Zahrada Na Valech, Castle garden in Hradčany, Prague, Czech Republic.

Zahrada Na Valech is the largest of the southern gardens of Prague Castle, covering 1.4 hectares between the Paradise Garden and the Lobkowicz Palace. Its present form comes from Jože Plečnik, appointed by President Masaryk in 1920, who lowered the south wall and laid out a promenade with lawns, old trees, a semicircular lookout terrace and the Bull Staircase with bronze bulls.

The garden developed in the 16th century when the castle lost its military importance and the old defensive walls were converted into garden space. This transformation allowed the gradual development of the green areas you see today.

The name reflects the defensive walls that once stood here before becoming garden space. Today you can see how the design blends Central European and Mediterranean influences in its terraces and layout.

The garden can be entered through multiple points including the Paradise Garden or the Bull Staircase from the castle's third courtyard. Opening times vary by season, so check in advance and plan to visit during warmer months when everything is fully accessible.

The two sandstone obelisks below the windows of the Ludwig Wing were placed there by Ferdinand II of Styria. They stand where the royal governors Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice and Vilém Slavata of Chlum and Košumberk landed after the Second Prague Defenestration on 23 May 1618, a fall of 15 metres that helped trigger the Thirty Years' War.