and a villa by Jan Kotěra, a noted Czech modernist architect.

8 Hus Congregational House by

Czech architect Pavel Janák entails three parts: a ceremonial hall, an apartment building, and a bell tower. The
structure is considered an icon of Czech functionalist architecture. A Functionalist building comprising a ceremonial
hall, a residential building, and a bell tower. It’s one of Czech architect Pavel Janák’s major projects.
9 Vinohradská water tower (Vinohradská vodárenská věž)
A seven-story tower with a Neo-Renaissance façade and staircase served its function until 1962. It’s said that in
good weather, the statues of trumpeting angels can see as far as the Krkonoše Mountains, some 150 km away. This
stately former water tower,
once containing both pumps and water tanks, served its original purpose until 1962. Now it houses offices and
apartments.

10 náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad / George of Poděbrady Square Arriving on the square, your eyes will be
immediately
drawn to the unusual monumental architecture of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart by Slovenian architect Jože
Plečnik, who was also the creative force behind the modern modifications of Prague Castle. The church, whose form
evokes Noah’s ark, is one of the most important 20th century religious buildings in Prague. The square is a frequent
venue for a popular farmers’ market as well as other culinary and cultural events. Arriving on the square, your eyes
will be immediately drawn to the unusual monumental architecture of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart by
Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who was also the creative force behind the modern reconstruction of Prague
Castle. The church, whose shape is meant to evoke that of Noah’s ark, is the most important modern religious
building in Prague.

11 Škroupovo náměstí/Square
You might find it hard to believe, but this square measures 150 m (492 ft) in diameter. It entered the Prague history
books as the site
of the events of the first authorized dissident demonstration in December 1988. Václav Havel gave his first public
political speech here, demanding the release of political prisoners.

12 Žižkov TV Tower Prague’s most controversial building and highest tower (216 m) still has its passionate
supporters as well as those who would be happy to erase it from Prague’s skyline for good. Built between 1985 and
1992, it’s studded with bizarre giant babies by Czech artist David Černý. In addition to a viewing terrace (highly
recommended!), you’ll also find a restaurant and a unique one-room hotel. A triple tower resembling a spaceship
ready for launch is an unmistakable dominant feature of the Prague skyline. In addition to technical equipment, the
transmitter tower also houses a luxury single suite hotel, a restaurant with bar and café, and an observation deck with
an amazing view of Prague. The transmitter’s columns are adorned with bizarre figures of babies by sculptor David
Černý

Old Jewish Cemetery in Žižkov Directly under the tower, the Mahler Gardens hide their secrets. At one time, a
Jewish cemetery was located here, parts of which are still clearly visible. The old Jewish cemetery in Žižkov was
originally part of a plague burial ground of the Prague Ghetto, but over time it transformed into a proper cemetery
which served the community for over a century.

13 International Telephone Exchange Building

The monumental International Telephone and Telegraph Exchange building is one of the most interesting buildings
in Žižkov. It was built shortly after 1921 by architect Bohumír Kozák. Its two towers and other decorative elements
are typical examples of Czech national Decorativism

14 Palác Akropolis w palacakropolis.cz

The cultural heart of Žižkov, Akropolis has a restaurant and multi-genre programme of both established and rising
stars. Artist František Skála and architect/playwright David Vávra designed the eclectic interior. Žižkov’s cultural
hub with its uniquely
conceived interiors including a restaurant, is popular among not only established artists, but also those just starting
out – be it music, theatre, or visual art

15 Sladkovského náměstí/Square
The Church of St. Prokop dominates this picturesque square at the foot of “upper Žižkov” and, along with the
nearby Lipanská tram stop, forms one of a number of Žižkov’s focal points. The Neo-Gothic church was built at the
turn of the 20th century.

Seifertova St., the main artery of the Žižkov district, is named after Jaroslav Seifert, outstanding Czech poet and
Nobel laureate. He
not only lived here, but also studied at the nearby grammar school.

16 Kostnické náměstí/Square
Kostnické Square is probably the most picturesque square in Žižkov. It gets its name from the German city of
Kostnice (Konstanz), where the church council met in 1415 and sentenced Czech church reformer Jan Hus to death
by burning. The name refers to the connection between the Žižkov district and the Hussite events of the 15th
century. From the square, there’s an interesting view of Vítkov Hill and the dominant bronze equestrian statue of Jan
Žižka of Trocnov

17 Riegrovy sady/Gardens This park, over 100 years old, offers intimate nooks, open meadows, and unusual views
of Prague’s skyline. During the summer, you’ll find a popular beer garden here that becomes a kind of second home
for some locals. For a stunning vista of the Old Town and Prague Castle, head to the top of the meadow at the
western edge of the park. In the summer it’s an ideal spot for a picnic