A piece of tranquility amongst the city centre ****************************************************************************************** * A piece of tranquility amongst the city centre ****************************************************************************************** Situated in the heart of bustling Prague 2, the Charles University Botanical Gardens area of tranquility. Originally founded on the other side of the river Vltava in 1775, the gard due to frequent flooding. They reopened in Albertov, a higher location, in 1898. Nowadays, boast some 3,000 plant species in the outdoor exhibits alone. Each plant in the large outd European Collection has been transferred to the garden from their original sites around th each representing a unique collection of genetic resources. The gardens are predominately divided into separate categories according to their species dedicated to plants such as cacti originating from South America. The garden is not only h of the most beautiful flowers and plants in Europe but it also houses so called ‘useful pl tomato, celery and artichoke along with aromatic shrubs like peppermint and lavender. Walking through the gardens, it’s hard to hear any of the traffic passing through the busy surrounding the gardens. With plenty of benches dotted around the garden and a dedicated g plenty of spots to sit back and take in the beautiful scenery, or to just take a break fro It’s clear to see that the garden is forever developing and expanding with space dedicated awaiting their turn to be featured in the public display areas. Whilst these areas are not public, many of them are visible from the myriad of walkways and paths located around the The garden is set out in a somewhat terraced design, with different levels accessible by t pathways and steps throughout the space. With views changing from level to level, the most sights are clear from the top terrace which overlooks the entire garden and gives a glimps greenhouses and the Faculty of Science buildings located on the site. Alongside the extensive gardens there is also a group of large greenhouses, which are home variety of more exotic plants and flowers. The greenhouses are divided into three main sec two segments dedicated to tropical and subtropical plants respectively and the final focus cultivation and technical purposes.  The tropical greenhouse features some of the most beautiful plants in the world including waterlilies. Perhaps the most special of them all is the Santa Cruz water lily (Victoria c for its large round thorny plate-shape leaves that can carry a small child; the flower of blooms for just two nights. Amongst all of the tropical flowers, including the delicate or selection of tropical fish species which can be viewed by the public. The greenhouses are group of parrots. The subtropical greenhouse has been split into two different atmospheres; dry and humid. W atmosphere there is a large selection of Mediterranean and Australian plants, which during months are located either outside of the greenhouses or in the outdoor container garden ne entrance. This area of the greenhouse is home to some of the most interesting and unique p have to offer. Finally, the dry section of the subtropical greenhouse is a home to an impressive range of dry climate plants. The atmosphere in this greenhouse is maintained to ensure that its ten optimum condition at all times. This area is the part of a large permanent exhibition whic replenished. The gardens and their greenhouses are a piece of tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle city. Situated just a quick tram ride from Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) or Charles náměstí), which are both interconnected with Prague metro lines, the gardens are easily ac worth the visit. Whether you are interested in plants and flowers from all around the worl looking for a bit of peace and quiet, there is something for everyone. The entry to the ou is free of charge and you will pay only a minor fee for visiting the greenhouses.