Why Visit the Meditation Garden Plzeň Victims Monument?

The Meditation Garden Plzeň victims monument is more than just a park. It is a place of deep spiritual meaning. A former political prisoner named Luboš Hruška created this space. He spent years in communist prisons. After his release, he transformed his family orchard into this garden. He wanted to promote peace and reconciliation. Today, it serves as a memorial to all victims of evil. You can learn more about the history of Lubos Hruska and the Meditation Garden to understand his vision.

The garden features a stunning Way of the Cross. This path includes twelve large sandstone statues. Famous sculptor Roman Podrázský carved these beautiful pieces. They tell a story of suffering and hope. The landscaping is also very impressive. There are hundreds of species of conifers and flowers. It is a very calm environment. You can sit on a bench and enjoy the quiet. It is a stark contrast to the busy city center. Many people come here to pray or think. It is a highlight of the official city tourism offerings.

Visiting this monument is a powerful experience. It reminds us of the value of freedom. The garden is well-maintained and easy to walk through. It is suitable for all ages. You will feel a sense of peace as you wander the paths. The monument is a testament to the human spirit. It shows how beauty can grow from a dark past. Make sure to include this in your Plzeň itinerary. It provides a unique perspective on the local culture. It is one of the most significant sites in the entire region.

11 Must-See Attractions in Plzeň for Your 2026 Trip

Plzeň offers a great mix of history and modern fun. There is something here for every type of traveler. You can explore deep tunnels or climb high towers. Here are our top picks for your visit.

• Best Overall: Pilsner Urquell Brewery
• Best for Families: Techmania Science Center
• Best Rainy-Day: Historical Underground
• Best Free Sight: Republic Square
• Best Peaceful Spot: Meditation Garden

1. Name: Meditation Garden (Památník obětem zla) Type: Monument Why go: This is a place for quiet reflection and stunning sculpture. It honors those who fought for freedom. Best for: History lovers and those seeking peace. Where: Doudlevce district, south of the center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for maintenance. Getting there: Take bus number 30 or 21 from the center. Tip: Visit during the late afternoon for the softest light on the statues.
2. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Sight Why go: This is the birthplace of the world's most famous lager. The tour is legendary and very informative. Best for: Beer enthusiasts and history buffs. Where: Near the main train station. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from Republic Square. Tip: Book your brewery tour guide in advance to skip the lines.
3. Name: St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Type: Viewpoint Why go: It has the highest church tower in the Czech Republic. The views from the top are incredible. Best for: Photographers and active travelers. Where: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Cheap for tower access. Getting there: It is in the very center of the city. Tip: Be ready for a long cathedral tower climb with many steps.
4. Name: Great Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The Moorish-Romanesque architecture is breathtaking. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Sady Pětatřicátníků. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Walkable from the main square. Tip: Check the visiting info for concert schedules held inside.
5. Name: Plzeň Historical Underground Type: Experience Why go: Explore a labyrinth of medieval corridors beneath the city. You will see old wells and storage rooms. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the Brewery Museum. Tip: Read a tour review to know what to expect in the chilly tunnels.
6. Name: Republic Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the heart of the city. It is surrounded by beautiful colorful buildings and modern fountains. Best for: People watching and local food. Where: City Center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: All main tram lines stop nearby. Tip: Look for the three golden fountains representing the city's coat of arms.
7. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: Museum Why go: See the pioneering modernist designs of a world-famous architect. These apartments are hidden gems. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Various locations in the center. Time: 1.5 hours per tour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tours start at the tourist office. Tip: These tours sell out fast, so book weeks ahead.
8. Name: Patton Memorial Pilsen Type: Museum Why go: It documents the liberation of the city by the US Army in 1945. It is very detailed and moving. Best for: Military history fans. Where: Pobřežní street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Cheap. Getting there: Easy walk from the Great Synagogue. Tip: Learn the museum facts before you go to appreciate the artifacts.
9. Name: Plzeň Zoo and DinoPark Type: Experience Why go: It is one of the best zoos in the country. The DinoPark features life-sized moving dinosaur models. Best for: Families with children. Where: North of the city center. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take tram number 4 or 1. Tip: Buy a combined ticket to save money on both attractions.
10. Name: Great Theatre (J.K. Tyl Theatre) Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Neo-Renaissance building with a rich cultural program. Even the exterior is worth a photo. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Smetanovy sady. Time: 30 mins for photo, 3 hours for a show. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Located on the edge of the historic park ring. Tip: Dress up if you plan to attend an evening opera or ballet.
11. Name: Brewery Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is located in an original medieval malt house. You can see how beer was made centuries ago. Best for: History lovers. Where: Veleslavínova street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Cheap. Getting there: Right next to the Underground entrance. Tip: Your ticket often includes a voucher for a small beer.

Planning Your Visit to the Meditation Garden

Visiting the Meditation Garden Plzeň victims monument requires a little bit of planning. The garden is not in the immediate city center. It is located in the Doudlevce area. You should check the local bus schedules. The Plzeň Region official site has good transport info. Most people spend about an hour here. It is best to go when the weather is clear. The statues look best under the sun. There is a small chapel on the site as well. It is often used for weddings or concerts.

The garden has specific opening hours. These can change depending on the season. Usually, it is open from April to October. It often closes during the winter months. You should check the official website before you travel. The paths are well-paved and easy to navigate. This makes it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. There are restrooms available on site. You can also find a small refreshment stand during the summer. It is a very visitor-friendly location.

If you have extra time, explore the nearby area. The Radbuza river flows close to the garden. There are nice walking paths along the water. You can walk back towards the city center along the river. This walk takes about 45 minutes. It is a very scenic route. You will see many locals jogging or cycling here. It is a great way to see a different side of Plzeň. The city is very safe and easy to explore on foot. Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful greenery.