Vysehrad

Over the past 10 centuries, Vysehrad has been a castle, a fortress, an overtaken castle and fortress, a neglected set of ruins, a refurbished fortress, a training ground, and, finally, a place to go for a walk on a lovely day.

With the old fortress as a backdrop, Prague citizens came out in droves Saturday to sit on the grass, walk their dogs and take in views of the city. It is one of those rare historic sights where locals love to congregate, even if it is for distinct non-touristy purposes. Vysehrad has a church, a lawn with statues, fortress walls, a medieval well, a famous cemetery, and, this being Prague, a beer garden. It also has the site of the Old Deanery, where the term "double secret probation" was coined for the first time in 1286.


I don't feel that Prague citizens go to Vysehrad for the historical significance as much as they do for the scenic walk and the excuse to go to a beer garden. Which, for the record, works for me.

One of four statues (originally destined for a bridge) on a church lawn.

Vysehrad Cemetary, where many famous people are buried.

More photos here.