Top 10 Famous Graves at Vysehrad Cemetery Prague

The cemetery is the final resting place of over 600 notable figures. It was established in 1869 as a national pantheon. You will see beautiful Art Nouveau and Gothic styles here. Many graves are works of art themselves. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Prague. It is a must-see for history lovers.

• Best Overall: Antonín Dvořák
• Best for Art Fans: Alfons Mucha
• Best for Writers: Karel Čapek
• Best Free Activity: Walking the cemetery grounds

1. Name: Antonín Dvořák Type: sight Why go: He is one of the world's most famous composers. His monument features a beautiful bronze bust. Best for: Music enthusiasts. Where: Located near the Slavin monument. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Vysehrad metro station. Tip: Look for the musical notes on nearby tributes.
2. Name: Bedřich Smetana Type: sight Why go: Known as the father of Czech music. His grave is a site of pilgrimage during music festivals. Best for: History buffs. Where: Central part of the cemetery. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path from the Basilica. Tip: Visit during the Prague Spring festival for special tributes.
3. Name: Alfons Mucha Type: experience Why go: The master of Art Nouveau is buried in the Slavin tomb. It is the most prominent structure in the cemetery. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Inside the Slavin national monument. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the eastern end of the cemetery. Tip: The Slavin tomb holds many famous people together.
4. Name: Karel Čapek Type: sight Why go: He was a famous writer who invented the word "robot." His grave is simple but very moving. Best for: Literature fans. Where: Middle section of the grounds. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the map at the cemetery entrance. Tip: People often leave small robot toys or pens here.
5. Name: Jan Neruda Type: sight Why go: A beloved poet and journalist. A famous street in Prague is named after him. Best for: Cultural explorers. Where: Near the northern wall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the Basilica entrance. Tip: Read his "Tales of the Lesser Quarter" before visiting.
6. Name: Božena Němcová Type: sight Why go: She is the most famous female Czech writer. Her grave is adorned with beautiful floral reliefs. Best for: Families and students. Where: Eastern side of the cemetery. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Slavin monument. Tip: Her portrait is on the 500 CZK banknote.
7. Name: Mikoláš Aleš Type: sight Why go: A famous painter known for his historical themes. His grave features classic artistic elements. Best for: Visual art fans. Where: Close to the Slavin tomb. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily reached from the main gate. Tip: Check out his mosaics on nearby buildings in Prague.
8. Name: Vlasta Burian Type: sight Why go: Known as the "King of Comedians." He was a massive star of Czech cinema. Best for: Film buffs. Where: Southern section of the cemetery. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path towards the fortress walls. Tip: His grave often has fresh flowers from fans.
9. Name: Milada Horáková (Memorial) Type: sight Why go: A symbolic grave for a hero who fought for freedom. She was a victim of political trials. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Near the cemetery entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located just inside the main gates. Tip: This is a cenotaph, as her remains were never found.
10. Name: Jan Evangelista Purkyně Type: sight Why go: A world-renowned scientist and anatomist. He made major discoveries in biology. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Western edge of the grounds. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the river-facing walls. Tip: Look for his name on many scientific terms today.

How to Find Famous Graves at Vysehrad Cemetery Prague

Finding your way is easy with a little planning. The cemetery is organized into sections. A large map stands at the main entrance. This map lists the famous graves at vysehrad cemetery prague by number. It is helpful to take a photo of the map. This will save you time later. Most graves have clear names in Czech.

The Slavin monument is the easiest landmark to find. It towers over the other graves. Many famous artists are buried within its walls. The paths are paved and easy to walk. You should allow about one hour for a full tour. This gives you time to appreciate the art. Respectful behavior is required at all times.

Planning Your Visit to Vysehrad Fortress and Cemetery

Visiting this site is a great addition to any trip. It is less crowded than other top attractions in Prague. To get here, take the Metro Line C to the Vysehrad station. From there, it is a ten-minute walk. You can also learn how to get to Vysehrad from Old Town by tram. The walk offers great views of the city.

The cemetery is open daily from morning until dusk. Entry to the cemetery grounds is free. However, you should check the Basilica of St Peter and Paul opening hours if you wish to go inside. The church is right next to the graves. It features stunning twin towers. You can find more info on the Visit Czechia website. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.