Monastery gardens in Litomyšl

The Monastery Gardens in Litomyšl stretch across a hilltop above the town, sandwiched between two historic churches and close to the town's UNESCO-listed castle. Covering more than a hectare of greenery, the gardens spent decades locked away from the public before becoming one of Litomyšl's most popular spots for a quiet walk — entry is free, year-round.

Where did the gardens come from?

The land belonged to the Piarist college, an educational religious order brought to Litomyšl in the first half of the 17th century at the initiative of Frebonia of Pernštejn. The Piarists focused on educating children, including those from poorer families, and the garden attached to their complex of buildings was already in place at the time, later serving mainly as an orchard. Part of today's grounds also once served as a cemetery, used by both the Catholic and Protestant communities.

What happened to them in the 20th century?

The gardens stayed well maintained until the forced suppression of the Piarist order in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Once the monks left Litomyšl, the site was left unattended, fell into disrepair, and remained essentially inaccessible to residents for decades.

When were the gardens restored?

Restoration work began in May 1999 and took more than a year to complete, based on a design by Zdeněk Sendler, Radko Květa and Václav Babka. The renewed gardens were formally opened to the public on 2 September 2000, as part of that year's European Heritage Days celebrations.

What is there to see today?

The gardens cover more than one hectare. Their centerpiece is a flower garden with a viewing pavilion overlooking the town, alongside a pool fitted with a mist-making feature. Sculptures by the acclaimed Czech artist Olbram Zoubek rise out of the mist — a gift the sculptor donated to the town. The layout was designed as a place for rest and quiet, with plenty of seating tucked among the flower beds.

What are the opening hours?

The gardens are open all year and free of charge. From April to October they are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and from November to March from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Why visit?

The Monastery Gardens pair centuries of religious history with a strikingly modern landscape design — a rare combination of baroque monastic tradition and minimalist contemporary greenery. Their location right next to Litomyšl Castle and two historic churches makes them a natural stop on any walk through the town's historic center, offering a calmer counterpoint to the busier sights nearby.

Frequently asked questions

When were the Monastery Gardens in Litomyšl created? The land belonged to the Piarist college brought to the town in the first half of the 17th century, but the gardens as they look today are the result of a restoration completed in 1999–2000.

Who designed the restoration of the gardens? The project was designed by Zdeněk Sendler, Radko Květa and Václav Babka, and the work was marked by a formal opening on 2 September 2000.

What sculptures can be seen in the gardens? The pool with the mist feature holds sculptures by Olbram Zoubek, donated by the artist to the town of Litomyšl.

Is admission to the gardens free? Yes, the gardens are free to enter year-round.

What are the gardens' opening hours? From April to October, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; from November to March, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.