Why Visit the Vysehrad National Cemetery?

Vysehrad Cemetery is a masterpiece of funerary art. It was established in 1869 as a national pantheon. The site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. You can see stunning sculptures and intricate ironwork on every grave. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Prague for history lovers. The atmosphere is calm and respectful. Unlike other busy tourist spots, it remains very quiet. You can walk through the arcades and admire the mosaic work. The cemetery honors those who shaped Czech culture. It is a must-see for anyone interested in European history.

10 Famous People Buried in Vysehrad Cemetery

Here are the most notable figures and sights within the cemetery grounds. Each grave tells a story of talent and dedication. Use this list to find the most iconic monuments during your walk.

• Name: Antonín Dvořák Type: Sight Why go: He is one of the world's most famous composers. His tomb features a beautiful bust and intricate bronze details. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Located in the eastern arcades. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the right side of the Basilica. Tip: Look for the musical notes on his monument.
• Name: Alfons Mucha Type: Experience Why go: He was a master of the Art Nouveau style. He is buried in the collective Slavín tomb. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: The Slavín monument at the back of the cemetery. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path to the highest monument. Tip: Check the Slavín plaque for his name among other greats.
• Name: Bedřich Smetana Type: Sight Why go: Known as the father of Czech music. His grave is a place of pilgrimage for local musicians. Best for: Classical music fans. Where: Near the central path. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the tall, dark stone monument. Tip: Visit during the Prague Spring festival for special tributes.
• Name: Jan Neruda Type: Sight Why go: A famous poet and journalist. Nerudova Street near the castle is named after him. Best for: Literature buffs. Where: Along the northern wall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the main gate and turn left. Tip: His grave is simple but very elegant.
• Name: Karel Čapek Type: Sight Why go: He invented the word "robot" in his play R.U.R. He was a pioneer of science fiction. Best for: Writers and sci-fi fans. Where: Near the Basilica entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is located in the section closest to the church. Tip: Look for the small books carved into the stone.
• Name: Božena Němcová Type: Sight Why go: She wrote "The Grandmother," a classic Czech novel. She is a symbol of female literary strength. Best for: History students. Where: Near the entrance arcades. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the left side of the main entrance. Tip: Her grave is often covered in fresh flowers from admirers.
• Name: Slavín Tomb Type: Experience Why go: This is the grandest monument in the cemetery. It holds over 50 of the nation's most famous people. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: The northern end of the cemetery. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the largest structure in the graveyard. Tip: Look at the large winged statue at the top.
• Name: Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul Type: Sight Why go: This neo-Gothic church towers over the cemetery. The interior features stunning Art Nouveau murals. Best for: Everyone. Where: Directly adjacent to the cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the interior. Getting there: You cannot miss the twin black spires. Tip: Listen for the carillon bells that play every hour.
• Name: Vysehrad Ramparts Type: Viewpoint Why go: The walls offer the best views of the Vltava River. You can see the whole city from here. Best for: Photographers. Where: Surrounding the fortress grounds. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the edge of the park. Tip: Go at sunset for the most amazing photos.
• Name: Brick Gate and Casemates Type: Day trip Why go: Explore the underground tunnels of the fortress. It holds original statues from the Charles Bridge. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: The northern entrance of the fortress. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid tour. Getting there: Follow the signs for the "Kasematy." Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.

Planning Your Visit to Prague’s National Cemetery

Visiting the cemetery is easy if you plan ahead. It is open daily from morning until dusk. The best way to arrive is to learn how to get to Vysehrad by metro. Take the C line to the Vysehrad station. From there, it is a short, flat walk to the gates. You can find more maps on the Prague.eu portal. Please remember that this is a functioning cemetery. Keep your voice low and stay on the paths. Do not touch the historic monuments. Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the whole fortress area. It is a perfect half-day trip from the city center.