Vysehrad-Prague's First Castle
by scalaron
Originally built in the 10th Century, Vysehrad castle has been rebuilt many times since.
Now it is a quiet and peaceful fortress that offers the weary tourist a beautiful park and grounds whose walls overlook the Vltava and historical Prague.
it also contains the 11th century St Michael's Rotunda.
Another fascinating part of this complex is the Slavin Cemetery. Here are buried many famous Czech artists, writers, actors and musicians. Among them are composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana, Alfons Mucha-artist of Art Nouveau fame, writer Jan Neruda ( whose surname was adopted by the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda) and sculptor Josef Myslbek whose set of four gigantic sculptures can be seen adorning the attached park.
The many artistic and sometimes whimsical headstones diminishes some of the grimmness of Death's sting adding a touch of vitality to a somber setting !
There are a few shops nearby, small but offering some good local craftwork. One, in particular is an outlet for handicapped artisans who earn some of the proceeds of their work.
Here I found many ideal items to take home as "souvenirs" at reasonable prices that help support the handicapped.
It is a half day well spent!
Forum Posts
Prague in October
by deltav
My 14 year old daughter and I will be in Prague for 4 days early in October. Does anyone have any suggestions on things we can and should do and see. Thanks
Re: Prague in October
by ger4444
go and take a look at the vt-prague pages!
Re: Prague in October
by VladimirIL
There is so much--how historically minded is she? Take her to the islands in the River, calm & serene but so far from the tourists. Praha has a lot of great pub food & you can have a pivo--well probably so can she if you let her--there is no enforced drinking age in E Europe!
This is a magical city--tell her this, then just ask her to watch for magic & then discuss what that frog over the door means! Or any other interesting architectural detail means! Just walk & bond with her--this truly is a magical city.
Re: Re: Prague in October
by Deus_ultima
I cannot promote the torture museum enough..
:D
Re: Re: Prague in October
by HORSCHECK
I second the Kutna Hora daytrip. I am currently in Prague and did the Kutna Hora daytrip last tuesday. The trip by train or bus lasts only 1 hour and is dirty cheap ...
Kutna Hora is a lovely place with a nice cathedral, small pathways and a scenic view ...
Hope this helps
HORSCHECK
Re: Prague in October
by bart_warreyn
Hello,
If you only have four days to visit Prague, I would stick to Prague... There is plenty to see and do here, no need to do daytrips. It is difficult to give tips however, much depends on what the interests of your daughter and yourself are.
A good introduction to the city is a visit of the municipal museum near the subwaystation Florenc.
The must-see's AFAIK are : the Jewish quarters, especially the cemetery, strolling around magical Old Town (area around Staromestske Namesti) (by day and by night), Charles' Bridge, Kampa-Island, Prague Castle, Vysehrad.
Prague offers a lot of classical concerts in churches which you can attend (you will be given flyers in the street). You could also go to the Opera, good quality performances, great venue and much cheaper than in Western Europe.
A nice area to rest if you are tired if the city is the Petrin-park, near Prague castle.
Regards,
Bart
Re: Prague in October
by franta
I can recmmend for example Petrin hill (funicular, look-out tower, labyrinth), Strahov monastery...more:
http://www.discoverczech.com/prague/pg.php4
FRantisek