Capuchin Gardens beneath Petrov Hill

An oasis of calm in the center of the city

In the past, gardens were an integral part of almost every monastic complex, and the Capuchin monastery in Brno was no exception. The monastery garden originally extended to the bishopric buildings and was covered with vineyards, fruit trees, and beds of vegetables or flowers for church decoration. One side of the garden bordered the bishopric buildings, while the other side adjoined the city walls (now replaced by Bašty Street). The current park arrangement of the gardens dates back to the 1970s when the area was state-owned. Due to a sewer failure, partly caused by the poor construction of a civil defense underground shelter, the gardens were closed in the 1990s, and the city of Brno initiated the necessary repairs.

After 1990, the Capuchins were able to return and were given back the entire monastery complex, including the gardens. The local community of brothers could not utilize the extensive terrace area, so in 2014, the provincial of the Capuchin order agreed with the Brno City Hall on a free lease and further use of the terraces. Except for the first terrace, which directly adjoins the monastery complex, the Capuchins decided to open the remaining garden space to the public. After a two-year reconstruction, the gardens were ceremoniously opened on April 23, 2019. Later that year, the fourth terrace was adorned with Václav Havel's bench, designed by renowned artist Bořek Šípek.

The new planting on the second and third terraces aims to closely resemble a functional monastic garden. Therefore, you will find apple trees, medlars, grapevines, various ornamental flowers, and herbs suitable for cooking. The gardens are open from March to October, from 7 am to 6 pm. You can access the gardens via the path from the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Thanks to their location, the gardens are a unique oasis of tranquility in the bustling city center. In addition to peace, the gardens offer views of the Capuchin monastery buildings, which are hidden from view when looking from Capuchin Square.