 Vysehrad is another of the Czech Republics fine castles, it was built in the 10th century, on a hill over the Vltava River. Situated within the castle is the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Peter, as well as the Vysehrad cemetery, containing the remains of many famous people from Czech history.
Vysehrad and the area around it became part of the capital city, Prague, in 1883. The area is one of the cadastral districts of the city.
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. Every inch of the interior is immaculately covered with decorations much like those on the pages of an illustrated manuscript, thus making one of the most beautiful interiors in Prague. A small fee is required for this viewing pleasure.
Vysehrad being the birthplace of Prague (it was the site of the original castle around the 10thcentury) it is appropriate that its great artists, scribes, musicians and politicians lie buried in the cemetery adjacent to the church. Most notable are the graves of Dvorak, Smetana, Alpons Mucha and many others whose tombs lie among a vast expenditure of elaborate gravestones, mosaics and flower beds. See on the back wall for a map of the place.
The gardens surrounding the Vysehrad church are peaceful and manicured for beauty. There are some nice views of the Vltava, a couple of restaurants to visit and some enormous statues depicting figures in Czech Mythology to examine. Any time of day is a good time to visit. Take a morning off and bring a picnic lunch, few areas of Prague are as quiet, green and peaceful.
The Rotunda of St. Martin dating from the 11th century can be viewed a short distance from the church towards Vysehrad Metro station. It is one of the original Rotundas of the city. More information about Vysehrad can be found on official website
praha-vysehrad.cz-
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