The Man Behind the Memorial: Who Was Luboš Hruška?

Luboš Hruška was a young soldier in the Czechoslovak army. In 1949, the communist secret police arrested him. He tried to cross the border to find freedom. Instead, he faced years of hard labor in prison. During this dark time, he made a solemn promise. He vowed to build a place of peace if he survived.

Hruška spent years in the notorious Leopoldov prison. He met many political prisoners and priests there. These men helped him find his faith. Their strength inspired his future work. He wanted to honor those who suffered under totalitarianism. This goal drove him for the rest of his life.

After his release in 1960, he returned to Plzeň. He inherited a simple fruit orchard from his parents. This land became the foundation for his life's work. He spent decades transforming the soil with his own hands. You can learn more about his impact among other famous landmarks in Plzeň today.

9 Milestones in the History of Luboš Hruška and the Meditation Garden

The history of Luboš Hruška and the Meditation Garden is a story of persistence. It took decades to complete this vision. Each part of the garden has a specific meaning. Here are the nine key moments and features that define this historic site.

1. Name: The Fruit Orchard Transformation Type: historical site Why go: See the humble beginnings of the garden. Best for: History buffs. Where: Doudlevce district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Look for the older trees that remain from the original family plot.
2. Name: The Spiritual Vow Type: experience Why go: Understand the motivation behind the entire project. Best for: Thoughtful travelers. Where: Throughout the site. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Read the introductory boards to feel the weight of Hruška's promise.
3. Name: The Way of the Cross Sculptures Type: sight Why go: View 14 stunning sandstone statues by Roman Podrázský. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Main garden path. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Standard entry fee. Tip: Notice the emotional detail in each figure's face.
4. Name: Chapel of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Type: sight Why go: Visit the architectural heart of the garden. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Center of the garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Tip: The chapel honors a priest who died in Auschwitz.
5. Name: The Victims of Evil Memorial Type: experience Why go: Pay respects to those who suffered under regimes. Best for: Reflection. Where: Near the chapel. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: This is a place for silence and respect.
6. Name: The Gift to the Church Type: historical event Why go: Learn how Hruška ensured the garden's future. Best for: Local history fans. Where: Plzeň Diocese. Time: N/A. Cost: N/A. Tip: Hruška gave the garden to the Bishopric of Plzeň in 1995.
7. Name: Pope John Paul II’s Blessing Type: historical event Why go: Discover the international recognition the site received. Best for: Religious travelers. Where: Chapel area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the commemorative plaque mentioning the Pope's visit.
8. Name: The Memorial Hall Type: indoor Why go: See documents and photos of Hruška's life. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Entrance building. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Check the opening hours for Meditation Garden in Plzeň before you go.
9. Name: The Arboretum Type: nature Why go: Enjoy hundreds of rare trees and shrubs. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Outer garden rings. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Visit in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Meditation Garden in Plzeň

The garden is located in the Doudlevce neighborhood. It is a bit outside the city center. You can take a local bus or trolleybus to get there easily. Check the Visit Plzeň website for current transport maps. Most visitors spend about two hours here.

Silence is requested throughout the grounds. This is not a typical park for loud activities. It is a place for quiet thought. Photography is allowed but should be done discreetly. Many people visit to escape the busy city noise.

Entry fees are very modest. They go toward maintaining the rare plants and sculptures. There is a small shop at the entrance. You can buy postcards and books about Luboš Hruška there. It is a great way to support the memorial's mission.

Other Historical Landmarks to Visit Near Plzeň

After visiting the garden, explore more of Plzeň's history. The city center is full of important sites. You should not miss a St. Bartholomew Cathedral tower climb. It offers the best views of the entire region. The cathedral itself is a Gothic masterpiece.

For a different side of history, visit the brewery. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery tells the story of beer. It has been part of the city since 1842. The underground cellars are fascinating to walk through. It shows the industrial side of the Czech Republic.

The Plzeň Region also has many castles and ruins. You can find more info on the Plzeň Region official site. These sites show the medieval history of the area. Combining these with the Meditation Garden gives a full picture. You will see how the city evolved over centuries.