VYŠEHRAD around the year 1680

Vyšehrad was the seat of Czech princes and an important stronghold. The interest in the former fortified settlement, later a castle and fortress was not constant, thus we distinguish more »lives« of Vyšehrad: In its early days (after 950), a military camp and mint was there, and then a residential castle of several Přemyslids. »The Father of the Country« Charles IV elated it again and the Vyšehrad Chapter seriously rivalled the Prague Chapter based at the Prague Castle. It gained in importance especially after the Battle of White Mountain (1620) and thanks to its advantageous location at the entrance to the Prague Basin from the south – along the banks of Vltava River – it was included in the mighty fortification of Prague, replacing the old walls from the time of Charles after the Thirty Years’ War. The plans envisaged a grand fortress with a massive cylindrical tower in the middle, which was supposed to serve as an armoury and ammunition dump. However, this was not implemented, and so we can see it in the picture after the completion of brick bastions behind which church buildings and dwellings of townspeople are hidden. The dominant feature of Vyšehrad is – back then as well as today – the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. By the Vltava River, the settlement around the castle of Vyšehrad with Výtoň stretches and on the slopes, grapevine is thriving. – Today, a burial place of Czech personalities is found at Vyšehrad.