Zahrada Nebozízek

Zahrada Nebozízek is a small but scenic garden on the slope of Petřín Hill in Prague's Malá Strana district. Covering roughly 8 hectares, it is protected as a Czech cultural monument as part of the wider Petřín park complex. It's a place where history and Prague's rooftop views come together — here's what to know before visiting.

Where exactly is Zahrada Nebozízek?

The garden stretches along the eastern slope of Petřín Hill, between Malá Strana below and the lookout tower at the summit. The funicular railway connecting the lower station at Újezd with the upper station near Petřín Tower runs straight through it, with a middle stop named Nebozízek — the very name the garden borrowed for everyday use.

Where does the name "Nebozízek" come from?

Despite sounding like it might relate to the sky ("nebe"), the name actually comes from "nebozez," an old carpenter's tool resembling an auger or spiral drill. The paths winding up the steep hillside spiral in much the same way as the tool's blade twists into wood. The name itself is first documented in writing in 1433, back when the area was still covered in vineyards.

How has the site changed over the centuries?

In the Middle Ages, most of today's garden was occupied by vineyards, including some belonging to the Knights of the Cross. Between 1832 and 1842, the orchard on the site was converted into a garden under a design by Prague gardener Jiří Braul, and it opened to the public in 1842. The real transformation came half a century later: between 1891 and 1895, tied to the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition and the construction of the funicular and the lookout tower on Petřín, garden architect František Josef Thomayer redesigned the grounds as an English-style city park.

What can visitors see in the garden today?

The eastern section, known as Sad Nebozízek, is laid out as an English landscape park, planted with lawns, perennials, and bulbs that give it a distinct look through the seasons. Among the greenery stands a monument to Karel Hynek Mácha, one of the most important Czech romantic poets, closely tied to Petřín through his poem "Máj." It's a modest but meaningful cultural touch in a spot that otherwise serves mainly as a viewpoint and a resting point along the walk.

Why is it worth a stop on a Petřín visit?

Zahrada Nebozízek makes a natural stop for anyone heading up to Petřín Tower, whether on foot or by funicular. The views over Prague from here rank among the best in the city, and compared to the more famous palace gardens of Malá Strana, this garden feels quieter and less touristy. It's a good spot to catch your breath halfway up the hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the garden free? Yes, it functions as a public city park and is open without an entrance fee; any charges apply only to the funicular ride or to nearby food and drink venues.

How do you get to Zahrada Nebozízek? The easiest way is by funicular from the Újezd station — the mid-route stop is actually named Nebozízek. It's also reachable on foot via paths leading up the Petřín slope.

Where does the name "Nebozízek" come from? From an old carpenter's auger, or "nebozez," whose spiral shape is echoed by the winding paths on the steep hillside.

Is there more to see here than greenery? Yes — the Sad Nebozízek section holds a monument to poet Karel Hynek Mácha, and the whole garden is laid out in the style of an English landscape park.