Botanical Gardens and Troja

Last Saturday, we were trying to think of something different to do, and we decided to visit Prague's botanical gardens.

Well - first, let me say, we picked one of the hottest days of the year to go hiking up there - and I mean up! They are located at the top of a pretty high hill, and the bus didn't go all the way up.

We were surprised by the extent of the acreage that is planted with various types of flora, and even more surprised (and pleased) to find wooden chaise lounges scattered about, as well as benches placed in wonderfully shaded glens.

The view from the top is pretty amazing too. This is the view looking down on the chateau or villa known as Troja. The Prague zoo is across the street from Troja, so all these wonderful sights are within walking distance of one another.

Formal gardens at Troja.

This chapel used to be part of the villa's estate, but is now in the botanical garden's grounds. There's a vineyard too...

A wildflower garden....

Erika, Diane, and Susan - you would love it here.....

There is a huge, and I mean HUGE, greenhouse that is devoted to tropical plants. It has fish ponds, and you can go down a level to see the fish in an aquarium-style display. There are also beautiful butterflies fluttering about, and of course - plants!

When we left the gardens, we did tour Troja, since we were right there.

This is the view from Troja's courtyard, looking back up at the vineyard and chapel.

The cellars - these were black as pitch and we didn't know what this looked like until we saw the photo taken with flash.

Part of the maze...

Troja villa....

Troja was designed to be approached by the river. This is the view from the river side. Imagine riding in your carriage, or on on your saddle-horse, up this magnificent approach to this beautiful villa!