Ledebour Garden in Prague

The Ledebour Garden is a Baroque terraced garden set on the southern slope directly beneath the walls of Prague Castle. Together with the neighbouring Pálffy Gardens and the Small Fürstenberg Garden, it forms a connected chain of terraced palace gardens that ranks among the most picturesque corners of historic Prague. The garden takes its name from Count Adolf of Ledebour, whose family owned the property.

What does the garden's layout look like?

The design follows classic Baroque principles: a symmetrical parterre at the base combines with a terraced section climbing up the hillside. A distinctive feature is a wall punctuated by rhythmically spaced niches, crowned by a central lookout pavilion, or belvedere. This original layout most likely dates back to the 1690s.

When was the layout changed?

In the 1720s the garden underwent a significant redesign. The orientation of the parterre was shifted to emphasise an east-west axis. During this phase a new sala terrena — an open garden hall on the ground floor of the building — was constructed, balanced by a symmetrical wall framing a fountain decorated with a Hercules motif.

What makes it stand out among the neighbouring gardens?

Among all the palace gardens below Prague Castle, the Ledebour Garden is regarded as the most ceremonial and grand. Its signature feature is a monumental, symmetrical staircase climbing the slope, lined with potted citrus and laurel trees. The composition is completed by rich architectural decoration — balustrades, viewing terraces, gloriettes and pavilions — which, together with the planting, form unified, picturesque scenes.

Has the garden survived in its original form?

Not without difficulty. Decades of neglect left the gardens at risk of falling into ruin. It was only between 1988 and 1999 that a thorough, phased restoration rescued the entire complex from further decay. The Ledebour Garden, along with the Small Pálffy Garden, reopened to the public in June 1995.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Ledebour Garden located? The garden sits on the southern slopes below Prague Castle, directly adjoining the neighbouring Pálffy and Fürstenberg palace gardens, together forming one connected complex.

Where does the garden's name come from? It is named after Count Adolf of Ledebour, whose family was connected to the estate.

When was the garden created? The original Baroque concept most likely dates to the 1690s, with a major compositional redesign following in the 1720s.

What are the highlights of a visit? The most memorable features are the monumental staircase lined with citrus and laurel trees in pots, the belvedere lookout pavilion, and the Hercules fountain.

Is the garden open to visitors today? Yes. Following the restoration completed in the 1990s, the garden is open to the public and remains a popular stop for anyone exploring the area around Prague Castle.