Basilica of St Peter and St Paul

The Basilica of St Peter and St Paul is the unmistakable landmark of Vyšehrad, the ancient hilltop fortress and legendary seat of Bohemia's earliest rulers, rising above the Vltava just south of Prague's Old Town. Its twin neo-Gothic spires are visible from many corners of the city and have become the informal emblem of this quieter, less crowded side of Prague.

How old is the church actually?

The site's story starts in the 11th century, when Duke Vratislaus II founded the first church here after moving his residence to Vyšehrad and wanting a place of worship independent from the cathedral across the river on Hradčany hill. Over the following centuries the building burned down, suffered heavy damage during the Hussite wars, and was rebuilt more than once — so what stands today is the result of layered history rather than a single medieval design.

Why does it look neo-Gothic rather than medieval?

The basilica's present appearance comes from a major reconstruction carried out around the turn of the 20th century. That campaign gave the church its tall twin towers and richly detailed neo-Gothic facade, a style architects of the period favored when they wanted to evoke an idealized vision of medieval Europe. At the same time, the interior was decorated in the spirit of Czech Art Nouveau, which creates a deliberate contrast: a Gothic-revival shell outside, colorful Art Nouveau ornamentation inside.

What stands out once you're inside?

Inside, the walls and vaulted ceilings are covered in dense painted decoration — religious scenes and floral motifs rendered in the muted but expressive palette typical of the era. The stained-glass windows are worth a slow look, especially on a sunny day when they wash the interior in shifting color, and the main altar draws the eye down the length of the nave. The basilica also functions as an active collegiate and parish church, so everyday liturgical life continues here alongside the tourist visits.

Why pair it with the rest of Vyšehrad?

The church sits inside the walls of the former Vyšehrad fortress, complete with defensive ramparts and casemates that can be explored separately. Right next to it lies the Slavín cemetery, the resting place of numerous Czech composers, writers and artists, which effectively turns the hill into a national pantheon of culture. The ramparts and surrounding park also offer some of the best views over a bend of the Vltava and the Prague skyline, so the basilica is often just one stop on a longer walk around the whole hilltop.

What's the easiest way to get there?

The simplest route is metro line C to the Vyšehrad station, followed by a short walk through the park to the church. Walking along the river from the Old Town or New Town is another option — it takes roughly half an hour and is scenic in its own right.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the basilica? Visiting the interior usually requires a small admission ticket, while the surrounding Vyšehrad grounds, ramparts and park remain freely accessible.

Are services still held there? Yes, it remains an active parish church, so regular Mass and services take place alongside sightseeing hours — worth checking before planning a visit around a specific time.

Is it worth combining with the Slavín cemetery? Definitely — the cemetery sits directly beside the basilica and holds the graves of several famous Czech composers, making it a natural extension of the same visit.

How much time should I plan for Vyšehrad and the basilica together? Around ninety minutes to two hours is realistic if you also want to walk the ramparts and take in the river viewpoints, rather than just stepping inside the church.