The Castle Garden

About

The Castle Garden of Český Krumlov is one of the largest and most elegant Baroque gardens in Central Europe, stretching behind the castle complex like a green stage set. Created in the 17th century for the Eggenberg family, it was designed not only for leisure but also for spectacle, with terraces, geometric flowerbeds, and long axial views that emphasise power and refinement. One of its most fascinating features is the unique revolving auditorium, a modern open‑air theatre whose rotating seating platform allows the scenery of the garden itself to become part of each performance. Inside the garden, visitors can explore the grand cascade fountain adorned with mythological figures, a highlight of Baroque water architecture. The upper terrace offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills, while the lower parterre showcases symmetrical lawns and clipped hedges that preserve the garden’s historical layout. Hidden paths, quiet groves, and ornamental pavilions add a sense of discovery. It is a place where art, landscape design, and history blend into a serene escape above the bustling old town.

Český Krumlov Czech Republic

Location

The Castle Garden in Český Krumlov is a vast Baroque garden located to the west of the castle, on a slight hill above the castle’s 5th Courtyard. It forms the largest part of the entire castle complex, stretching over a rectangular area of about 150 × 750 meters and covering more than 11 hectares. The garden is surrounded by a wall and can be entered from the castle Riding Hall through the lower gate, through the main gate near the crossing of K zámecké zahradě and Dolní streets, or through a small gate next to the Tavern Markéta near the parking area by the Riding Hall. The garden is a highlight of any visit to Český Krumlov, featuring a beautiful cascading fountain from the mid-18th century, French-style flowerbeds, and the rococo Bellaria Summerhouse. Since 1959, the famous Revolving Auditorium has been situated within the gardens, offering open-air performances with views over the town. Admission is free, and it is open seasonally, with longer hours from May through September. Nearby, you can tour the State Castle and Chateau itself, including the unique Baroque Theatre, the Masquerade Hall, and the castle tower that offers panoramic views. Just a short walk away is the historic center with its UNESCO-listed streets, the Church of St. Vitus, the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, the Egon Schiele Atelier by the Vltava River, and the Synagogue.