Baroque terraced garden hidden behind Malá Strana townhouses, designed in the early 18th century. Five levels climb the hillside with manicured hedges, statuary, fountains, and frescoes. The best of Prague's secret gardens.
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Climb slowly through all five terraces — the garden is small but dense with baroque details. The trompe-l'oeil frescoes and statuary are worth studying. The top terrace offers city views framed by sculpted hedges. Bring a camera — the geometry of the garden is extraordinary.
Late morning when the garden has warmed but before afternoon tour groups arrive. Spring and summer for full bloom. Closed in winter.
Completed in 1720-1727, designed by František Maxmilián Kaňka with sculptures by Matthias Braun. Abandoned and overgrown for decades during the communist era, restored in 1998. One of the best-preserved baroque gardens in Central Europe. The entrance is easy to miss — look for a narrow doorway on Karmelitská street. Small admission fee. Open April-October only. Malá Strana has several baroque gardens (Wallenstein, Ledeburg, Palffy) but Vrtba is the most refined.