Prague is a city of many stunning sights. One of the biggest of them all has to be the castle of Vysehrad. Located on a hill looking down over the Vltava River, it looks even more imposing than it would do otherwise. It is also a much bigger site than you might expect, because the name does not just apply to the castle. It also applies to the whole area, so you can visit this without seeing inside the castle if you wish.

But what can you expect to see? Is it worth a visit to see a castle dating back from the 10th century, as well as the surroundings which crowd up against it?

The short answer is a resounding yes. This is a quieter area than some other parts of Prague, and indeed there was a time when it wasn’t part of the city at all. It was only in the early 1880s that the area joined with the city and became known as part of it.

One thing you will soon notice about Vysehrad is the abundance of greenery in the area. Trees, shrubs and plants are all over the place, giving this a smooth and calm feel and one that is totally different from much of the rest of the city. The castle may be in ruins compared to its glory days but you can still watch over the walls and gaze down on the river below.

You have two choices if you want a bite to eat while you are busy exploring this area of Prague. There are a few nice cafes dotted around that will happily serve you a variety of items. But there is nothing better on a sunny day than to enjoy a relaxed picnic, provided you plan it adequately in advance.

You can visit several locations in Vysehrad as well while you are there. For instance there is the gothic cellar and St Lawrence’s Basilica as well. Be sure to spend some time exploring the area – you never know what chunks of history will be revealed to you.