Gardens

Overview

Nestled within Prague's picturesque Malá Strana district, often referred to as Lesser Town, lie a collection of magnificent gardens that offer a serene escape from the city's bustling streets. These historical green spaces, primarily built in the Baroque style during the 17th and 18th centuries, are a testament to the era's grandeur and the artistic vision of their creators. Among the most notable are the sprawling Wallenstein Garden, the intimate and exquisitely terraced Vrtba Garden, and the interconnected Palace Gardens situated directly beneath Prague Castle, including the Ledebour, Small and Great Fürstenberg, Pálffy, and Kolowrat Gardens. Each garden boasts its unique charm, contributing to Malá Strana's reputation as a 'Baroque Pearl' of Prague.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of Malá Strana's gardens are deeply rooted in the aristocratic ambitions of the Bohemian nobility. The Wallenstein Garden, for instance, was constructed between 1623 and 1630 for Generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein, a prominent figure in the Thirty Years' War, who sought to create a palace and garden complex that could rival Prague Castle itself. This early Baroque masterpiece showcases Italian Mannerist landscape art, featuring a grand Sala Terrena and an artificial grotto.

Similarly, the Vrtba Garden, a High Baroque jewel, was laid out between 1715 and 1720 for Jan Josef, Count of Vrtba, Burgrave of Prague Castle. Designed by František Maxmilián Kaňka, with sculptural decorations by Matyáš Bernard Braun and frescoes by Václav Vavřinec Reiner, it exemplifies the Italian-style Baroque garden on a challenging steep slope of Petřín Hill.

The Palace Gardens below Prague Castle, a collective of five terraced gardens, were developed over centuries on the southern slopes beneath the castle. These gardens, including the Ledebour and Fürstenberg Gardens, replaced former vineyards and orchards, transforming the natural terrain into intricate Baroque landscapes with breathtaking views.

What Makes It Special

What truly distinguishes these gardens is their blend of natural beauty and elaborate Baroque artistry. The Wallenstein Garden captivates with its monumental Sala Terrena, an open-air hall adorned with frescoes depicting mythological scenes, and its impressive grotto, a unique artificial cave with hidden stalactite formations, including animal silhouettes. The garden's resident white peacocks freely roam the grounds, adding an enchanting touch.

The Vrtba Garden, a UNESCO-listed site, is celebrated for its ingenious terraced design, utilizing the steep incline to create multiple levels of manicured hedges, ornate staircases, and exquisite Baroque statues of mythological figures. Ascending its tiers offers progressively more stunning panoramic views of Prague Castle, St. Nicholas Church, and the red rooftops of Malá Strana.

The Palace Gardens collectively provide a journey through varying Baroque styles, connected by elegant staircases and offering diverse perspectives of the city. For instance, the Ledebour Garden features a lower parterre and an octagonal pavilion at its highest point, while the Great Fürstenberg Garden, once vineyards, is now adorned with thousands of flowers and trees.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

A fascinating detail about the Wallenstein Garden is the story of its bronze statues. The original works by Adriaen de Vries, depicting Greek gods, were plundered by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War in 1648 and are now housed in Sweden, leaving the gardens with impressive replicas. The artificial grotto, or 'dripping wall', is a marvel of Baroque illusion, designed to mimic natural rock formations and surprise visitors with its hidden faces and creatures.

The Vrtba Garden, despite being centrally located on Karmelitská Street, is often described as a 'hidden gem' due to its discreet entrance, making its discovery an almost secret delight for travelers. Its intimate scale and elaborate design create a 'giardino segreto' (secret garden) feel, a nod to Italian Humanist gardens. Many of these gardens also host cultural events, concerts, and are popular venues for weddings, adding to their vibrant local life.

Visitor Perspective

Exploring the Gardens of Malá Strana is an immersive experience. Stepping through their gates feels like entering a different era, where meticulously planned landscapes and architectural elements merge seamlessly with nature. Visitors can spend hours wandering the pathways, admiring the detailed statuary, intricate parterres, and the harmonious blend of greenery and stone. The terraced gardens, in particular, demand a leisurely ascent, rewarding those who reach their upper levels with unparalleled vistas of Prague's historic skyline. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the many staircases and sloping paths. These gardens provide tranquil moments of reflection, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate Baroque art and architecture in a stunning natural setting, away from the typical tourist crowds. They truly embody the elegant charm and rich history of Malá Strana.