Hotels near Vysehrad Fortress

Vysehrad sits on a rocky hill above the Vltava River, roughly 3 km south of Old Town. Built around the 10th century, this fortress was once the rival seat of power to Prague Castle. Today it is far quieter than its famous counterpart and sees a fraction of the tourist traffic. The grounds are free to enter and include the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Martin (Prague's oldest surviving building, from the 11th century), the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Vysehrad Cemetery where Czech composers Dvorak and Smetana are buried.

The fortress walls and ramparts offer some of Prague's best panoramic views - the Vltava winding through the city with the Castle and Cathedral skyline to the north. The casemates (underground passages) can be visited for 60 CZK (EUR 2.50). The surrounding park is a favourite of local families and joggers, with wide paths, benches, and green lawns.

Pro Tip: Visit Vysehrad late afternoon around 4pm to 5pm, when the sunlight hits the river and the atmosphere on the ramparts is at its best. Combine it with dinner in the Nusle neighbourhood directly east, where Czech pubs serve local food without the Old Town markup.