About Vysehrad Castle Cemetery
A Brief History of Vysehrad Cemetery
- Vyšehrad Castle was established in the 10th century by the Přemyslid dynasty, a ruling family in Bohemia.
- Its construction is often attributed to Prince Boleslaus II, who sought to create a fortified settlement above the Vltava River.
- Over the centuries, Vyšehrad evolved into a royal residence, a strategic fortress, and a significant cultural site.
- The Castle played an important role during the reign of Vratislaus II, the first King of Bohemia, who moved his seat of power there.
- The development of Vyšehrad Castle reflects the historical and political shifts in Prague, marking its importance in Czech history.
- Vyšehrad Cemetery was established in 1869 and is a prominent burial ground in Prague, located next to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.
- It is the final resting place of over 600 notable Czech figures, including composer Bedřich Smetana, writer Karel Čapek, painter Alphonse Mucha, and Nobel Prize laureate Jaroslav Heyrovský.
- The cemetery symbolizes Czech heritage and commemorates a wide array of influential individuals from various fields, including poets, scientists, and politicians.
- Vyšehrad Cemetery remains a revered site, reflecting the rich tapestry of Czech history and culture.
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Who is Buried at Vysehrad Cemetery?
Míla Mellanová is a renowned Czech actress and director, interred at Vyšehrad Cemetery. Her significant contributions to children's theatre began in 1935 when she established the first Prague Children's Theater. Mellanová not only directed the group until 1945 but also personally funded the theatre for several years. In 1943, she founded the Experimental Youth Ensemble, where she mentored young people aged 15 to 18. Mellanová's dedication to nurturing young talent left a lasting impact on Czech theatre, making her a celebrated figure in the arts.
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Mikoláš Aleš, a celebrated Czech painter, is renowned for his prolific output and he created approximately 5,000 published paintings. His artwork graced magazines, playing cards, and textbooks, making his work widely recognizable. Though his primary following was in Bohemia, his influence extended globally, with many of his paintings still accessible worldwide. Aleš is esteemed as one of the Czech Republic's greatest artists, leaving an enduring legacy in the art world.
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Antonín Dvořák is one of the first Czech composers to gain international acclaim and has left an indelible mark on Czech music. His influence is celebrated annually at the Dvořák Prague International Music Festival, which honours his legacy with major concerts and performances. Among his most successful orchestral works are Symphony No. 9, known as the New World Symphony, and the Cello Concerto. Dvořák’s contributions have significantly shaped classical music, making him a revered figure worldwide.
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Jaroslav Heyrovský is a renowned Czech chemist and inventor. He is celebrated as the father of the electroanalytical method and his pioneering work in polarography earned him the Nobel Prize in 1959. Heyrovský dedicated his scientific career to advancing this field, largely contributing to the development of polarographic methods of analysis. His groundbreaking research established a new branch of electrochemistry.
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Celebrated as one of the world's top division goal scorers, Josef Bican was honored by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics in 1998. He received the "Golden Ball" in 2000 for being the greatest goalscorer of the 20th century.
Other Famous Czechs Buried at the Vysehrad Cemetery
Hana Mašková: A celebrated figure skater for Czechoslovakia, Hana Mašková won a bronze medal at the 1968 Olympics and became the 1968 European champion. Her tomb features a sculpture of a winged female by Jan Štursa, commemorating her achievements.
Ludmila Dvořáková: A renowned Czech operatic soprano, Ludmila Dvořáková received the National Prize of the German Democratic Republic in 1972 and was honored with the Antonín Dvořák Prize in 2012 for her contributions to Czech music.
Josef Čapek: A multifaceted artist known for coining the term "robot," Josef Čapek was a prominent writer and poet. His arrest in 1939 for criticizing national socialism led to his death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. His legacy endures as a symbol of artistic courage.
Karel Čapek: Known for his politically charged writings and introducing the term "robot" through works like "War with the Newts," Karel Čapek was a staunch advocate for freedom of expression and opposed the threats of fascism and communism in Europe.
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FAQs
Who is buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery?
Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague is the final resting place of numerous prominent figures from Czech history and culture. Notable individuals that are laid to rest here include composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana. Writer Karel Čapek, painter Alphonse Mucha, chemist Jaroslav Heyrovský, and many other influential figures from politics, science, and the arts, were also laid to rest here making it a revered site for commemorating Czech heritage.
Where is Vyšehrad Cemetery located?
Vyšehrad Cemetery is located adjacent to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul within the Vyšehrad Castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic. Positioned atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River, this historic cemetery is renowned for its scenic surroundings and as the final resting place of many notable Czech personalities.
Who are some of the famous people buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery?
Vyšehrad Cemetery Prague is the burial site for numerous renowned Czech figures across various fields. Notable individuals interred here include composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, writer Karel Čapek, painter Alphonse Mucha, chemist Jaroslav Heyrovský, and actress Hana Mašková. Their graves, adorned with artistic sculptures and tombstones, attract visitors seeking to pay homage to Czech cultural heritage.
How many people are buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery?
Vyšehrad Cemetery Prague is the final resting place for over 600 notable individuals from Czech history and culture. Among them are composers, writers, artists, scientists, and politicians, making it a significant site for commemorating Czech heritage and honouring the contributions of these influential figures.
What is the Slavín Tomb in Vyšehrad?
The Slavín Tomb in Vyšehrad is a memorial dedicated to Czech luminaries, including writers, artists, composers, and scientists, buried in Vyšehrad Cemetery. It serves as a symbolic tribute to their contributions to Czech culture and history. The tomb features impressive sculptures and tombstones, attracting visitors interested in paying respects to these esteemed figures and exploring Czech cultural heritage.