The gardens below Prague Castle were given their names after the last aristocratic owners of the nearby Lesser Town palaces. However, their history stretches even further back. Some of them were founded in the 16th century when the lands were sold to the residents of the Lesser Town. The formerly restrained Renaissance gardens were redesigned into Baroque style during the 17th century. The opulent Baroque fountains, waterworks, salla terrenas, and small pavilions filled the area. The steep terraces were connected by steps and bower passageways. Today the observation terraces provide beautiful views over Prague. Each, out of about thirty, has a different ground plan and design.
