Vyšehrad is a historical district of Prague, the legendary birthplace of the Czechs as a nation. It is located on a rocky hill, at the foot of which the Vltava River flows. Vyšehrad is also called the former residence of the first rulers of the Czech Republic - over time, it turned into a military fortress. Today, Vyšehrad is an open-air museum and one of the most interesting sights of the Czech capital. Vyšehrad means "high castle" in Czech - this 10th-century structure is not so easy to climb. However, I highly recommend visiting it - it offers wonderful panoramic views.
According to researchers, the Vyšehrad fortress was built in the 10th century. It is rightfully considered the first center of the Czech state (the second is Prague Castle). Vyšehrad was annexed to Prague in 1884, and in 1962 it was given the status of a national monument.
According to legend, many years ago, Slavic tribes appeared in this place, trying to settle somewhere. Their leader Krok had three daughters. The youngest, Libuse, was a clairvoyant. She dreamed that they would find a man in the forest who was making a threshold for his house, and that they should found a new city on this site. Libuše's dream came true: standing on Petřín Hill, she predicted that a fortress called Prague would be built on a cliff at the top of the Vltava River (Prag means "threshold" in Czech), that the fame of this city would reach the stars and that the whole world would praise it.
There are so many interesting places in Vyšehrad that listing them all would take us too far. Therefore, I will dwell on only a few.
Tabor Gate - this is where tourists who arrive in Vyšehrad by metro should enter.
Tabor Gate was built in 1656.
There are two more entrances to Vyšehrad: Leopold Gate, on top of which an eagle is depicted,
and brick gate, on both sides of which are parts of casemates.
As for the Vyšehrad Casemates, they were used for military purposes. Since the casemates have the same temperature and humidity all year round, they currently house 6 original sculptures from the Charles Bridge.
Rotunda of St. Martin - the 11th-century building is the oldest in Vyšehrad, although it is in excellent condition. It contains frescoes from the 19th century. There is an entrance fee to enter the rotunda.
The Devil's Pillar - according to legend, the abbot of the church made a deal with the devil: the devil had to fulfill all his wishes, and in exchange, after the abbot's death, take possession of his soul. If any of his wishes were not fulfilled, the deal was no longer valid. When the day of the priest's death approached, Saint Peter took pity on him and decided to help him: he advised the priest to order the devil to bring the pillar of the church, and before the priest held the service. The devil flew with the column to Vyšehrad, but Saint Peter prevented him. The devil did not manage to bring the column to the end of the service and smashed it on the ground in anger. The column was broken into three parts, but the abbot's soul was saved.
The Basilica of St. Peter and Paul is the most prominent landmark of Vyšehrad. It dates back to the 11th century and is visible from many places in Prague.
The temple belongs to the neo-Gothic style. The height of the central towers is 58-60 meters. The entrance to the basilica is decorated with an old engraving, and around it are various national symbols of the country and the traditional symbol of the Visegrad Chapter (two crossed keys). The bas-relief tells of the "last judgment". In the interior you will see beautiful panels, stained glass windows and frescoes. The walls are painted in a modern style.
Vyšehrad Cemetery is located next to the cathedral. The writer Karel Čapek, composers Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák and others are buried here.
The main part of the cemetery is occupied by Slavin's grave. In the center of the complex there is a rectangular stone pedestal. In its upper plane there is a statue of the genius of the Motherland - a sad angel bending over the head of the deceased. On both sides of the monument are two allegorical figures: on the left - the sad one, and on the right - the victorious Homeland.
Vyšehrad has many parks with many statues, such as the Czech Goliaths (giants) and King Wenceslas on horseback.
This is not an exhaustive list of what to see in Vyšehrad, but for now this is enough.
How to get to Vyšehrad:
- take the red metro line C, to the stop Vyšehrad. After exiting the metro, you will have to walk for ten minutes following the signs to Tabor Gate (leave the Congress Centre on the left);
- by tram №7, 14, 18, 24, 93, 95, to the stop Albertov;
- by tram №1, 2, 7, 14, 18, 24, 93, 95, to the stop Ostrčilovo náměstí;
- by tram №2, 3, 7, 17, 92, to the stop Výtoň.
Official website of Vyšehrad: www.praha-vysehrad.cz.
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