Franciscan Gardens is a quiet public garden in Prague’s New Town, between Wenceslas Square and Jungmannovo Square. Dating to the 14th century, it began as a kitchen garden beside a monastery. Today, flower beds, trees, herb beds and fruit trees line its paths, with benches for a pause and views of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows. It also makes a pleasant walking route between the two squares. Enter through the Světozor or Alfa passages, or from Jungmannovo Square.
A garden between two squares
Franciscan Gardens lies in Prague’s New Town, between Wenceslas Square and Jungmannovo Square, close to Vodičkova Street and the Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Walls and surrounding buildings screen it from the busy streets, so the garden feels removed from the city around it.
The garden dates to the 14th century and was laid out as a kitchen garden beside a monastery. Monks grew fruit, vegetables and herbs there. The paths still pass herb beds and fruit trees, linking the present-day public garden with that earlier use. The garden was restored in the early 1990s.
Paths, plants and a church view
Flower beds, trees, shrubs and benches make this a place to walk slowly or sit for a while. The Church of Our Lady of the Snows is one of the garden’s notable views. Fountains and sculptures are also among the features found here, alongside green spaces and walking paths.
The garden is compact enough to include on a walk through central Prague. You can cross it between the two squares or pause on a bench before returning to the surrounding streets. In spring and summer, flowers add colour; the garden is also a quieter place to sit during winter.
Finding an entrance
Several passages lead to the garden. From Wenceslas Square, use the Alfa passage; the Světozor passage connects from Vodičkova Street. You can also enter from Jungmannovo Square. The passages meet near the garden gate, making the garden a convenient route between the area’s central streets.
Cafe Truhlarna is beside the garden, with coffee and cheesecakes. Nearby cafes make it easy to pair a short walk with a stop for a drink or snack.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where are Franciscan Gardens in Prague?
The garden is in New Town, between Wenceslas Square and Jungmannovo Square, near Vodičkova Street and the Church of Our Lady of the Snows.
How do you get into Franciscan Gardens?
You can enter from Jungmannovo Square, through Alfa passage from Wenceslas Square, or through Světozor passage from Vodičkova Street.
What is there to see in Franciscan Gardens?
Look for flower beds, herb beds, fruit trees, fountains and sculptures, as well as views of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows.
When is a good time to visit Franciscan Gardens?
Spring and summer bring flowers into bloom. Winter is a quieter time to visit.
