Vysehrad in Prague – attractions, history, how to get there, photo, map
Vysehrad is one of the oldest places in the Czech Republic: a historical district and a fortress. It is better not to regret visiting it all day. What can be seen here? Significant buildings for the Czechs, a beautiful park, a basilica, dungeons, viewing platforms, many sculptures. Of course, there is an opportunity to have a bite to eat, and relax, and listen to the musicians.
History of Visegrad
The fortress was founded in the 10th century and was the first center of the state. They say that this was done by Krok, who was the son of Cech, the founder of the country. First, there was the residence of the princes, under whom the first buildings were erected. Over time, the main center shifted to Prague Castle, and the fortress on the hill lost its former significance. The real revival of Visegrad took place in the 14th century. under King Charles II. In the 15th century there was a battle where the brave Hussites defeated the king's troops. The Czechs are careful about their history, so you will see here all the sights that have been preserved.
Sights of Visegrad
Of historical interest are the gates: Taborsky, built in the 17th century. and Leopoldovs, related to the 17-18 centuries. Both of them are massive and seem to be designed to help the defenders of the fortress repel enemy attacks. But the baroque style makes the gate also very beautiful. The oldest building is a small rotunda of St. Martin, made in the Romanesque style. Interesting paintings have been preserved here. In a boarding school since the 19th century. children and young people with disabilities study. Here they are helped not only to acquire the necessary knowledge, but also to adapt to a full life in society. The boarding school can also be visited, but only in the evening hours, when classes are over.
In the New Deanery, a beautiful building dating back to the 19th century. a board of clerics gathers. Most likely, you will be able to capture the deanship in photographs only from the outside. You need a special permit to get inside. The Devil's Pillars look funny – three stone pillars, whose tops rest on one another. In hot weather, the smell of sulfur is clearly felt here. Of course, many legends and beliefs are associated with this place. In the Old Burshire, you can regularly listen to performances by musicians. And it is especially pleasant to walk along the shady alleys of the Visegrad Gardens in summer, when many flowers bloom here. Tourists also descend with pleasure into the Gothic dungeon to see a kind of museum of ancient finds. Also, visitors to Visegrad like to take pictures of the well, which has a long history. Today it is restored and fenced,
The sculptures of Vysehrad depict real historical characters and heroes of legends. The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul makes a huge impression; its final reconstruction was completed in the first years of the 20th century. The basilica is beautiful both outside and inside – here tourists will see shining stained-glass windows and wonderful paintings. Another object worth visiting is the local cemetery. It is a great honor to be buried here, which is why the graves of the most famous Czechs are located here. The cemetery is carefully looked after, and many of the monuments are made by famous sculptors. And in the local casemates there are several sculptures, whose copies adorn the Charles Bridge. Going down here, you will admire the originals. And finally, the Brick Gates, where you can visit the museum and get acquainted with the main points of the history of the Visegrad Fortress.
How to get on your own
You can get to the Visegrad Fortress by trams No. 6, 7, 18 and 24, as well as by bus 21. You need to get off at the Vyshegrad stop. It is also called the station of the Red line of the metro.