The area known as the royal district is closely linked to the history of the Czech state. It was the residence of the first Czech king, Vratislav, the founder of the Vyšehrad chapter and the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul. Special attention was also given to it by Charles IV, who perceived Vyšehrad as a symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty, a support of royal power, and an important pilgrimage site. Decline began at the start of the Hussite wars, when the royal palaces were demolished.

Vyšehrad gained new significance after the Thirty Years’ War, when Emperor Ferdinand III transformed it into a fortress and built the main armory of Bohemia on the ruins of the royal district, symbolizing the military power of the Habsburg family. The strategic importance of Vyšehrad declined in the 19th century, followed by its transformation into a national symbol, culminating in the grand reconstruction of the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul and the establishment of the national cemetery. Today, the royal district is part of a public park, yet traces of its illustrious royal past remain vivid.


The exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the royal district at Vyšehrad not only through carefully selected exhibits but also through period graphic views and photographs, reconstruction drawings, and physical models. Visitors can discover how the appearance of the royal district has changed over the centuries, from the earliest prehistoric settlements to the present day. They will uncover hidden traces of the illustrious royal past, the rises and falls of the legendary Vyšehrad – the rock of Czech history.

Admission

Basic 120 CZK
Reduced 80 CZK

Tickets can be purchased at the Vyšehrad Information Center or on-site at the self-service ticket machine.

The exhibition is not wheelchair accessible.

Accepted passes: Prague Visitor Pass, Prague CoolPass, CoolPass CZ, Klub Dvojka for friends of culture

The exhibition is limited to approximately one year to bridge the period of reconstruction of the permanent exhibition at the Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument in the so-called Gothic Cellar.