South Gardens

Jižní zahrady (South Gardens) of Prague Castle were gradually created on the site of the former fortifications below the castle. After their most recent restoration in 2012, the gardens were returned to their original appearance from the 1920s, when they were redesigned for President T. G. Masaryk.

Stretching nearly 500 meters along the southern face of the castle, the South Gardens are open during the summer season, with entrances from Na Opyši at the eastern gate or via the Bull Staircase (Býčí schodiště) from the Third Courtyard. The complex consists of three distinct gardens: 

The Paradise Garden (Rajská zahrada) occupies the site of the oldest garden in front of the castle’s southern façade, originally a private garden for Archduke Ferdinand and later for Emperor Rudolf II. This area once featured an imperial bath and an aviary. Its current form is defined by a monumental staircase and a large granite bowl at the center of the lawn. 

The Garden on the Ramparts (Zahrada Na Valech) features a unified geometric layout and runs beneath most of the castle’s southern façade. Its central terrace offers breathtaking views of Prague, and at the end of the garden is the Moravian Bastion (Moravská bašta), a quiet lookout where President Masaryk often sat. 

The Hartig Garden (Hartigovská zahrada), with its Music Pavilion, is the smallest of the South Gardens and was only added in the 1960s. Please note, the Hartig Garden is not open to the public.

The South Gardens are a serene and elegant escape, rich in history and architectural detail, and offer some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Prague.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Look for the ancient yew tree in the Paradise Garden, believed to be the oldest tree at Prague Castle, estimated to be 400 years old.

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📅 Plan your visit  

🎫 Admission: Free Entrance
🕒 Opening Hours:
      Apr–Jun & Sep: 10:00–19:00
      Jul–Aug: 10:00–20:00
      Oct & Mar: 10:00–17:00
      Nov–Feb: Closed

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

- U Labutí (Traditional Czech restaurant near Prague Castle) 4.3 ⭐ 

- U Dvou Slunců (Historic Czech restaurant with literary heritage) 4.5 ⭐ 

 

[$]

- Lobkowicz Palace Café (Elegant café with homemade food and castle views) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Klášterní pivovar Strahov (Monastic brewery & Czech cuisine) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Snack Café U Raka  (Charming café with homemade treats in a fairytale setting) 4.7 ⭐ 

[$$]

- Vikárka Restaurant (Historic Czech dining right at Prague Castle) 4.2 ⭐ 

- Kuchyň(Traditional Czech cuisine with stunning castle views) 4.6 ⭐

- Lví Dvůr (Elegant Czech restaurant with castle views and garden terrace) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

- TAST Restaurant (Modern European cuisine with a creative twist) 4.9 ⭐

- Terasa U Zlaté studně (Fine dining with panoramic castle views) 4.7 ⭐