In Prague, there are 88 protected natural areas measuring altogether more than 2,220 ha. The offer of peaceful nooks and crannies in Prague is very diverse offering different water reservoirs, meadows and woods.
Seven of Prague’s areas have the status of a national nature sanctuary. These are: Barrandovské skály (Barrandov Rocks), Cikánka, Dalejský profil, Lochkovský profil, the area U Nového mlýna, Požáry and Letiště (Airport) Letňany. An additional fifteen localities are described as a nature reservation and the rest are nature monuments. Additionally, Prague’s territory is partially overlapped by the protected landscape area Český kras.
Among Prague’s natural reservations are smaller areas of unique natural value, for example Divoká Šárka, Homolka, Chuchelský háj (Chuchel Grove), Klánovický les (Klánovice Forest), Podhoří, quarry Požáry, Radotínské údolí (Radotín Valley), Slavičí údolí (Slavičí Valley), údolí Únětického potoka (Únětice Stream Valley) or Vinořský Park.
Even though Divoká Šárka was declared the first protected nature reservation in Prague in 1964, the primacy in protection actually belongs to Barrandovske skaly (Barrandov Rocks), located between Mala Chuchle and Hlubočepy. As early as in 1884 they were transferred under the management of National Museum as a unique geological example of Palaeozoic lime stone folding. In 1982, Barrandov Rocks have been declared national natural monument.
One of the most significant natural areas in Prague is the nature reservation Prokopské údolí (Prokop Valley) that encompasses many other protected areas. In the district of Jinonice and Hlubočepy this area offers rich savannah and grove communities, caves and fossil fields. Here you can encounter a variety of heat-loving insects, about 60 types of birds and 20 types of mammals.
Some of the romantic nature sanctuaries are to be found right in the centre of Prague. One of them is Petřínské skalky (Petřín Rocks) in Lesser Town that spreads from the upper side of Kinského zahrady (Kinsky Gardens), via Petřínské sady (Petřín Orchards), Seminářskou zahradu (Seminary Garden) to Strahovsky klášter (Strahov Monastery).
A favourite destination for walks is another natural monument, Královská obora (the Royal Enclosure), located not far from Výstaviště (the Exhibition Grounds) in Prague 7. It was originally built for the purpose of animal hunting as early as in the 13th century, and in 1804 it was opened to public.
Another area that was declared a natural monument is the steep rock wall Jabloňka. Other natural monuments are: Černé skály (Black Rocks) in Liben; Krňák, the dead arm of Berounka river leading under Zbraslav Châteaux; old quarry Ládví in Ďáblicky les (Ďáblice Forest); Lítožnice, a set of ponds and adjunct waterlogged meadows and hills in the valley of Říčansky potok (Říčany Stream); Botič Meanders in Hostivař; Modřanská rokle (Modřany Gully); enclosure Hvězda, enclosure in Uhříněves; Počernický rybník (Počernice Pond); Podbabské skaly (Podbaba Rocks) and Bohnické údolí (Bohnice Valley).
Summer months are the best time to visit. All you have to do is to make your choice...
Source: ČTK