Kinsky Garden

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 18th-century wooden Church of St. Michael the Archangel was disassembled and moved piece-by-piece from the village of Medvedovce in 1929.

2. 2

   The garden is integrated with the Hunger Wall, a stone fortification dating back to the mid-14th century.

3. 3

   The park was originally established as a private nature sanctuary for the noble Kinsky family before being acquired by the city.

4. 4

   The terrain features a unique microclimate that allows for the growth of diverse tree species not typically found in the urban center.

5. 5

   The park was designed to incorporate a 'picturesque' aesthetic, emphasizing dramatic elevation changes and sudden visual reveals of the city.

Overview

Kinsky Garden is a 22-hectare landscape park situated on the southern slope of Petřín Hill in Prague. Designed in the 1820s for Princess Wilhelmine Kinsky, the garden features an English-style layout characterized by artificial lakes, waterfalls, and winding paths. It houses the wooden Church of St. Michael the Archangel, an 18th-century structure transported from Subcarpathian Ruthenia in 1929. The garden transitions from a formal lower parterre into a naturalistic, forested hillside with significant elevation changes. Visitors access the park through the historic Hunger Wall, a medieval fortification built under Emperor Charles IV. The site offers expansive views of Prague’s Lesser Town and the city center. It serves as a biological corridor connecting Petřín’s broader park system to the lower Smíchov district. The garden contains several statues, including works dedicated to the poet Karel Hynek Mácha.

Insider tips

• Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the park involves significant climbing on steep, uneven gravel paths.

• Bring a water bottle, as the uphill hike is strenuous and facilities are limited to the lower areas.

• Combine your visit with the Petřín Observation Tower at the top of the hill for a full panoramic experience.