Strahov Monastery Gardens

Strahov Monastery Gardens spread across Petřín Hill in Prague, right next to one of Europe's oldest Premonstratensian monasteries. The site's history stretches back to the 12th century, and today visitors can wander among terraced vineyards, flower beds and orchard paths while taking in sweeping views over the Czech capital.

Where the gardens came from

The land for the monastery and its future gardens was granted in 1140 by Prince Vladislav II, who later became King Vladislav I. The plot proved unusually well suited to the purpose: gentle, sun-facing slopes were ideal for growing vines, and part of the area had previously served as a game preserve. The Premonstratensians, who settled here in 1143, quickly began shaping the grounds for both practical and spiritual purposes — from the Middle Ages onward, the monastery garden also served as a place of quiet contemplation.

What grew in the monastery gardens

In both the abbot's garden and the convent garden, the monks planted roses, a flower long associated with Marian devotion in Premonstratensian tradition. Tulips, carnations and rosemary were cultivated alongside them, while the orchards were filled with apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach, apricot, quince and medlar trees. Medicinal herbs were grown too, used by the brothers in the monastery's own pharmacy and infirmary — the garden was not only decorative but a working part of daily community life.

Vineyards below Petřín

Vines may have been grown on the slopes beneath Petřín even before the Premonstratensians arrived. By the 14th century, the whole area was almost entirely covered in vineyards, which only gave way to gardens and orchards during the 18th and 19th centuries. One notable figure in this history is Abbot Jerome Hirnhaim, who brought vine cuttings from vineyards in South Moravia and around Mělník, enriching local cultivation.

The gardens today

The monastery now maintains two smaller vineyards. One, a triangular, terraced vista vineyard, lies to the southeast of the monastery buildings, bordering the Abbey Garden just above the Raoul Wallenberg Path that circles the Great Strahov Garden. It was established between 1991 and 1995 on part of the Great Strahov Garden, designed by architect Otakar Kuča — a revival of a tradition that had been badly neglected during the communist decades.

The Great Strahov Garden itself is now a sprawling park offering some of the finest views in Prague — the rooftops of Malá Strana, the towers of St. Vitus Cathedral, and the winding Vltava river below. It draws both tourists chasing photogenic viewpoints and Prague locals looking for a quiet, green escape from the bustle of the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the gardens free? Most of the green spaces surrounding the monastery, including the Great Strahov Garden, are open to the public free of charge and function as a popular walking park for residents and visitors alike.

Can visitors walk through the vineyards? Yes, footpaths run alongside the terraced vineyards, offering views over Prague. Direct access to the vines themselves may be limited depending on the season and ongoing garden work.

How do you get there? The gardens sit on Petřín Hill next to Strahov Monastery, reachable on foot from Hradčany or Malá Strana, or via nearby tram stops.

What else is worth combining with a visit? A walk through the gardens pairs naturally with a visit to the monastery itself, its world-famous Strahov Library, and a stroll up Petřín Hill to its lookout tower.