V

It is hard to define when Prague was first settled, but it seems accepted that the right bank castle, Vysehrad was built before the left bank castle-church compound, Hradcany. But once the powers that be had moved to Hradcany the 9th century Vysehrad became something of a backwater. Today it is a park that contains a cemetery where many of Bohemia and Moravia's greats are buried. There is a rather beautiful church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Because of its site on a commanding hill (i.e. military site) above the Vltava it has beautiful views. Opposite the church there is a nice restaurant at which we ate.

On your third or fourth day, if the weather is fine, spend an afternoon at Vysehrad. You can get there by walking from the Old Town, but it would be better to take a taxi or tram to get you closer. Arrive in time for lunch at the restaurant overlooking the river. Then tour the cemetery. Afterwards walk down the hill into the non-tourist area at the bottom of the hill. Then, if time and weather allow, walk along the Vltava north into the Old Town.

Sign to Vysehrad. ("National Cultural Historical Site")

Column with Byzantine mosaic face, Vysehrad

View south of Vltava River from Vysehrad viewpoint

Frieze decoration, church in Vysehrad

Church & Cemetery, Vysehrad

Grave decoration, Vysehrad cemetery

Grave statue, Vysehrad Cemetery