Vrthouska Gardens

Vrthouska Garden

If you are planning to spend some time in Prague’s Lesser Town district, then you should consider stopping in at the Vrthouska Gardens to see some of its lovely and relaxing scenery. Vrthouska garden is approximately 3,000 square meters, which is not a very large space; however, this garden, designed by F.H. Kanka, is meticulously planned to make the best use of this small space, and is a perfect example of how to create a beautiful garden environment with a smaller plan. The Vrthouska Gardens are designed in the traditional Italian style and features terraced flowerbeds along it gently sloping hillsides. Large-scale and distinctively ornamental staircases provide walking access amid the terraces, and many of the walkways are decorated with statuary depicting the Gods of Roman mythology. There is also an observation area at the top of the terraced area of the garden where you can get some beautiful views of Lesser Town. While Lesser Town is a bit out of the way from the main sightseeing areas of Prague, it has a number of nearby hotels and it is a nice area to spend some of your vacation time.

The Jewish Quarter

Prague’s Jewish quarter is absolutely fascinating. Josefov is completely surrounded by the Old Town. It used to be a Jewish ghetto and was also planned as an “exotic museum of an extinct race”. The Jewish quarter has only six remaining synagogues and all of are beautiful structures and have incredible historical significance. There is the Old New Synagogue, the Moorish designed Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the now museum Maisel Synagogue, and the baroque Klaus Synagogue.

The Jewish cemetery is especially interesting. The number of graves is unknown. Since the Jews were restricted to their ghettos they had no space to expand their already full cemetery. Their solution was to merely build on top of the cemetery. Layers and layers of graves and tombstones are built on top of each other. The tombstones sprout out of the ground every which way: side by side, crooked, and on top of each other. Bushes and trees are everywhere covering the little sunlight that does peeks through. The whole place has tinge of grey and gives off an somber, melancholy vibe. You can enter the cemetery and walk through the designated paths and see for yourself the astonishing number of graves that exist in such a cramped area. There are also astounding memorials remembering all the Jews that have died, with their names written all over the walls. It is truly a sentimental moment for people of any race.

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