Strahov Gardens
Stroll through the Abbey gardens and discover an impressive view of the city of Prague.
View of the Strahov Monastery from the south, from the direction of the Great Monastery Garden. In the background, St. Vitus Cathedral.
Strahov Gardens
The Strahov Gardens originated on the land donated by Prince Vladislav II (later King Vladislav I) in 1140 for the establishment of a Premonstratensian monastery. The spacious lands were suitable for establishing vineyards and gardens, part of which was covered by a game preserve. It is likely that in the closest vicinity of the monastery, the abbot's garden (below the abbot's residence), the convent garden (below the southern wing of the convent), the vegetable garden (near the farmyard), and the herbal garden of the monastery's caretaker for the sick (on the slope behind the convent garden) were established in its early days. On Petřín Hill, abundant sources of spring water were found during the Romanesque period, which were channeled through underground tunnels to the garden and monastery buildings by Abbot Jan Lohel between 1586 and 1612, thus providing overall irrigation. At that time, the convent garden was planted with shrubs and flowers. Next to the convent garden, Lohel established an orchard and also began beekeeping.
Today, the Strahov Monastic complex is still surrounded by urban greenery and can be a destination for those wanting to experience the tranquil atmosphere of the Petřín orchards.
Abbot's Lookout with Vineyard
Between 1991 and 1995, a platform designed by architect Otakar Kuča was built just below the Abbot's Garden, featuring a beautiful viewpoint of the city, along with four small terraces planted with fruit-bearing grapevines. Currently, the team of monastery gardeners cultivates the Hibernal grape variety there. From this spot, you can enjoy magnificent views of Prague, Hradčany, and Prague Castle. If you are a lover of sunrises and sunsets, this place is highly recommended for visits during the early morning or evening hours.
A bottle of Strahov Hibernal from this enchanting and sunny spot can be purchased at the monastery shop located at the main entrance to the monastery complex.
Convent Garden
The Convent Garden with its summer house is located close to the Viewpoint of Our Lady of Exile. This French-style garden is part of the monastery's cloister and is intended for the use of the Premonstratensian order members, therefore it is closed to the public.
Great Strahov Garden
The Great Strahov Garden stretches along the slope near Strahov Monastery between Úvoz and Strahovská streets, bordered by Vlašská Street at the lower end, and extending up to the Hunger Wall at the upper end. The upper part above the Raoul Wallenberg scenic path belongs to the monastery, and the lower part below this path is owned by the city of Prague. Originally founded in the early Middle Ages as a utility garden, it has been preserved to our time as an orchard with sections of forest, now predominantly featuring maples. However, to maintain this biologically significant site (Natura 2000), a return to an oak-hornbeam composition is desirable.
This garden is fully accessible to visitors.
Abbot's Garden
The Abbot's Garden is located close to the Abbot's Lookout with the vineyard, directly adjacent to the monastery on the east side facing Prague. Currently, the garden is temporarily closed to the public.
Viewpoint of Our Lady from Exile
This viewpoint near the convent garden was renovated in the 1990s and features a statue of Our Lady from Exile. It is an ideal place for quiet contemplation with a magical view of the city. This spot offers one of the best views and is very popular among photographers. It is intended for peaceful reflection and celebrations or parties are not allowed here.
Refreshment and Rest Stop
During your walks in our garden, you can refresh yourself at our Restaurant Na Pekle, located in the original 13th-century wine cellars. The first records of the restaurant's existence date back to the 12th century. However, it gained its fame in the 14th century when King Charles IV brought grapevines from France to Prague, and the Premonstratensians cultivated wine of such quality that, despite the local climate, it rivaled French wines in taste. Charles IV himself often visited these cellars, as he was known to be a connoisseur of good wine.
You can combine your visit to the restaurant with a tour of the famous Strahov Library or the gallery, and a walk up Petřín Hill with its lookout tower. If you plan to stay longer in Prague, we recommend the services of our boutique hotel Questenberg, which is located in close proximity to the gardens of Strahov Monastery.