Now it is a busy little tourist destination and holds one of the most unique positions among the Czech castles. The walk from the train station up to the Castle was interesting, with almost every house on the main street being converted to some tourist shop or restaurant. It seems everyone here makes their living off of the tourists! The 30 minutes climb is all uphill, but the Castle is situated on a hill, so what did we expect!
The Castle is fairy tale material and would not look out of place in Disneyland's main promenade! From the old stone rampart walls of the Castle you can see for miles out to the green rolling hills of the Czech Republic. A truly beautiful sight.
The interior of the Castle was amazing, however little of it was original. The interior was redecorated in the 19th century, new floors, new ceiling, new walls and new decorations. Apparently a lot of the original furniture and also the Czech coronation crown are now located in Austria.
We also made a trip to Vysehrad one afternoon, an area just south of the city, close to Prague 2. Legend has it that Vysehrad (High Castle) is the place where Prague was born. The area holds importance as King Charles IV decreed that the coronation of Bohemian Kings should begin with a procession from here. The area was almost ruined in the following centuries until the Czech National Revival generated new interest in Vysehrad as a symbol of Czech history. From 1866, Vysehrad graveyard became a national memorial, the fortifications were dismantled and various buildings were restored. Vysehrad today has peaceful green parks with great views across the River Vltava. We saw mothers with their children, old women with their dogs and people laying about enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Looking out over the southern areas of the city to Prague Castle in the background
St Martins Rotunda in Vysehrad
The Vltava River, looking over to Smichov and Petrin Hill. Prague Castle to the far right
The Church of St Peter and St Paul, in Vysehrad
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