Vysehrad

Vysehrad is one of the most important historical places in Prague. It is a mighty fortress on a high cliff above the river Vltava.

Vyšehrad, which means "castle on the heights," provides more than just brilliant architecture and history; its placement atop a hill also offers great views of the rooftops and bridges of Prague. You can recognize it from far thanks to Gothic towers of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, situated there.

Vysehrad was built later than the Prague Castle, in the 10 th century. It was a seat of Premyslid rulers and there was also a Royal Mint. The most important period of Vysehrad´s history was in the 11 th century, when Vratislav II., the first Bohemian King, resided there. In time of Charles IV Vysehrad regained its lost fame again. Charles IV. introduced the rule, that every future Bohemian king has to come to Vysehrad the day before his coronation. During his reign a new Gothic castle was built and the cathedral and palace for kings were rebuilt. Between 1348 – 1350 a fortification was erected which incorporated Vysehrad into the New Town.

Significant changes awaited Vysehrad in the 17th century when it was converted into a military fortress. The fortress was abolished in 1866. In the years to come many parks sprang up and the cemetary was enlarged.

Vysehrad Cemetery is more than just a normal, quiet cemetery. It is the final resting place for the Czech most honoured composers, artists, sculptors, writers, scientists and politicians. The tombstones in the cemetery are works of art themselves: they are adorned with valuable sculptures by important artists. Beautifully decorated and arranged with great care and respect towards names like A. Mucha, B. Smetana, A.Dvorak, it has become more of an art object itself. The masterpiece of the Cemetery is the Pantheon or “Slavin”, it is a great tomb constructed in 1890.

The centrepiece is the Church of St. Peter and Paul whose blackened shape stands grandly upon the hill over looking the Vltava river and can be clearly seen from the Prague castle. It was originally a basilica, that used to be largest of its kind in Prague at the time. Dating back to the 11th century, the impressive church overlooks the Vltava river and has been restored three times, the latest being a neo-Gothic renovation. The interior of the church is lined with mosaics, art-nouveau paintings and legends.

Other attractions include enormous statues depicting figures of Czech Mythology, some pleasant eateries and the Rotunda of St. Martin; dating from the 11th century, the oldest complete Romanesque building in Prague. Though it's been restored since, the building still displays most of its original architecture.

Nowadays this important symbol of Czech history is a favourite tourist location which offers many precious landmarks and a unique view of Prague and the Vltava river. Last but not least Vysehrad is one of the best places in Prague for a romantic walk. Any time of the day is a good time to visit Vysehrad. If you come in the morning, bring a picnic lunch; few areas of Prague are as quiet, green and peaceful. Come early evening and enjoy wonderful views at sunset.

More informations : : http://www.praha-vysehrad.cz