Vyšehrad
Prague’s second most famous fortress complex on a hill above the city
Czechia > Prague > Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is Prague’s quieter citadel, a hilltop fortress above the Vltava that feels worlds away from the crowds around Charles Bridge. It sits just south of the centre, an easy hop on the metro to Vyšehrad station, then a short walk up through residential streets to the ramparts.
Inside the old walls you’ll find a mix of parkland, history and views. The twin spires you see from across the river belong to the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, rebuilt in neo-Gothic style with a striking Art Nouveau interior. Next to it is Vyšehrad Cemetery, the national pantheon where composer Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, writer Karel Čapek and artist Alfons Mucha are buried, along with many other Czech cultural figures; look for the monumental Slavín tomb along the back wall.
The cemetery keeps seasonal hours (typically 8:00–17:00 in winter, extending to 19:00 in summer), and the Basilica and casemates usually open around 10:00 and close by 18:00, though the fortress grounds themselves stay open at all hours. It’s worth checking times before you go if you want to step inside.
Many visitors simply wander the grassy ramparts, pausing at the lookout terraces for one of the best panoramas of Prague without a tour group in sight. Seek out the 11th-century Rotunda of St Martin, the scattered Baroque gates and the small cafes tucked among the trees.
If you can, aim for a weekday late afternoon. You’ll catch softer light over the river, locals walking dogs through the park, and a calm, reflective side of the city that balances the energy of the Old Town.
Essential Information
Website: praha-vysehrad.cz/en
Hours: Always open
Tickets: Free to enter, paid access to cemetery
Transport: Vyšehrad station, Prague Metro
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