Vysehrad in Prague

A castle stood on the site of the first settlement in this area and was for a long time a royal seat. It was built during the 10th century, and today the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and one of the most famous cemeteries in the Czech Republic, are located beside the castle site.

Vyšehrad and the area around it became part of Prague in 1883. It was the seat of kings until the reign of Charles IV, who moved his court to Prague Castle, and the seat of the kings of Bohemia was thus established there.

During the 15th century Vyšehrad was captured by the Hussites, and it was during this period that the Hussite wars began. Later on, the castle was occupied by Prussian, French and also Swedish soldiers. Since 1962 Vyšehrad has been a national monument, protected by the state.

There are many legends about Vyšehrad, especially from the time of Princess Libuše. One day she dreamt that terrible times would come, so she began to dig for gold. She had a helper, a small frog, and Libuše was sure that the place to where it jumped was where gold would be found. When she discovered the gold Princess Libuše hid it in the rock at Vyšehrad.

Only she and her husband Přemysl knew about the treasure, and when they died the secret died with them. No one knew where to find it, and only on one day of the year – on Good Friday – when the rocks are opened up to reveal their secrets, can the treasure be found. At one time the treasure was almost found.

A very poor man was walking near Vyšehrad and saw that the rock was opened. He went inside and saw an abundance of gold and other very expensive objects. Suddenly he heard his brother’s voice and turned around. Everything went black, and the man woke up, but the treasure had gone!

Another legend tells of two little shepherdesses, whose sheep were their only source of income. One day the girls were playing some games near Vyšehrad rock, ignoring their flock.

The sheep fell into the river Vltava and were drowned. When the girls came home their mother was very angry with them and shouted: “Turn yourselves into rocks! “ What she said happened, and these rocks remain there until this very day.

At Vyšehrad castle you can enjoy wonderful views of Prague, and you will feel the romantic sense of history and legend connected with this special place.