Rotunda of St. Martin: A Romanesque Relic in Vyšehrad

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Discover Prague's oldest building, the Rotunda of St. Martin, a Romanesque gem with a rich and varied history in the heart of Vyšehrad.

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Rotunda sv. Martina

The Rotunda of St. Martin, nestled within the Vyšehrad complex, is Prague's oldest surviving building, dating back to the 11th century. This intimate Romanesque chapel has served various purposes throughout its history, from a prison to a gunpowder store, and now stands as a testament to Prague's enduring architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Rotunda sv. Martina

K Rotundě 100, Prague 2-Vyšehrad, 128 00, CZ
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Monday 10 am-1 pm
Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
Thursday 10 am-1 pm
Friday 10 am-1 pm
Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

Check the opening hours in advance, as the rotunda is primarily open for services.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Vyšehrad complex, which offers stunning views of Prague.
Look for the evidence of the original entrance in the wall above the road.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Rotunda of St. Martin, take Metro line C to Vyšehrad station. From there, it's a short walk through the Vyšehrad complex. Alternatively, take tram lines 7, 14, 18, 24, 54, or 55 to Albertov, or tram lines 2, 3, 7, 17, 21, or 52 to Výtoň, and walk to Vyšehrad. A single 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.
Walking

From within the Vyšehrad complex, the Rotunda of St. Martin is easily accessible by foot. Follow the signs within the complex. The walk from the Vyšehrad metro station takes approximately 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Prague. A taxi ride from the city center to Vyšehrad will cost approximately 115-200 CZK, depending on the distance and traffic. Uber and other ride-sharing services also operate in Prague.

Discover more about Rotunda sv. Martina

The Rotunda of St. Martin, located in the Vyšehrad complex, is a remarkable survivor and Prague's oldest building, dating back to around 1100. Founded during the reign of Vratislav II, it originally stood amidst a cemetery. Over the centuries, the rotunda has witnessed numerous historical events, including being ransacked during the Hussite Revolution in 1420 and suffering fire damage in 1525. It has been used as a prison, a storehouse during the Thirty Years' War, and even a gunpowder storage facility. In 1757, the rotunda was damaged during a Prussian attack on Prague, with a cannonball reportedly lodged in its wall. Saved from demolition in 1841, it was briefly used as housing for the poor. The Vyšehrad Chapter took ownership in 1875, restoring the rotunda to its original religious purpose in 1878. The interior was modified in the 19th century by architect A. Baum. Today, the Rotunda of St. Martin is used for religious ceremonies. Its neo-Romanesque portal, added during the late 19th-century restoration, marks its entrance.

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