Waldstein Garden: A Baroque Oasis in Prague

The Waldstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Prague. This early Baroque garden was created between 1623 and 1629 alongside the Wallenstein Palace, commissioned by Albrecht von Wallenstein, a prominent Czech nobleman. Today, the palace serves as the seat of the Czech Senate. The garden is open to the public from April to October and features meticulously designed sections with free entry. Visitors can admire roaming peacocks, observe fish and ducks in the pond, and explore the aviary. The garden's layout includes a Sala Terrena, a loggia adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the Trojan War. The unique artificial dripstone wall with grottoes is another highlight. Statues throughout the garden depict characters from Greek mythology; the originals, created by Dutch sculptor Adriaen de Vries, were taken by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War, and the current statues are replicas. Classical music concerts and theater performances often take place in the garden during the summer months. The Wallenstein Riding School, once part of the palace complex, now hosts exhibitions by the National Gallery. The garden offers a tranquil atmosphere, providing a royal ambiance with greenery and beauty, making it a worthwhile addition to any Prague itinerary.