The Wallenstein Garden: Prague’s baroque symbol of power beneath the castle

Directly below Prague Castle, hidden behind high walls near the Malostranská metro station, lies one of the most impressive gardens in Europe. The Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) is not only a green oasis, but also a stone testament to immeasurable wealth, military ambition, and a tragic life story.

Albrecht von Wallenstein: A builder of superlatives

Between 1621 and 1630, Albrecht von WallensteinThe powerful Generalissimo of the imperial army commissioned the construction of this palace and garden. His goal was modest: he wanted to surpass the splendor of Prague Castle. To achieve this, he simply had a monastery, a brickyard, and 23 houses demolished. The result was Prague’s first grand Baroque palace, which today serves as the seat of the Czech Senate.

Architecture & Art: The Sala Terrena and the Swedish Robbery

The visual centerpiece of the garden is the monumental Sala Terrena. This open hall forms the transition from the palace to nature. The magnificent ceiling frescoes depict scenes from the Trojan War – a deliberate allusion to Wallenstein’s own military career.

Strolling through the grounds, you’ll notice the numerous bronze statues of ancient gods like Apollo and Venus. But be warned: the current figures are copies. The originals are by the artist. Adrian de Vries They were stolen as war booty by the Swedish army in 1648, at the end of the Thirty Years’ War, and are still kept in Drottningholm Palace in Sweden.

Mysterious grotto and lively inhabitants

A mysterious contrast to the orderly Baroque style is the Stalactite wall (grotto) Made of grey tufa. Those who look closely will discover hidden faces, snakes, and owls in the bizarre formations. Right next to it is an aviary that has housed animals for centuries. Eagle owls (Bubo bubo) to be kept – the current residents have lived here since 2002.

The garden is also famous for its free-roaming peacocks, including rare white albino specimens. Colorful koi carp glide across the large castle pond, which features a central Hercules statue.

The tragic end of an empire

Despite his wealth, Wallenstein’s life ended abruptly. Plagued by syphilis, which historians believe influenced his decisions, he fell out of favor with the emperor. In 1634, he was murdered in Eger (Cheb) by his own officers – but his magnificent garden in Prague survived him as one of the city’s most beautiful monuments.

Conclusion: The Wallenstein Garden is a must-see for every visitor to Prague. It combines first-class Baroque art with quirky details and offers a tranquility that one would hardly expect so close to the city center.