Each period brought its own style and the layout of the gardens reflected both the philosophy of the times and concepts of space. Probably the most significant changes came along with the Baroque style when a certain monumentality of architecture became reflected in the exterior designs of the gardens. Unlike the flat uniform designs of tetragonal shaped space, typical for Renaissance, Baroque styles introduced symmetry to the composition along with geometrical shapes, and experimented with vertical space at the same time. So called boscets – densely planted bushes or small trees created little intimate “arbours”.
Another turning point that brought a completely new concept of garden design arrived when English landscape design became popular. Formal lay-out, uniform decoration and geometry were cast off by the new “wild look” of the evergreen tree species left freely growing without any intervention. The overall composition of the gardens was intended to resemble wild nature as much as possible. Curved or wavy soft lines surrounded the flowerbeds of perennials plants. These looked more like a meadow rather than cultivated flowers. However, in this period (19th century) the boom in travel, the industrial revolution and the advances in technology brought with it a fashionable desire to import various plants and trees from foreign lands. Due to the passion of many wealthy collectors it is possible nowadays to see some older examples of trees that are native to some far distant land. On the other hand, many of the imported plants have adapted to local conditions so well that it is almost impossible to imagine gardens without them.
To the delight of the townsfolk, as part of the revolutionary transformations of the 18th century, was the opening of private gardens to the public. Another pleasing fact is that many of the gardens have remained in existence even today. Most of them have been restored back to their original form so we can still enjoy their beauty.
The gardens below Prague Castle were given their names after the last aristocratic owners of the nearby Lesser Town palaces. However, their history stretches even further back. Some of them were founded in the 16th century when the lands were sold to the residents of the Lesser Town. The formerly restrained Renaissance gardens were redesigned into Baroque style during the 17th century. The opulent Baroque fountains, waterworks, salla terrenas, and small pavilions filled the area. The steep terraces were connected by steps and bower passageways. Today the observation terraces provide beautiful views over Prague. Each, out of about thirty, has a different ground plan and design.
A recent restoration of all five gardens beneath Prague Castle was carried out in 1992 – 2000 and financed by State resources as well as receiving assistance from Prague Heritage Fund. The fund was established under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the former Czech President Vaclav Havel.
I. The Ledeburg Garden
The garden is divided into two parts. The first one consists of a parterre with ornamental salla terrene; created most probably by František Maxmilián Kaňka in the 18th century. The interior of the salla terrena is decorated with murals depicting ancient mythology and scenes from the excavation in Pompeii by V. V. Reiner. The whole place is a perfect spot for concerts and other social events.
Up the steps we can enter into the second terraced part of the garden. There is an open-air, single floor, five sided pavilion on the topmost terrace providing a wonderful view over the Lesser Town. There is also a passage through to the neighbourhood’s Small Palffy Garden.
II. The Small Palffy Garden
The decorative style of this garden is rather reserved. The emphasis was mainly put on the former use associated with the agricultural wing of the palace. Grassy areas with fruit trees are abundant. The basic design is based on a small vineyard. Once again there is a passageway on the top terrace to the neighbouring Large Palffy Garden.
III. The Large Palffy Garden
There is a marble memorial tablet on the topmost terrace of the garden in remembrance of its reopening day 3. 9. 1997 after its reconstruction. On the lower level on the gable above the portal there is a sundial with a Latin proverb which, translated into English, goes as follows: Let the day be bright and banish the gloomy shadows of the night.
The steps through the tunnel passageway lead to the first terrace decorated by a fountain.
IV. The Kolowratska Garden
This garden has always been a utility garden, mostly planted with fruit trees and grapevines. Its generally modest character has remained even after the recent renewal when all the terraced areas became grass covered. The attention of all the visitors is, however, drawn toward the entry gate from Valdstejnska Street. There is an artistic cast-iron grating reconstructed from the former groundwork. The courtyard is filled with the replicas of old lanterns and benches. A small café situated in the garden lodge offers a stunning view over the south slope of the hill crowned by the Prague Castle.
V. The Small Furstenberska Garden
The garden was formerly used as a vineyard and later as a Renaissance utility garden. In the first half of the 18th century it developed into an Italian style late rococo garden designed by I. J. Palliardi. The central steps ascend to the upper observation terrace with a summer house overlooking Prague. A wooden arbour swathed in creepers arches above the stairs. The Small Furstenberska Garden is an architectural gem yielding many interesting spots around the terraces. The access into Prague Castle leads through the upper turret.