First of all, who would find an old cemetery a hidden gem?I think it´s not everyone´s cup of tea.

But for me, stumbling upon this place is a hidden gem discovery.

Prague is a beautiful city, no doubt about it.I have fallen in love with Prague the moment I have seen its tons of spires, bridges, espeially Charles Bridge, its fairy tale old town architecture and its classic architecture and historical charm.The old ftown´s skyline of spires, the houses and buildings with intricate designs and details–all of it.Unfortunately,we came in the middle of August so there´s no escaping from the maddening tourists , they are everywhere! For me, though it is okay sometimes but walking through the busiest squares and passages became more of a tiresome pilgrimage under the scorching summer heat than a restful escape.

But then one day, we´ve changed our itinerary.This time we head to Vyšehrad.

I actually have no idea where we are going. Only Google maps says that its walkable and no need for a metro ride from our hotel.But once we enter the gate, i thought this place must be huge area to run and I could get lost.It has a castle ,with lush grounds, tribunal buildings, and religious buildings like the Church of St. Peter and Paul who helds the relics of St. Valentine.We started our walk at a leisure pace, because my daughter was not actually in the mood .I was busy admiring the summer glow of sunflowers and got envious of the other runners.It was a hilly walk but once we reached St.Martin´s Rotunda, there were already group of tourists on tour, exploring the place as we did.According to legends, Vyšehrad is the oldest seat of Czech´s princes and holds lots of historical facets during the reign of Charles IV, who perceived Vyšehrad as a symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty.

I don´t know history that much but the details says it all. It´s quite aesthetic in many ways.Not the old, creepy graveyard so far or an empty hollow church.Personally i did not do a research about this place. I was looking for a place to run and Google showed me this place.I did not expect either that I would found an architectural gem tucked in this place.Away from the crowds in the old town and people´s businesses in Charles bridge, we explore the path that leads to the cemetery and Slavin.And what a find indeed.When i saw the tombs, i was quite reluctant since I thought we were trespassing.But really, this is a beautiful resting place–so calm, and no stress, so suddenly I began to wonder who are these people buried here.

Vyšehradský hřbitov a Slavín in Czech is a precious memorial place in Prague.It is one of a kind in Prague.It is a place for the nobles–for well known people of Prague who once walked the streets in Prague and contribute to what is this city now.It´s like the place for who they know who! It reminded me so well of the Walhalla in Bavaria , In Kelheim where there is a huge German Parthenon designed by Leo von Klenze where the Busts of all famous person in German history is–i mean the noble ones.Scientists, poets, writers, rulers, kings and prince, and so on,like the Bavarian King-King Ludwig II.

It is a close distance, almost beside the church of St. Peter & Paul and it is one of the most significant place in Prague.Why?? Because this is the place where the largest congregation of important, famous and notable people of Prague were buried. I felt in awe knowing that seeing all the majestic beauty of Prague with all those beautiful buildings and artwork, and now, I am seeing as well the place where the legends behind those masterworks are laid to rest.What an honour to even know even a bit about these souls.

Over 600 famous people are buried here — writers, scientists, poets, artists, composers, actors, doctors, politicians, and others. Even Alphonse Mucha, the Czech painter and illustrator is laid to rest here at the monumental tomb Slavín, where Prague´s most famous persons are laid to rest.It´s like their Hall of Fame.

Each tomb and graves are delicately designed.With blooming plants and flowers to cheer up the graveyard.I spent a lot of time just admiring the mosaics on the ceilings and trying to understand each statues. This cemetery dates from 1660 and it was quite overwhelming to see the dates.These people once walked the streets of Prague!I kinda felt surreal because I remember my backbacking days in Benguet where I saw and explore the Hanging coffins in the echo valley and the unforgettable cryptic church of Santuario di San Bernardino della Ossa in Milan where they use the bones, skeletons and skulls to decorate the Ossuary.

Research says that there was already an old cemetery in here since 1260. Its current appearance dates back to 1869 and it is one of the most significant cemeteries I have seen with my own eyes.It spreads over 0.81 hectares. Antonín Barvitius designed the marble tombs on the Southern and the Eastern sides of the cemetery and Antonín Wiehl designed the arcades, which have been built according to the Italian style around the border of the cemetery. The cross vault of arcades decorated with paintings is carried by Tuscan pillars of sandstone.I felt like I was visiting another museum /exhibition of neo classical, Rococo- renaissance, baroque artworks.Prague is indeed exhilaratingly beautiful, even this place is exquisite.

Walking further, we saw the church of St.Peter and Paul who reminds me so much of Church of St. Vitus in Prague castle, less the crowds of course, and somewhat the image of Cologne cathedral.This neo Gothis church is another architetural gem that we´ve found in this journey.I was admiring its ornate details, from its exquisite front doors up to its majestic groundwork and art nouveau ornamental figures.

What struck me from what´s engraved in Slavin ; ” Though they´re dead… they still speak “.

Until then to our next travel adventure.Autumn is fast calling here in Bavaria.

Tschüß!