Gardens Below Prague Castle: A Tranquil Escape

The Gardens Below Prague Castle, known locally as Zahrady pod Pražským hradem, provide a rich tapestry of historical, architectural, and natural beauty. These gardens aren't just a visual feast but a living chronicle of Prague's past, evolving from medieval fortifications into Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, eventually incorporating elements of 19th-century romanticism. In the Middle Ages, the south-facing hill was heavily defended. The beginning of the 16th century ushered in a period of peace, and terraced vineyards and Italian-style Renaissance gardens attached to palatial edifices gradually replaced demolished ramparts. The five interconnected gardens—Ledebour Garden, Great and Small Pálfy Gardens, Kolowrat Garden, and Small Fürstenberg Garden—reflect their original ownership. Each garden has its own specific layout and offers diverse romantic hideaways. Extensive renovations between 1988 and 1999 rescued them from crumbling disrepair. In 1992, the Gardens below Prague Castle, along with the rest of the Historic Center of Prague, were UNESCO World Heritage listed. The gardens feature architectural gems such as balustrades, garden houses, pavilions, and scenic stairways set against lush greenery and panoramic city views. The Ledebour Garden, adjacent to the Ledebour Palace, features production areas and thoroughfares from the 13th century. The Pálffy Garden, adjacent to the Pálffy Palace, has a Romanesque wall with a portal. The Small Fürstenberg garden represents a great example of a baroque terrace garden of Italian type. The Kolowrat Garden, adjacent to the Kolowrat Palace, was united into a single building in 1669.