Separated from Prague Castle main area by the Stag Moat, the Royal Garden stretches along the northern side of the Castle, and there is no admission fee for entering these beautiful, manicured grounds.
It hasn’t always been this way, though: until 1990 this garden was part of the Czech President’s residence and therefore closed for the public. Only when the President Vaclav Havel preferred to live elsewhere, the Royal Garden was re-opened for all.
The history of the place dates back to the 16th century, when the Habsburg Emperor Ferdinand I decided to lay out a Renaissance garden in honour of his wife. That lady was the famous Anna Jagellonská, with whom Ferdinand had 15 children, and who, unfortunately did not live to see the completion of the gardens – dying at an early age of 43.
In the Middle Ages, this area was covered by vineyards. The Emperor intended to use the new garden for growing exotic plants – those unusual for the Central European climate. This is how maples, chestnut trees and even tulips came to Bohemia.
Several of the most spectacular highlights of the Royal Garden include Queen Anne’s Summer Palace created by Italian architects, the Singing Fountain and the Ball Game Hall. The former, also known as the Belvedere, has a square shape totally surrounded with galleries – it was quite an innovative design for the 16th century!
The Singing Fountain is yet another Renaissance gem – created by Tomáš Jaroš (the same master who made the biggest bell of St. Vitus Cathedral), it is decorated with mythical figures and the statue of a bagpiper. And it sings, indeed: when the drops of water fall on a metal surface, you can hear interesting music-like sounds.
