Introduction to Vyšehrad Cemetery

The cemetery was established in 1869 on the grounds of the fortress. It was designed to be a unified burial ground for Czech elites. The site is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau and Renaissance sculptures. Walking through the gates feels like entering an open-air art gallery. The atmosphere is peaceful and deeply respectful. You will find it right next to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. This area is one of the most significant Vyšehrad fortress hidden gems for history lovers.

Top 10 Sites in the Vyšehrad Cemetery Famous Graves Guide

This list includes the most visited and culturally significant spots within the cemetery walls. Each grave tells a unique story of Czech achievement. Use this list to plan your walking route effectively.

• Best overall: Slavín Tomb
• Best for music lovers: Antonín Dvořák
• Best for art fans: Alphonse Mucha
• Best free activity: Walking the cemetery paths

1. Name: Antonín Dvořák Type: Grave Why go: Pay respects to the world-famous composer of the New World Symphony. Best for: Music enthusiasts and classical fans. Where: Northern side of the cemetery. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main cemetery entrance. Tip: Look for the detailed bronze bust of the composer.
2. Name: Bedřich Smetana Type: Grave Why go: He is the father of Czech music and composed Má vlast. Best for: History buffs and music lovers. Where: Near the central path. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs from the Basilica. Tip: His grave is often adorned with fresh flowers from locals.
3. Name: Alphonse Mucha Type: Tomb (Slavín) Why go: Mucha was a world-famous Art Nouveau painter. Best for: Art lovers and designers. Where: Inside the Slavín communal tomb. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the highest point of the cemetery. Tip: You cannot enter the tomb, but you can see his name inscribed.
4. Name: Slavín Tomb Type: National Monument Why go: It is the central pantheon for the most distinguished Czechs. Best for: Architecture fans and historians. Where: Eastern end of the cemetery. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the largest structure in the cemetery. Tip: Look up at the "Genius of the Homeland" statue on top.
5. Name: Jan Neruda Type: Grave Why go: He was a famous poet and journalist who inspired Pablo Neruda. Best for: Literature fans. Where: Along the southern arcade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the covered walkways. Tip: Notice the beautiful relief work on the gravestone.
6. Name: Božena Němcová Type: Grave Why go: She wrote "The Grandmother," a classic of Czech literature. Best for: Book lovers and cultural historians. Where: Near the entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the first section of graves. Tip: This is one of the most visited graves by school groups.
7. Name: Karel Čapek Type: Grave Why go: He was a writer who popularized the word "robot." Best for: Sci-fi fans and literary enthusiasts. Where: Middle section of the cemetery. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Ask at the information board near the gate. Tip: His grave is simple but very moving.
8. Name: Milada Horáková Memorial Type: Symbolic Grave Why go: She was a politician and victim of the communist regime. Best for: Modern history students. Where: Near the cemetery wall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the western part. Tip: This is a cenotaph, as her actual remains were never found.
9. Name: Basilica of St. Peter and Paul Type: Indoor/Architecture Why go: The twin towers define the Vyšehrad skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Directly adjacent to the cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for interior entry. Getting there: Visible from anywhere in the fortress. Tip: Don't miss the Art Nouveau murals inside.
10. Name: Vyšehrad Cemetery Arcades Type: Architectural Sight Why go: These beautiful covered walkways house many notable graves. Best for: Rainy days and photography. Where: Surrounding the main burial area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the perimeter of the cemetery. Tip: The mosaics on the ceilings are stunning.

The Slavín Tomb: A National Monument

The Slavín Tomb is the focal point of the cemetery. It was built between 1889 and 1893. The monument serves as a collective resting place. Over 50 important figures are buried here. This includes scientists, actors, and poets. The tomb represents the peak of Czech national identity. It is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Prague. Visitors often spend the most time here. The sculptures are incredibly detailed and symbolic. It is a place of deep reflection for the local community.

Planning Your Visit to Vyšehrad Fortress

Visiting Vyšehrad is easy from the city center. You can take the Metro Line C to the Vyšehrad station. From there, it is a short 10-minute walk. You can also learn how to get to Vyšehrad from Old Town by tram. The cemetery is open daily, but hours vary by season. It is usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer. Entry to the cemetery grounds is free. For more travel details, check the Prague.eu tourism portal. Always remain quiet and respectful during your visit.