Garden of Troja Castle

The Garden of Troja Chateau is one of the best-preserved Baroque garden complexes in the Czech Republic, spreading out below a late-Baroque palace in Prague's Troja district. It was laid out in the late 17th century alongside the chateau itself, which was commissioned from 1679 by Count Václav Vojtěch of Šternberk. The residence was designed by architect Jean Baptiste Mathey, a Frenchman who drew inspiration from grand Roman suburban villas, while the garden's layout is credited to the gardener Jiří Seeman.

What does the garden's layout look like?

The garden follows a classic French Baroque design, built around a clear central axis, geometrically trimmed green parterres, and terracing across two elevations. The composition is divided into three main sections, arranged to create dramatic sightlines toward the chateau and the surrounding countryside — a hallmark of formal gardens from this period.

What makes this garden stand out among Prague's palace grounds?

One of its most striking features is the monumental two-flight garden staircase connecting the chateau's main hall directly to the garden's lower level. Carved in 1685 by Jiří and Pavel Hermann of Dresden, the staircase sculptures depict a mythological battle between the ancient gods and goddesses and the Titans — an unusually elaborate iconographic program for a Central European palace garden of the era. The grounds also hold a rare collection of terracotta vases, busts, and allegorical figures created by Sebastiano Bombelli, placed along the terraces and pathways.

What happened to the garden in more recent history?

After its Baroque heyday, the chateau and garden went through periods of neglect before undergoing a major restoration in the 1980s, led in large part by architect Otakar Kuča. This work restored much of the garden's historical character and recreated many of its decorative elements. Today the entire chateau complex belongs to the City of Prague, and the palace itself houses part of the Prague City Gallery's collection.

Is entry to the garden free?

Unlike the chateau's interiors, which require an admission ticket, the garden itself is free to enter. It's worth noting, though, that it only opens seasonally, from April to October, reflecting the upkeep needs of its historic Baroque plantings.

Why is it worth visiting?

The Garden of Troja Chateau combines the intimacy of a suburban aristocratic retreat with the ambition of grand European Baroque design. Its proximity to Prague Zoo and its scenic setting along the Vltava River make it a popular stop for anyone exploring the northern part of Prague, away from the crowds of the historic city center.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the garden free? Yes, the garden itself is free — only visits to the chateau's interior require a ticket.

When is the garden open? It operates seasonally, from April through October.

Who designed the garden? Its layout was created by gardener Jiří Seeman in the late 17th century, alongside the chateau's construction under architect Jean Baptiste Mathey.

What else is worth seeing besides the greenery? The monumental garden staircase with its 1685 sculptures by the Hermann brothers, and a collection of terracotta vases and allegorical figures by Sebastiano Bombelli.

Who manages the site today? The entire chateau complex is owned by the City of Prague.