An elite residential district to the north of historical Prague, Troja is full of nature – with its green rolling vistas and riverside views. It is home to several famous attractions such as the Prague Zoo, the Botanical Garden and the impressive Baroque Troja Chateau, housing an art gallery.
Troja
Zoo, chateau and green escape from the city
HIGHLIGHTS
- Have a lovely time at Prague Zoo, ranked among the top ten in the world
- Troja Chateau – a Baroque pearl with impressive art collections
- Calm down and relax amongst the beautiful greenery of Botanical Garden
- Enjoy a glass of locally produced wine at St. Claire’s Vineyard
Officially, Troja became part of Prague in 1922 and is still one of the greenest areas of the city. Part of its boundaries are defined by the gentle curves of the Vltava, and the hilly terrain is mostly covered by lush greenery. Troja is associated with some major attractions, including Prague Zoo, as well as prestigious villa-type residences, quiet rural scenery and fine dining.
Back in the day, it was a little village centered around a sheep farm and called Horní Ovenec. Charles IV turned a large proportion of the land into vineyards – a tradition supported until today and considered the local hallmark. But it was only in 1678 that Troja began to really thrive, when count Václav Vojtěch of Sternberg family built a Baroque castle here.
This Troja Chateau is still one of the main attractions of the area – it features impressive décor and sculptures, a manicured French-style park, as well as the 19th-century art collection by the Prague City Gallery.
For locals and tourists alike, the wonderful Prague Zoo is probably the most popular magnet in Troja. Ranked among the 10 best zoos in the world by Forbes Magazine, it is located on a verdant hillside with various nature zones arranged. You can walk through the Indonesian Jungle, the Valley of the Elephants or the African Savanna, enjoying the diversity of animals and excellent visitor facilities, plus a playground for kids.
If you come to spend a day in Troja, the Botanical Garden is one more attraction not to be missed. Here you can wonder at the exotic plants and myriads of butterflies, meditate in the Japanese garden or taste wine from local vineyards.
Troja is a bit remote from the historical center, but you can take a very enjoyable trip by ferry (May to August, from Rašínovo nábřeží) or travel by other public transport via the nearby Holešovice.