Czech and Prague Sightseeing

Vysehrad Castle

Regarded by Czechs as the mythical birthplace of Prague, the Slavic tribes first established an outpost here under the leadership of local chieftain Krok who, as legend has it, fathered a daughter named Libuse with visionary powers. Libuse, who prophesized that she would marry a ploughman named Premysl (and indeed did) later said that on the seven hills - of what is now Prague - a majestic city would rise. Of course, on account of her being right, Libuse is considered to be the ‘mother of Prague’, while Premysl was the first in a long line of Czech rulers (the Premyslid dynasty).

Many local historians agree that it was actually Boleslav II who first developed a sizeable settlement here (from 972-99), while the area gained further prominence under the reign of Vysehrad II. The first (written) mention of a castle on this rocky outcrop is in 1003, although the structure was almost totally destroyed during the Hussite wars - from 1421 onwards. Indeed, the heavily restored St Martin’s Rotunda is the sole remaining feature of the original fortifications.

During the 17th century the site was rebuilt and turned into the powerful Baroque fortress that you see today. In addition to Corinthian Towers, the other major draw for visitors is the Church of St. Peter & Paul (Kostel sv. Petra a Pavla), a neo-Gothic style building - completed in 1903 - that features a splendid Art Nouveau interior.
Nearby, the Vyšehrad cemetery is the resting place of famous Czech figures including Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana, while the shady trees of Vysehrad Gardens offer tranquil respite on a hot summer’s day.

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