Vyšehrad is said to be the origin of Prague according to the legend that has been passed down until today. It is believed that it was built in the 7th century, on a hill over the Vltava River. Due to its location, is is also called the High Castle.
There are many gates to enter the castle. I entered through the Leopold Gate at the eastern side which is the most elegant fortress gate of here.
There are many gates to enter the castle. I entered through the Leopold Gate at the eastern side which is the most elegant fortress gate of here.
Right after the Leopold Gate is the Rotunda of St. Martin which was built in the 11th century. This is the oldest surviving building in Prague.
Nearby Rotunda of St. Martin is St. Mary Chapel in the Ramparts built in 1750.
The most prominent building in the castle ground has got to be the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul occupying the western end near the Vltava River. This is also the most important building in Prague with the two steeples forming a distinctive feature of Prague skyline.
Beside the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is the Vyšehrad Cemetery which is the main attraction of the castle ground for the local people.
This is a memorial cemetery dedicated to the famous people of Czech Republic. The most important persons are buried in a beautiful pantheon called Slavín.
These people include the world-renown music composer Antonín Leopold Dvořák. He is regarded as the most influential Czech music composer of all time.
Other than the 'Hall of Fame' inside the pantheon, the neo-Renaissance arcade of the cemetery is also filled with many interesting tombs.
South of Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and Vyšehrad Cemetery are the Vyšehrad Gardens. The vast green ground in the gardens is a nice place for picnic during the summer.
The south-western end of the gardens is a nice vantage point overlooking the Vltava River. On a clear day, the Prague Castle can be seen clearly from here.
