Once a zelinářská and květinová zahrada is now a peaceful park. This is Kateřinská zahrada. It is a quiet place in the center of Prague 2. The Kateřinská zahrada has a rich history. It connects to the monastery of the barefoot Augustinians.
Karel IV founded the monastery with the Church of St. Catherine in 1355. At that time it was the only monastery for women in this area. The church and monastery stood in the northern corner of a large square. This was near Kateřinská Street. The remaining area became a garden. Originally, it served as a vegetable and flower garden.
In 1420, the Hussites burned down the monastery. After 1718, the church and convent were rebuilt. The garden was newly arranged with a cross layout. This Baroque design lasted from 1718 to the early 19th century.
Emperor Joseph II closed the monastery in 1784. It became a poorhouse. From 1822, it was an institute for the mentally ill. The composer Vilém Blodek died here in 1875. Bedřich Smetana died here in 1884. The writer Jaroslav Hašek was briefly hospitalized here. A memorial plaque for the Church of St. Catherine was on the building’s exterior. It disappeared after 2007.
The Kateřinská zahrada was redesigned in the first half of the 19th century. It became a landscape style garden. This change did not greatly affect the original layout. The rows of trees and the fence remained. Some paths changed. The path network now leads in circles. Trees are freely planted within them.
Some trees stand out in Kateřinská zahrada. Ancient and valuable yews thrive here. There are also catalpas, horse chestnuts and old oaks. Silver maples grow here too. You can also find robust buckeyes, ash trees, maple trees and ginkgo biloba.
Near Ke Karlovu Street, in the northern part of the park, is a raised area. It is an old part of the garden with a cross layout of paths. It is fenced. Access is only at certain times on weekdays. This baroque garden was created for Baroness Becková. She was a donor to the monastery. She lived here in the mid-18th century. A house was built for her.
Olga Havlová’s tree, a yellow buckeye, was planted in the northwest corner of Kateřinská zahrada. In 2018, on the anniversary of Mrs. Havlová’s 85th birthday, 85 trees of goodwill were planted in various places. They commemorate her personality and charitable activities.
The Kateřinská zahrada covers 2.95 hectares. It lies at an altitude of 225 to 232 meters. You can enter the park from several entrances. These are from the corner of Kateřinská. There is also an entrance from Ke Karlovu Street near the Neurological Clinic. Another entrance is from the corner of Apolinářská Street.
Since 1958, the psychiatric hospital buildings, the church, the convent and the garden have been protected. Today, the garden belongs to the General University Hospital in Prague 2. Take a moment to appreciate this green oasis. It is a testament to Prague’s history and enduring beauty. You can enjoy public access to Kateřinská zahrada. It offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.