Vyšehrad

According to an old legend Vyšehrad was founded by a Czech princess, Libuše, who later also founded the castle in Hradcany. Libuše married a farmer named Premysl, starting the dynasty of the Premysls, and settled in Vyšehrad.
Archeological research however revealed that the castle in Hradcany is actually older. Nonetheless, Vyšehrad was the preferred residence of the Bohemian royals from its foundation in the 10th century until they moved to Hradcany in 1140.

The castle was still in use and even significantly fortified until the 19th century, when most of the buildings were razed. Only the ramparts and gates remain. Nonetheless, Vyšehrad still has some interesting sights.

The main entrance to Vyšehrad is at the 17th century Tabor Gate which leads through the remains of the old 14th century rampart, built by King Charles IV. The road then leads to the impressive baroque Leopold Gate, also dating back to the 17th century. The immense ramparts left and right from the Leopold Gate were built in the 18th century. You can walk along the ramparts from where you have great views over Prague.

Just behind the Leopold Gate is a small circular Roman church, known as the Rotunda sv. Martina, built in the 11th century. Further inwards you'll find the Vyšehrader Park, a park with several 19th sculptures created by Czech sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek. These sculptures depict historical Czech figures such as Libuše and Premysl. The park was once the site of a romanesque palace.

Near the park is Vyšehrad's largest building, the St. Peter and Paul Church. The church was founded in the 11th century by Prince Vratislav II. After it was destroyed by fire in the 13th century it was rebuilt as a gothic church. Its current look dates mainly from around 1902, when the two towers were added.

Adjacent to the church is a cemetery (Vyšehradský hrbitov) which since 1869 has been in use as the national cemetery of honor for famous Czechs such as the musicians Smetana and Dvorák and Poet Jan Neruda.

Not much is left of the original castle, the historic buildings were razed in the 19th century since they had become redundant. The most visible remnant of the once large castle is the ruins of the gothic Bath of Libuše, once the defensive bastion of the medieval castle.

The easiest way to reach Vyšehrad is by subway. After exiting the metro stop 'Vyšehrad', you cross the esplanade in front of the congress center. At the end stairs lead to the Na Bucance street. Follow the street for two blocks where on your right you'll see the western entrance gate to Vyšehrad, the 17th century Tábor Gate.