Vyšehrad roof renovations will offer visitors a rare view of Prague

The view from Vyšehrad, spanning the bend of the Vltava River to Prague Castle, is hard to surpass: its beauty, storied history, and mythical associations are deeply woven into Czech culture.

The centerpiece of the area is the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, which houses an ornate cemetery and, soon, a lookout that will elevate an already stunning scenic view to a spectacular one.

Upon completion, visitors to the basilica will be able to walk along a new footbridge built just below the roof, providing access to the upper dormers and elevated spaces above the nave.

“The interior and the views through the windows are beautiful. It would be a shame not to open it to people,” Michal Němeček, dean of the Royal Collegiate Chapter of Saints Peter and Paul, told Czech media.

The CZK 45 million renovation utilizes nearly 40,000 dark slate tiles imported from Spain and light tiles from a quarry in New York. Some of the historic wooden beams, which had been damaged over the decades, have been reinstalled, with the original carpenter’s signature from 1885–1903 still visible.

Němeček said the new circuit could be ready by fall, although cleaning and preparation may push the official opening closer to the end of the year. “The company has a deadline of November, but I believe they can have it finished by summer,” he added.

The restoration preserves elements from earlier renovations, including modifications by 19th-century architect Josef Mocker, while ensuring the structure meets modern safety standards. The basilica’s small sanctuary tower, rising to 40 meters, has also been repaired, and a new footbridge allows access to the upper dormers.

Funding for the project has come from multiple sources, including over CZK five million from Prague City Hall, one million from the Ministry of Culture, and three million from private donations.

Support also comes from tourism revenues and a community initiative called Bag for Bag, where proceeds from specially designed bags help cover renovation costs and support people with disabilities.

The basilica’s architecture remains a draw in its own right. “Both towers are actually made of brick and only clad with stone,” Němeček said, pointing out how historical and modern elements coexist in the structure.

The Vyšehrad renovation follows similar initiatives in Kutná Hora and Pilsen, where visitors can now access cathedral interiors and rooftops.

Vyšehrad is more than just its sweeping views. The historic fortress features 13th-century ramparts and Gothic gates, as well as the Rotunda of St. Martin, dating back to the 11th century, one of Prague’s oldest buildings.

The Basilica of St. Peter and Paul is home to the ornate Vyšehrad Cemetery, where Czech cultural icons such as Dvořák and Čapek are interred.

Recent additions include underground tours, a new exhibition, and the reopened Na Hradbách beer garden, along with an expanded playground and summer stage. A full program of events can be found here.

Donations to the project can be made at the dedicated site, Vyšehrad pod střechou (Vyšehrad under the roof).