The aim of the essay is to evidence research on the contemporary status and practical functions of monastic gardens in the Old City of Kraków (District no. 1). The authors focused on four major gardens in the area – in the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Carmelites), the Pauline Fathers Monastery (Skałka), the Church of St. Bernardino of Siena (the Bernardines – a branch of the Franciscan Order) and the Conversion of St. Paul Church (Congregation of the Mission). All of these have a rich historical background. The analysis was provided according to such important criteria as urban surroundings, historical and contemporary status of gardens, their connection with the original plan, the upkeep of plants and trees, the possibility of visiting etc. The emphasis was put on historical background, modern tendencies and practical use of the art of gardends.

The aim of the essay is to evidence research on the contemporary status and practical functions of monastic gardens in the Old City of Kraków (District no. 1). The authors focused on four major gardens in the area – in the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Carmelites), the Pauline Fathers Monastery (Skałka), the Church of St. Bernardino of Siena (the Bernardines – a branch of the Franciscan Order) and the Conversion of St. Paul Church (Congregation of the Mission). All of these have a rich historical background. The analysis was provided according to such important criteria as urban surroundings, historical and contemporary status of gardens, their connection with the original plan, the upkeep of plants and trees, the possibility of visiting etc. The emphasis was put on historical background, modern tendencies and practical use of the art of gardends.