Lumbeho zahrady

Hidden in plain sight, Lumbeho zahrady whispers secrets to those who know where to look. These gardens, also known as the Production Gardens or Zahrady Lumbeho, are tucked away on the northern side of Prague Castle, a hidden gem just beyond the reach of the public. Lumbeho zahrady might be private, but its story is intertwined with the castle’s grandeur and the lives of those who have called it home. Long before presidents strolled these paths, this land held a different kind of history. In the 10th century, it served as a burial ground, a final resting place for women believed to have been part of the royal court. The richness of the jewelry and artifacts discovered here hints at their status and the importance of this site in early Bohemian history. Centuries later, Lumbeho zahrady transformed. Rudolf II established pheasantries and outbuildings here, linking the area to the nearby royal farm. Then came the Černíns, who further shaped the landscape, planting trees and constructing greenhouses, creating a beautiful garden retreat. The gardens took their current name from Karl Lumbe, a Prague politician and physician who purchased the property in 1852. He rebuilt the existing house, now known as Lumbe Villa, in a simple, late-classicist style. Little did he know that his name would become synonymous with this hidden oasis and its presidential legacy. Lumbeho zahrady provides much more than just scenic beauty. It plays a vital role in supporting the state functions of Prague Castle. The gardens produce 72 different kinds of plants in a variety of colors. These plants are used to decorate the castle for official events and state visits. The gardens are also home to a unique feature, Masaryk’s Apiary. Built in 1934 for the first Czechoslovak president, T.G. Masaryk, the apiary still buzzes with activity, tended by eight bee colonies. Though the public cannot wander through Lumbeho zahrady, its presence is felt. The flowers that grace state dinners, the honey served at presidential breakfasts–all spring from this hidden garden. Lumbeho zahrady remains a secret garden, its history a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Prague Castle.