Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This fascinating military history is on display at the
Brick Gate & Casements
vova, Vyšehrad; admission: Brick Gate 20Kč, Casemates adult/child 50/30Kč; 9.30am-6pm
Apr-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Mar; Vyšehrad)
, situated on the northern side of the fortress. The
Brick Gate houses a fascinating exhibition explaining the military history of Vyšehrad
as well as other fortresses in the city. The casements, in particular, are a real treat. A
30-minute tour takes you through a system of vaulted brick tunnels within the ram-
parts that were built up in the 18th century. The highlight is the barrel-vaulted
Gor-
lice Hall
, which was once used as a place for troops to muster in secret. Now it is
home to six of the original
baroque statues
from Charles Bridge.
ACCESSING THE CITADEL
The main entrance to Vyšehrad citadel is through the grand 17th-century
Leopold
you'll see the only surviving remnants of the 14th-century Gothic
Peak Gate
OFFLINE
From here, there's no prescribed viewing route. Be sure to check out the
battlements
on the northern side of the complex, with wonderful views out over the city and Prague
Castle in the distance. Beside the southwestern bastion are the foundations of a
royal
palace
that was built by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century but dismantled in
1655.
Vyšehrad served as an Austrian fortress in the 17th and 18th centuries and was
occupied for a time by both the French and the Prussians. Today it's mostly a
peaceful green park with great views across the river, the haunt of old ladies
walking their dogs, mothers playing with their children on the lawns, and young
lovers canoodling on park benches.
DON'T MISS...
»
Casements
»
Brick Gate
»
Gothic Cellar
»
Church of Sts Peter & Paul
»
Rotunda of St Martin
