Me: "Things to do in Prague"
Google: "Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and John Lenon Wall"
As an obedient Googler, I went to all these places as they were in Google's top recommendations.
Charles Bridge was full of couples from round the globe, trying to capture a perfect "pre-wedding" photo album. People were going crazy marking their presence on John Lenon wall. Well, so did I. I do not remember anything worth mentioning about Prague Castle, apart from a lot of tourists and a beautiful brown wooden door which made up for a cute picture location.
We always hear that every city has some "hidden gems" and I found one in Prague- Vysehrad Castle. If you are someone who likes peace, solace and literally just a handful of people around you-Vysehrad is the place for you! And no, it is not at a remote location. It is very much in the heart of Prague and you can simply take a metro or tram to Vysehrad stop. I met a lovely local in my tram who was so excited knowing an Indian tourist recognises Vysehrad and is actually visiting.
Vysehrad Castle is built on a hill above Vltava River. So, once you get down at the stop, begins a beautiful picturesque 20-25 minutes walk up the hill or for people like me- Trekking :p.
The entire path is so serene, fascinating and windy that you would want to stop at every step and get mesmerised by the beauty!
Once you reach to the top, you will encounter a majestic church and its architecture will definitely give you goosebumps. The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is beautifully silent, peaceful and colorful. The cute and pretty pink door is definitely a winner in front of brown wooden doors of Prague Castle! Now you guys know that this girl has a thing for pretty doors. :p
Just outside the church, there is a small passage guided by a door which seems closed. However, I hesitantly went inside I am happy I did. I experienced a panoramic view of Vltava river from this point which is just breathtaking! Any words or pictures cannot do justice to the beauty that view holds! There was literally no one except me and I could have spent an entire day just at that spot.
While roaming around the area, I came across a cemetery and the famous Tomb Salvin, which was so beautifully maintained that a non-adventurous person like me was lured to go inside. The entrance of the tomb speaks" Though dead, they still speak"! The tomb and cemetery are the resting place of some of the famous Czech poets, actors, painters and many more. The resting places were decorated with fresh flowers which made me realise how some people can never die and are celebrated even after they have physically left the world so many years ago!
I spent around 3 hours just sitting and appreciating the beauty and soaking all the calmness that I craved for after a tourist rush at Google's top recommendations.
Vysehrad is sometimes called "Second Castle of Prague" but it can definitely beat Prague castle to grab "Favourite Castle of Prague" award . If I am being honest, I am happy that Vysehrad has not become a touristy place that Prague Castle is because mass tourism has known to destroy the very soul of places which I would never ever wish upon Vysehrad.
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