The Vrtba Garden in Prague

Baroque gem below Prague Castle

In the vicinity of Prague Castle there are a lot of gardens that are worth visiting. These include the Royal Garden, the Pleasure Garden, the Lobkowicz Castle Gardens, the Wallenstein Garden or the Vojanovy Sady Park. They all form a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city and are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature after a visit to Prague's Old Town and Castle.

Another unique garden between Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge in the Malá Strana district is the Vrtba Garden. It combines beautiful architecture, breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. If you are interested in baroque gardens and want to experience a piece of Prague's history and beauty, a visit to the Vrtba Garden is definitely worth it.

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  History and Culture

  The Vrtba Garden was commissioned in the 18th century by the nobleman Jan Josef, Count of Vrtba, who was an important politician and diplomat and wanted to create a representative garden for his palace in Prague. The garden was designed by the Czech architect František Maxmilián Kaňka. Work began in 1715 and was completed in 1720. Covering an area of approximately 0.4 hectares, the garden is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved baroque gardens in Prague and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It was reconstructed between 1991 and 1998 by the Czech Monument Protection Agency and now belongs to the City of Prague.

  It is regularly used for cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances and weddings. It is a good idea to take part in such events and experience the unique atmosphere of the garden. It is also a popular location for photo shoots and film productions. In addition, there is also a café in the garden.

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  Atmosphere and views

  The Vrtba Garden offers stunning views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Prague's Old Town. The manicured gardens with their ornate statues, exquisite ornaments, terraces and symmetrically laid out flower beds are a real feast for the eyes. Every corner of the garden is carefully designed and offers visitors a unique atmosphere.

  It is a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here you can relax, go for a walk or just enjoy nature.

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  Structure

  Another interesting aspect is the structure of the garden. The Vrtba garden is divided into several terraces connected by an elegant sandstone staircase. Each terrace has its own character and offers a different view and atmosphere. This creates interesting spaces for strolling and discovering different plants and their arrangements.

  Boxwood plays a central role in the Vrtba garden, as it makes up a large part of the topiary shrubs and hedges. It is used to delineate edges and form geometric shapes and patterns. The meticulously cut Buchs blends seamlessly with the baroque architecture and formalized design of the garden, emphasizing the symmetry of the layout. In addition, the Vrtba Garden is also home to some rare plant species. Here you will find rare trees such as ginkgo biloba or exotic plants that give the garden a unique character.

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  Botany

  The Vrtba Garden is a botanical paradise that is home to a variety of plants, structures and rare species. It is a place where you can explore and admire the beauty of nature in the middle of a bustling city.

  Here you will find different types of plants, carefully selected and arranged to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment, bring wonderful colors and scents to the garden and enliven the space. The garden is filled with historic roses, e.g. old varieties such as Bourbon or Portland roses. There are several types of magnolias, such as the star and tulip magnolias, an impressive collection of wisteria covered with blue and purple flowers in spring, various types of climbing plants such as clematis and ivy, or even fruit trees such as apple, pear and plum trees. In a special area of the garden, herbs and medicinal plants are grown for medicinal and culinary purposes.