Grébovka: Havlíčkovy sady

Havlíčkovy sady’s  most memorable landmark is  the fountain Gröbe (Grébovka). It looks like a decaying series of caves which has been inhabited for ages by small furry rodents. However Villa Gröbe (Grébovka) is an example of a Neo-Renaissance villa, and it was built as a luxury summer house for the industrialist Moritz Gröbe in 1871 – 1888.  Today Greybovka is experiencing a renovation as all of Havlíčkovy sady has improved greatly throughout the years.

Moritz Grob was a German speaking  Jewish businessman who lived in Prague, Czech Republic. He was most well known for running a business which built bridges and railways towards the end of the 19th century. His summer Villa was built and located in what is now Havlickovy sady.

A beautiful vineyard is also present on a south facing hill with a beautiful view of prague.

There is also the strange Fountain of Neptune. Hidden in dense vegetation down the hill from the main enterance. The fountain was located in front of an artificial grotto (cave), designed by Joseph Vorlíček.  In its center was a statue of Neptune by Bohuslav Schnirch.  During World War II, bombs destroyed the main entrance gate. It  remained a freely accessible park at night and very soon began to fall into disrepair and was extensively damaged by vandals.  Someone most likely stole the statues in the fountain.  From 1973 to 1975  there was a costly reconstructionof the  grottos, fountains, pools, playgrounds and the local parts of the park. Unfortunately, in 1979 the grotto had once again become heavily damaged, so the  statue of the fountain was again removed and placed in the depository. The entire fountain and grotto is in critical condition and currently under reconstruction. Currently correcting Gröbovka villa, Once the restoration is complete the statue of Neptune will be returned.

In Popular Culture

From the Detective film Cerna Puncocha which takes place at Grebovka in Havlickovy Sady.
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