Kapucínské zahrady

Kapucínské zahrady (Capuchin Gardens) is a small park tucked into the southeastern slope of Petrov hill in central Brno, right beside the Capuchin monastery. Long closed off from visitors, this quiet green space combines centuries of history with a recent revival that has made it one of the city centre's more rewarding discoveries.

Where did the gardens come from?

The Capuchin monastery was built in 1650, and according to the monastery chronicle, the adjoining garden was established in 1667. Originally it served practical purposes — vineyards grew here first, later replaced by a kitchen garden that supplied the friars with food. Over the following centuries the space was reshaped repeatedly to match the monastery's needs and the changing city around it.

How did the terraces evolve?

During the reconstruction of the nearby Bishop's Palace in the 1960s, distinctive terraces were built, complete with a fountain and a geological exhibition. That work also opened up the view toward Petrov Cathedral, which remains one of the site's biggest draws today. Unfortunately, from the 1990s onward the terraces were closed to the public because of their poor condition, leaving the area to deteriorate, inaccessible to both residents and visitors for more than two decades.

Why is it worth visiting now?

That changed thanks to a costly restoration carried out by the city of Brno. In 2022, two of the Capuchin terraces — the second and third — reopened to the public after many years off-limits. The architects behind the revitalization fully respected the garden's original spatial layout, and the new planting closely echoes the monastery's historical kitchen garden. Today visitors can find apple trees, medlars, grapevines, and a mix of ornamental flowers and herbs once used in the monastery kitchen.

What else is hidden in the gardens?

During the restoration work, archaeologists made an unexpected find: a lime kiln dating from before 1648 — meaning it predates the construction of the Capuchin monastery itself. The discovery confirms that the site had economic significance long before the religious community was ever established here.

The entire monastery complex, together with its adjoining gardens, is listed as a cultural monument, underlining its historical value to the city.

Frequently asked questions

When can you visit Kapucínské zahrady? The gardens are open to visitors from March to October, daily from 7 AM to 6 PM.

What are the main things to see? The highlights are the restored terraces with views of Petrov Cathedral, the historical plantings (apple trees, medlars, grapevines, herbs), and traces of the old lime kiln uncovered during archaeological work.

Were the gardens always open to the public? No — from the 1990s the terraces were closed due to their poor structural condition. It took a city-led restoration project to reopen two of the terraces in 2022.

Where exactly are the gardens located? Kapucínské zahrady sit in the Brno-střed district, on the slope of Petrov hill, next to the Capuchin monastery in the heart of Brno.