Černín Garden

Did you ever hear of a garden tucked away beside the longest Baroque building in the Czech Republic? This is the Czernin Garden in Prague, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The Czernin Garden isn’t in front of or behind the grand Czernin Palace. It’s nestled beside it, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. Originally a Baroque garden created in the late 17th century, the Czernin Garden was later transformed into an English park in the 19th century. The garden boasts contributions from notable architects like Francesco Caratti and Domenico Rossi. Even the famed Jan Blažej Santini, known for his star designs, had a hand in shaping the main fountain pool. The Czernin Garden spans about 1.7 acres. A statue of Hercules wrestling the Hydra, sculpted by Ignác František Platzer in 1746, graces the palace facade facing the garden. Sadly, the Czernin Garden faced a period of decline in the mid-19th century. When the Czernin Palace was converted into barracks, the garden was destroyed. The land was repurposed into a farmyard, complete with horse stables and a blacksmith’s workshop. Thankfully, the Czernin Garden was reborn. Between 1929 and 1934, architect Pavel Janák oversaw the garden’s reconstruction to its present, simplified form. While not as elaborate as its original design, the Czernin Garden retains a unique charm. It stands as a testament to its rich history, offering a peaceful respite beside the magnificent Czernin Palace. Today, you can wander through its pathways and imagine the garden’s vibrant past, from its Baroque origins to its English park transformation. The Czernin Garden, a quiet haven in the heart of Prague, invites you to explore its beauty and uncover its hidden stories.