What to do and see in Praha-Troja, Bohemia: The Best Things to do

Prague Zoological Garden is situated near the center of the Czech capital, in a unique rugged landscape on the bank of the Vltava River. It opened in 1931 and during its existence of more than 80 years it has risen to become one of the most prestigious zoos in the world. Today, it is the second most visited tourist destination in the Czech Republic, just after Prague Castle. 5,049 animals and 676 species live in Prague Zoo. You can explore 13 pavilions and 150 exhibits over 58 hectares. The kids will love the Bororo Reserve, chairlift, mini-train, observation tower, paddling pool and Children’s Zoo. The pride of the zoo is its Elephant Valley, home to a sizeable herd of Asian elephants. The Giant Salamander House, where you can see the largest amphibians in the world – the critically endangered Chinese Giant Salamanders – is extraordinary as well; and the African House with an adjacent vast meadow inhabited by herds of antelopes and giraffes is worth your attention, too.

Troja Château echoes the opulent Roman suburban villas and thanks to its location and vast gardens offers easily reachable rest from the hectic city centre. The construction of the early Baroque château began in 1679 and the project was executed by an architect of French origin, Jean Baptiste Mathey. The sculptural decoration of the two-armed staircase leading to the garden was entrusted to the Dresden artists Georg and Paul Hermanns. This monumental sculptures symbolize the Titans fighting the Classical gods, allegories of periods of the day and year and allegories of continents. The Flemish painters Abraham and Isk Godyns were summoned to execute the illusive decoration of the large main hall. Troja Château and its gardens also hosts short-term exhibitions of contemporary art which are adapted to the specific character of the space.