Prague, Vinohrady

Vinohrady is a residential district in east-central Prague, spanning the Prague 2 and Prague 3 boroughs. Its name, meaning 'vineyards', recalls the vines planted on these slopes as far back as the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. The district took shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which accounts for its wealth of Art Nouveau and neo-Renaissance buildings lining broad, tree-lined avenues. Jiřího z Poděbrad square, overlooked by the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord designed by architect Josip Plečnik, hosts a farmers' market at weekends. Riegrovy sady and Havlíčkovy sady parks—the latter home to old vineyard terraces and a neoclassical pavilion—offer open views over Prague Castle and the city skyline. The Vinohrady Theatre, a well-known local cultural institution, rounds out an area also noted for its cafés, bars and restaurants. Vinohrady is served by metro line A (Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad and Flora stations), providing quick access to the Old Town and the castle district.