Ogrody Królewskie na Wawelu, Renaissance garden at Wawel Castle, Kraków, Poland
The Royal Gardens at Wawel are Renaissance gardens with geometrically arranged beds, stone pathways, and ornamental plantings distributed across two levels. The upper and lower terraces together create a structured outdoor space with distinct zones.
The gardens were laid out in the 15th and 16th centuries and later destroyed before archaeologists and historians reconstructed them based on documents and finds. The reopening to visitors took place in 2015 following this historical research.
The gardens display plant varieties that were common in Renaissance courtyards, such as boxwood, catmint, and lavender. Visitors can observe how these species shaped outdoor spaces and reflected the tastes of those who lived at the castle.
Access to the gardens is through the main castle entrance, with guided tours available in multiple languages during regular opening hours. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the plantings are in full growth.
The lower terrace is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own planting scheme, while a separate bathhouse garden with herbs and flowers demonstrates the variety of the grounds. This layout shows how different functional areas existed side by side in the castle grounds.
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