The Rises and Falls of Vyšehrad

The exhibition "The Rises and Falls of Vyšehrad" is housed in the former Prachárna building – a remnant of a medieval guard tower standing on a cliff above the so-called Libuše Baths – near the Burgraves' Office in the royal enclosure. It guides visitors through the history of this site from the oldest prehistoric settlement to the present day. The exhibition maps the era of Vratislaus I, the first Czech king and founder of the Vyšehrad Chapter and the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, with special attention to Charles IV, who viewed Vyšehrad as a symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty and a pillar of royal power, as well as the decline during the Hussite Wars. After the Thirty Years' War, Emperor Ferdinand III transformed Vyšehrad into a fortress and the main arsenal of Bohemia. In the 19th century it became a national symbol, culminating in the magnificent reconstruction of the basilica and the establishment of a national cemetery. Through unique exhibits, period graphics, photographs, reconstruction drawings, and physical models, visitors will discover the transformations of the royal enclosure over the centuries. On display is also a replica of an 18th-century field cannon and other weapons recalling Vyšehrad's military past. The exhibition is time-limited to approximately one year to bridge the period of reconstruction of the permanent exhibition of the National Heritage Institute Vyšehrad in the Gothic Cellar. From June 2025, special guided tours are held with the opportunity to glimpse the archaeological excavation sites of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, the Romanesque bridge, and the basement of the Prachárna. Open daily 10:00–18:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00).