Meditační zahrada, Memorial garden in Plzeň, Czech Republic
The Meditation Garden is a memorial site built on a transformed orchard with ornamental trees, water features, and twelve sandstone sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross. The design combines natural landscaping with spiritual imagery to create a reflective space.
After his release in 1960, Luboš Hruška transformed his inherited orchard into this memorial, motivated by his imprisonment for attempting to escape during communist rule. The garden became a lasting tribute to the suffering of political prisoners during that era.
The garden is dedicated to Saint Maximilian Kolbe and serves as a place for religious ceremonies and quiet reflection. The chapel designed by Jan Soukup and Jiří Opl functions as a center for spiritual gatherings and personal prayer.
The garden is seasonally accessible with well-marked paths connecting the sculptures and chapel building. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time for slow walking to fully appreciate the meaning of each installation.
The twelve sandstone sculptures were created by Roman Podrázský and merge religious iconography of the Stations with the personal experiences of imprisoned individuals. This fusion makes the garden a distinctive memorial that intertwines spiritual symbolism with contemporary history.
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