Schönbornská zahrada

Schönborn Garden is a Baroque terraced garden climbing the northern slope of Petřín hill in Prague's Malá Strana district, directly above the well-known Vrtba Garden. Laid out in the mid-17th century alongside the neighboring palace, it still follows the layout typical of Italian-style terraced gardens of that era, with successive levels rising up the hillside and framing views over the rooftops of Malá Strana and the towers of Prague Castle.

Who founded the garden, and why does it have such an unusual staircase?

The garden owes its existence to Rudolf of Colloredo-Waldsee, grand prior of the Order of Malta and a military commander of the Prague garrison holding the rank of general in the Austro-Hungarian army. Around 1650, together with the construction of the palace, he commissioned the terraced gardens on the Petřín slope. A telling detail of his biography explains one unusual feature: the count lost a leg at the Battle of Lützen, and because of this he had the staircase to the garden's first terrace built with a special, gentle gradient so he could ride his horse directly up into the palace.

Who shaped the garden's final Baroque form?

The garden's later Baroque remodeling is linked to two of the leading architects active in Prague at the time — Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel and Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. Their involvement gave the arrangement of terraces, staircases, and decorative elements a mature Baroque composition that harmonizes with the architecture of the palace itself.

What is the garden's most distinctive feature?

The garden's standout structure is its gloriet, an ornamental garden pavilion built in the 17th century on the site of a former vineyard house. It was commissioned by Rudolf Colloredo-Waldsee himself, with the design credited to architect Giovanni de Galliano Pieroni. The gloriet serves as both a viewpoint and a decorative accent, a feature typical of representative aristocratic gardens of the period.

How large is the garden, and what is its protection status?

Schönborn Garden covers an area of 2.68 hectares and stretches across an elevation range of roughly 200 to 270 meters above sea level, reflecting a substantial rise in terrain between its lowest and highest terraces. Since January 1, 1964, the garden, together with Schönborn Palace, has been protected as a cultural monument, underscoring its historical and architectural significance for the city.

Can visitors tour the garden today?

Since 1924, the palace and its garden have belonged to the United States and now serve as the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. As a result, the grounds are closed to the public, and there is no possibility of free entry or guided visits. The garden can still be partially glimpsed from outside, however, by walking the streets of Malá Strana and looking up the Petřín slope, where fragments of the terraces and greenery are visible beyond the surrounding walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schönborn Garden open to tourists? No, the garden is part of the U.S. Ambassador's residence and remains closed to visitors.

Where exactly is the garden located? On the northern slope of Petřín hill in Malá Strana, above the Vrtba Garden.

Who designed the garden? It was founded on the initiative of Rudolf of Colloredo-Waldsee, with later Baroque work carried out by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel and Giovanni Battista Alliprandi.

How big is the garden? About 2.68 hectares, at an elevation of 200–270 meters above sea level.

Since when has it been a protected monument? Since January 1, 1964, together with Schönborn Palace.