Vyšehrad, Prague

Perched atop a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, Vyšehrad is a historic fort and an oasis of tranquility in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This serene park is steeped in legend and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city center, offering panoramic views of the city and the meandering river below.

Vyšehrad, which translates to "high castle" in Czech, has a storied past that dates back to the 10th century. It is said to be the location of the first settlement which later became Prague. This site is not just a park but a repository of history and culture, with ancient fortifications, a cemetery housing the nation's most revered figures, and the stunning Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, a neo-Gothic church with striking twin spires.

The fort's ramparts and battlements invite visitors to take a leisurely walk, while the expansive green spaces are perfect for picnics and relaxation. Vyšehrad Cemetery, with its beautifully sculpted tombstones and monuments, is the final resting place of many Czech luminaries, including composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, artist Alphonse Mucha, and writer Jan Neruda.

The park also offers cultural nourishment with occasional open-air concerts and theatre performances, especially during the summer months when the Vyšehrad site truly comes alive. The Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument also includes the Gothic cellar, casemates, and the Vyšehrad Gallery, which features rotating art exhibitions.