The park was established in 1820 by transforming decommissioned military bastions into public green space.
It was named after the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana in 1924, replacing its former name, Emperor's Park.
The park houses a unique collection of trees including Ginkgo biloba and various North American conifers.
The complex includes the 'Orangerie', a historic glasshouse structure used for indoor plant exhibitions.
The park serves as the main venue for the Flora Olomouc international flower and garden show held throughout the growing season.
The layout incorporates the 'Bezručovy sady' and 'Čechovy sady' into a unified continuous green belt.
The park features a memorial bust of Bedřich Smetana installed to honor the composer's connection to the city.
Remnants of the original 19th-century fortification walls can still be found integrated into the park's landscape boundaries.
Smetana's Gardens form the oldest and largest park complex in Olomouc, established in the early 19th century on the site of former city fortifications. The park spans approximately 20 hectares and features a curated collection of rare domestic and exotic tree species. It serves as a botanical anchor for the city, connecting several interconnected park zones surrounding the historic center. The gardens are designed in a landscape style that integrates historical monuments with expansive lawns and winding pathways. It hosts the recurring Flora Olomouc horticultural exhibition, which utilizes the park's specialized pavilions. The grounds contain a significant collection of outdoor sculptures and memorial markers dedicated to Czech cultural figures. An artificial stream and several bridges provide water-feature elements throughout the terrain. Visitors utilize the space for recreational walking and cultural observation.
The historic Orangerie glasshouse during the blooming season.
Combine your walk with a visit to the adjacent Botanical Garden for a more comprehensive horticultural experience.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park's paths cover a significant distance across flat and slightly sloped terrain.
Check the local events calendar before visiting to see if the Flora Olomouc exhibition is active, as it may impact visitor traffic.
Do not mistake it for a playground; it is primarily a horticultural and historical landscape intended for quiet leisure.
Cyclists must use designated lanes; keep dogs on a leash in high-traffic areas.
