Seminary Garden

Seminary Garden (Seminářská zahrada) is one of the historic gardens on the eastern slope of Petřín hill in Prague, open to the public since 1930. It combines an orchard character with city views and traces of its monastic past.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The garden covers the eastern slope of Petřín, right above Malá Strana, in Prague 1. It's one of several adjoining gardens that blanket the hill, and walking up from the lower funicular station on Petřín leads straight into its grounds. The lower section, close to the funicular station, is the easiest part to reach for anyone without time to climb higher up the slope.

Where does the name come from and what's the history?

In the Middle Ages, a vineyard founded on the initiative of Charles IV stood on this site. In the first half of the 17th century, the land was converted into a walled garden belonging to Prague's monastery of the Discalced Carmelites at Our Lady Victorious. In the second half of the 18th century, the monks built a Baroque chapel there that still stands today.

The name "Seminary" comes from 1927, when the land became the property of the City of Prague in exchange for a plot the city provided in Dejvice for the construction of a new building for the archbishop's seminary. The garden opened to the public on 1 May 1930 and has served as a city park ever since.

What's worth seeing inside?

A defining feature of the garden is its extensive orchard planting — around 2,100 fruit trees and 800 almond trees grow here, making it one of the few places in Prague where almond trees can be seen blooming in spring. A small pond is tucked away in the upper part of the garden, while below it a spring feeds a fountain known as Petřínka. In the lower section, near the funicular station, there's a children's playground.

Close to the funicular station stands a monument to the Czech writer Jan Neruda, and nearby is the "Hrající si chlapci" (Playing Boys) fountain. The whole area, as part of the Petřín gardens, is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Who is this place good for?

It's a good pick for anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the busier parts of Petřín, especially in spring when the fruit and almond trees are in bloom. Families with children will find the playground in the lower section, while history enthusiasts can seek out the Baroque chapel and other remnants of the former monastery garden.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the garden free? Yes, it functions as a public city park with free access, like most of the green spaces on Petřín.

Where does the name "Seminary Garden" come from? From a 1927 land exchange — the city took over the garden in return for a plot in Dejvice earmarked for a new building for the archbishop's seminary.

Is there anything for children? Yes, there's a playground in the lower part of the garden, near the funicular station.

When is the best time to visit? In spring, when the garden's many fruit and almond trees bloom — one of the few chances in Prague to see flowering almond trees in a city park.