ROYAL GARDEN (KRALOVSKÁ ZAHRADA)

These beautiful Renaissance gardens, laid out in 1534 by Ferdinand ^I in place of vineyards, were among the finest in the world at the time. Exotic fruits were grown here, and a sumptuous garden was maintained for prestigious royal receptions. The shady paths, well-manicured flowerbeds, impeccable lawns, birds, peace and quiet and passing squirrels are a delight. Today, they are the perfect exit from Prague Castle, providing a magical backdrop for your visit to Mala Strana. If you find them too busy for your taste during the day, don't hesitate to come back in the evening, when the alleys are empty of tourists.

Alongside the deer moat, the Mičovna pavilion is a fine example of Renaissance architecture by the German architect Bonifác Wohlmut (1569). Note the superb sgraffito decoration on the façade. It is used for exhibitions.

The modernorangery contrasts with the other buildings: it was designed by Czech architect Eva Jiřična, who used her favorite materials, metal and glass, as in most of her creations in Prague.

In the background, Queen Anne's Belvedere, in the purest Italian Renaissance style, is considered the most successful building of its kind north of the Alps. It was built by Ferdinand ^I of Habsburg for his wife Anne. He tried to keep its construction a secret. However, she lingered (from 1537 to 1563) and the queen never saw it completed. The bas-reliefs decorating the façade include Ferdinand offering figs to his wife. The esplanade offers a superb view over Prague. The building is only open to the public when it is used for temporary exhibitions.

Don't forget to crouch under the singing bronze fountain (zpívající fontaná). It faces the Belvedere, and if the area around it isn't too crowded with visitors, you can actually hear it "sing": as the drops fall, they vibrate the alloy, and the waves resonate all along the fountain like musical notes. The fountain was designed in 1568 by Terzion and Tomáš. In 1950, it was placed here, in the middle of a French Renaissance garden square. On Saturdays, you'll have the opportunity to see many newly-wed couples having their photo taken in these beautiful gardens.