A legendary hilltop citadel overlooking the Vltava River, Vyšehrad predates even Prague Castle. It was the seat of Czech princes in the 10th century and is steeped in myth—especially the legend of the priestess Libuše, who prophesied the glory of Prague. Today, it’s a peaceful park with breathtaking views, a neo-Gothic church (St. Peter and Paul), and a national honoray cemetery with famous Czech figures of merits and good reputation, like the composers Antonín Dvořák (“New World Syphomy”), Bedřich Smetana (“The Moldau”), composer and violin virtuoso Josef Suk, writer Karel Čapek, soprano Emma Destinn (stage partner of Enrico Caruso) and many more.
This area is home to rare examples of Czech Cubist architecture, a unique movement from the early 20th century. Unlike elsewhere in Europe, Czech architects translated Cubism into building facades, using angular, crystal-like shapes. Look out for the Kovařovic Villa by Josef Chochol—one of the best surviving Cubist houses, just below Vyšehrad.
An impressive Neoclassical-style water treatment plant built in the 1920s. The Podolí Waterworks still suppliy Prague with drinking water today. Its monumental colonnaded facade gives it the appearance of a Greek temple. Inside is the Waterworks Museum, documenting the history of water in Prague. Others say that a visit of the “beer museum” would give you almost as much insight because the Czech’ favourite beverage contains around 95% of water, on avaerage.
Built in the 1960s with Olympic ambitions, this iconic brutalist complex includes indoor and outdoor Olympic-size pools. Although Prague never hosted the Olympics, the stadium has remained a center for competitive swimming, water polo, and public recreation. It’s notable for its sweeping concrete architecture and still operates year-round, with locals being particularly fond of night swims in the heated water on snowy winter nights.
A leisure and recreation zone on the Vltava riverbank, originally a 1930s bathing resort. Today it’s a popular summer hangout with beach bars, live music, volleyball courts, and swimming areas. Great for a quick refreshment stop or drink on the river.
Careful with jumping into the river, though. It can be very cold even on hot summer days due to a dam just 20 km to the South, from where very cold water is being released temporarily.
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