Prague in a nutshell Day II

Vyšehrad is the very first seat of Czech princes and kings, since the first coronated Czech king, Vratislaus I, lived here. Also Charles IV paid close attention to Vyšehrad as a place connected with the Přemyslid tradition. In the nineteenth century, the Czech National Revival movement sparked interest in this place surrounded with myths. A tour will guide you through all the interesting moments in the history of Vyšehrad, the history and decoration of the capitular Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, significant personalities buried at the Vyšehrad cemetery and other interesting buildings at Vyšehrad. It is also possible to visit casemates, vaults built in the fortification, where the originals of statues from the Charles Bridge are currently being deposited. Several viewing points offer astonishing views over Prague.

The square is surrounded by New Town Hall, the Church of St Ignatius and the Jesuit College, the Faust House and a Czech Technical University building. There are also numerous monuments on the square itself.

The monastery was founded in 1347 by Charles IV as a part of his plans to unify the Greek Byzantine and Roman Catholic Churches. Benedictines got permission from the Pope to use Old Church Slavonic in Roman liturgical services, and consequently Prague had a monastery with Slavonic liturgy. On a tour through this unique place you can see a cloister with Gothic paintings, a Baroque refectory, imperial chapel and Church of Our Lady.

The walk starts at the funicular that will transport you to the top of Petřín hill. An evening atmosphere may inspire you to visit the local mirror maze or the Petřín observation tower from which you can enjoy unforgettable views of our capital.