What if these walls could talk? They would whisper tales of Baroque splendor within the Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada. This garden offers a glimpse into Prague’s rich history. Let’s journey back in time and explore the story of this enchanting place.
The Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada is also known as the Mitrovick\u00e1 zahrada. It is an early Baroque garden. It is part of the Vratislavsk\u00fd pal\u00e1c. You can find it in Prague’s Mal\u00e1 Strana district. The garden is arranged on three terraces. The highest point sits 215 meters above sea level. The garden spans 0.2 hectares. It is a designated cultural monument since 1964.
Originally, two houses stood where the palace is now. These houses belonged to the Church of Our Lady before T\u00fdn. The first mention of the eastern house dates back to 1591. A small garden was part of the property. In 1671, Kry\u0161tof Franti\u0161ek Vratislav z Mitrovic acquired the houses. The purchase included a newly architecturally designed garden. Thus began the Vratislav family’s connection to the property. The houses were later rebuilt into a palace. They became known as Pal\u00e1c Vratislav.
The Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada went through two construction phases. The first phase occurred between 1670 and 1671. During this time, the second terrace was likely created. An impressive staircase was also added. Other additions included a grotto and perimeter walls. A Sala terrena and a niche were constructed east of it. The second construction phase took place in the 1720s.
In 1689, Kry\u0161tof Karel hrab\u011b Vratislav died. His son, Jan V\u00e1clav Vratislav z Mitrovic inherited the property. Jan V\u00e1clav served as the highest chancellor of the Czech Kingdom from 1711 to 1712. He had no children. In 1709, he gifted half of the house to his brother, Franti\u0161ek Karel Vratislav.
After the death of Jan V\u00e1clav and Franti\u0661ek Karel, their sisters inherited the property. These sisters were Marie Josefa hrab\u011bnka \u0160likov\u00e1 and Marie Al\u017eb\u011bta hrab\u011bnka Althanov\u00e1. The sisters then sold the house to Ji\u0159\u00ed Bernard Vratislav z Mitrovic. A major renovation occurred between 1824 and 1894. Plans and records of this renovation are lost. Only one plan and budget for a garden house addition remain. The Vratislav family retained the palace and garden until 1948. At that time, it was nationalized.
The garden rises southward on a slope towards Semin\u00e1\u0159sk\u00e1 zahrada. Pavilions stand above the staircase near the walls. These walls border neighboring gardens. The Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada is bordered by Vrtbovsk\u00e1 zahrada to the east. Sch\u00f6nbornsk\u00e1 zahrada lies to the west. A bel\u00e1rie, or summer house, crowns the garden’s highest point.
The Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada features three garden fountains. The first is a sandstone fountain with lobes. It has a fluted sculpture with a water jet. The second fountain is in a garden niche. This modern fountain is set in the garden’s perimeter wall. Vegetation obscures its appearance. Water flows from a bird sculpture down a cascade of stones. The third fountain is below the palace stairs. Two flights of stairs surround a niche with a fountain. Water flows from various springs beneath Pet\u0159\u00edn. It empties into a large sandstone tank.
Archaeological research took place in 1993. This occurred during the construction of underground garages. 109 graves were documented. The cemetery extends west into the Sch\u00f6nbornsk\u00e1 zahrada. This cemetery was located between Pet\u0159\u00edn’s northern slope and the Malostransk\u00fd potok. This stream originated near Strahovsk\u00fd kl\u00e1\u0161ter. Around the mid-10th century, the area became an ironworking district.
Maxmili\u00e1n Wratislav z Mitrovic regained the palace and garden in restitution. He began gradual repairs. Since 2008, the American Center uses the Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada. It is not accessible to the public.
Today, the Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada remains a testament to Baroque artistry. Its terraces, fountains, and pavilions offer a tranquil escape. The Vratislavsk\u00e1 zahrada whispers stories of noble families and artistic vision. As you leave, carry with you the beauty and history of this hidden gem. May the echoes of the past inspire you.