Vyšehrad, literally means 'Castle on the heights' and is a beautiful location far from the maddening crowds. If your suffering from tourist fatigue, then some time off to relax in this peaceful and green area of the city may be just what you need. You should allow yourself at least a couple of hours to stroll around this site. Vyšehrad offers delightful views of the Vltava river and of the city below, making it an ideal place for a picnic, or you can find refreshments in one of the delightful cafes.
A fortification was built here in the 10th century to serve as the royal court of the Premyslids, a Czech royal dynasty which reigned in Bohemia from the 9th century to 1306. Few of the castle's original buildings remain as most were destroyed by the Hussites after their victory in the Battle of Vyšehrad in 1420.
The main attractions are the beautiful Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Chram Sv. Petra a Pavla) and its cemetery (known as Vyšehrad cemetery), where many famous Czechs are buried. The church was originally built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century, but was destroyed by fire in the 13th. Since that time it has been rebuilt many times - the present building was erected in 1885 in neo-Gothic Style. The church's two high towers were added between 1902 and 1903. The interior of the Church is decorated in Art Nouvou style and contains a 14th century Gothic panel painting of 'Our Lady of the Rains.' The image is believed to be miraculous and during times of drought the faithful would prayer to her for rain
Vyšehrad cemetery was opened in 1869 and is the final resting place of many famous Czechs, such as the composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. Many of the tombs in the cemetery are highly ornate and impressive pieces of art in their own right. In the cemetery's eastern section is a communal monument called the Pantheon that marks the graves of over 50 Czech artists including the sculpture Josef Vaclav Myslbek.
Vyšehrad is also home to the small 11th century rotunda Church of St Martin (Rotunda sv. Martina). These small rotunda chapel churches were once common in Prague but now only three remain. St Martin's is the best example.
In the streets at the foot of Vyšehrad Hill can be found Cubist architecture by Josef Chochol - at Neklanova 30/98; the famous Kovarovicova villa at Libušina 49; and at 6 - 10 Rašínovo nábreží. (More details Cubist House here)
Opening Times:
Church of St Peter & St Paul
MOn, Wed - Sun: 9am - noon and 1pm-5pm.
CLOSED Tuesday
Entrance Fee: 30 Czech Crown
Vyšehrad Cemetery
Open daily from 8am - 5pm (6/7pm in summer).
Entrance Fee: Free
Address:
Vysehrad Castle & Park
V Pevnosti 5b
Vysehrad, Prague 2
Czech Republic
How to Get There:
Metro: C - Vysehrad
External Links
Official web site
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