Vyšehradské casemates — Attraction in Prague

The casemates of Vyšehrad extend on both sides of the Cihelná brána (the Brick Gate), the right part of the corridors opens into an underground hall of Gorlice with an area of ​​300 m2 and a height of 13 meters, which served as a storehouse for food and ammunition. Corridors have a length of over one km, corridors are about 1.5 m wide and 2 m high. Casemates were almost totally destroyed at the end of the Prussian War in November 1744. The Prussians then transferred to casemates 133 barrels of gunpowder, which was to detonate by the last soldier. Three courageous Podskalí natives managed to prevent the destruction of Vyšehrad. They were awarded Maria Theresa for this heroic act and received 200 gold annuities per year.

During the tour, our guide turned the electric light off to experience the conditions that the soldiers had. Due to gunpowder barrels, torches or any open fire could not be used in the corridors, so the only light source was several shafts leading many meters above the level of the corridors. We had to get used to the darkness, just like the crews once, and even then it was not pleasant.

Vyšehradské kasematy se rozprostírají po obou stranách Cihelné brány, pravá část chodeb ústí do podzemního sálu Gorlice o rozloze 300 m2 a výšce 13 metrů, který sloužil jako sklad potravin a munice. Chodby mají délku přes 1 km, chodby jsou zhruba 1,5 m široké a 2 m vysoké. Kasematy byly málem zcela zničeny na konci pruské války v listopadu 1744. Prusové tehdy přesunuli do kasemat 133 sudů se střelným prachem, které měl odpálit doutnáky poslední voják. Třem odvážným Podskalákům se podařilo doutnáky včas odstranit a zabránit tak zkáze Vyšehradu. Za tento hrdinský čin byli vyznamenáni Marií Terezií a dostali 200 zlatých roční renty.

Při prohlídce nám průvodce zhasnul, abychom zažili podmínky, které měli vojáci. Kvůli sudům se střelným prachem se v chodbách nesměly používat louče, proto jediný zdroj světla bylo několik šachtic, ústících mnoho metrů nad úrovní chodeb. Museli jsme si - stejně jako posádky kdysi - nejdříve na tmu zvyknout a ani potom to nebylo...

The tour at 2p.m. did not happen even though many people were waiting under the bridge. Later on we noticed one of the doors under the bridge could be opened even though there was a padlock on the door, so they really seemed to be solid closed. When we went inside the staff could not explain why the tour did not happen... They said the "tour has just passed at 2p.m."... when I asked how this happened as we're standing there for at least 15mins and nobody came out of the office, so there could not be any tour. The staff only said "I'm sorry, I cannot explain it, but you can join the next one." Sadly, we could not join the next one as that was our last day in Prague. I don't recommend it as the workers' attitude is ridicolous, they hide themselves in the bridge to have longer lunch break behind the closed door with light turned off, so we couldn't even see any light to come in earlier. Not only I was disappointed but also 10 other people waiting outside. In this situation they should organize this tour even with a slight delight and not to make us wait for...

Vyšehradské Kasematy are a network of underground tunnels located within the Vyšehrad fortress in Prague. Built in the 17th century by the Austrians, they were originally designed as part of the fortress’s defensive system, allowing soldiers to move unseen and providing storage for weapons and supplies. The tunnels extend for about 1.7 kilometers, though only a small section is open to the public.

One of the most interesting parts of the casemates is the Gorlice Hall, a large underground chamber that was once used for military storage. Today, it houses original statues from Charles Bridge, which were moved there to protect them from damage caused by weather and pollution. The casemates have become a popular attraction for visitors interested in Prague’s history, offering a glimpse into the city’s military past and underground...