Royal deer - park better known as the Stromovka is a largest park in Prague. It is an oasis of peace and relaxation, an island of greenery in the midst of a noisy metropolis. Later in the 19th and 20th centuries was reduced by the construction of railways, the building of the Academy of fine Arts and the Planetarium, a ship canal, and last but not least by the construction of the exhibition ground.
At the western edge, an Imperial mill sprang up, with a late-Renaissance gate, there to this day. An island was raised in the middle, its remnant today dubbed Oak hillock – a central rise with ancient oak trees. The large pond was fed from Rudolph’s water tunnel – a technical feature remarkable in its day, still in service. It brought water from the Vltava River a hundred meters away.
The modern history of this now public park in the English style with landscaped horticultural sections dates from 1804. Rudolf’s pond was partially filled-in, creating several smaller bodies of water and a sizeable clutch of meadows. The picturesque natural composition was rounded off with the planting of many ornamental and exotic tree species. During this time the Summer House, then in ruins, was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style; and its surroundings made duly romantic.
The most notable Stromovka building is Šlechtova restaurant, originally the Royal Hall. Šlechta business prospered and it became an unmissable refreshments spot for anyone taking a Sunday stroll.
The Park has latterly seen costly modernization, to match 21st century trends. Most notably, the central part has seen quite a transformation, bringing four kilometres of renovated paths, new ponds, footbridges and piers, several playgrounds, picnic sites and outdoor fitness installations. Certainly worth a mention are the unconventional children’s playground elements, restored by Prague City Hall.
Stromovka park has its unmistakable charm and takes life at its own pace.
