What Is the Gorlice Hall Statues Tour?

The Gorlice Hall original statues tour Vysehrad takes you deep into the fortress walls. This massive underground space was once a storage area for soldiers. Today, it serves a much more peaceful purpose. It houses six of the original Baroque statues from Charles Bridge. These masterpieces were moved here to protect them from the elements. The hall itself is the largest of its kind in the Vysehrad complex.

Verdict: This tour is a must-see for anyone interested in Baroque art or military history. It offers a quiet escape from the busy city center. The atmosphere is damp, dark, and deeply historical. You can see the fine details of the carvings up close. This is impossible to do on the crowded bridge downtown.

• Pros: Authentic historical atmosphere, rare art, and escape from summer heat.
• Cons: Requires a guided tour, limited accessibility, and can be chilly.

Inside the Vysehrad Casemates Experience

To reach the hall, you must first navigate the casemates. These are narrow underground passages built into the fortress walls. The visiting Vysehrad fortress casemates experience is both thrilling and educational. You will walk through corridors that were designed for troop movements. The walls are thick and made of heavy brickwork. It feels like stepping back into the 17th century.

The walk is about one kilometer long in total. It is mostly flat but can be uneven in some places. You should wear comfortable shoes for this part of the journey. The air is noticeably cooler underground than on the surface. Even in 2026, the temperature remains steady year-round. This makes it a perfect activity for a hot July afternoon.

Many visitors find the hidden underground passages in Vysehrad Prague quite fascinating. The guide will explain how the fort was defended. You will see small slits in the walls for muskets. It is a stark contrast to the beautiful parkland above. The transition from narrow tunnels to the massive Gorlice Hall is truly impressive.

The Highlight: Gorlice Hall Original Statues

The Gorlice Hall is the climax of the tour. It is a cavernous room with high ceilings. The scale of the space is surprising. Inside, the original statues stand on pedestals. These include famous works like the Statue of St. Adalbert and St. Ludmila. Seeing them in this controlled environment allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship. You can see every chisel mark made by the artists.

The lighting in the hall is soft and dramatic. It highlights the features of the saints and figures. You are allowed to take photos, but flash is usually discouraged. The guide provides details about each statue's history and meaning. They explain why these specific pieces were chosen for preservation. It is a rare chance to see high-quality Baroque art without any glass barriers.

Best for: Art historians, photographers, and travelers seeking quiet spots. It is also great for families with older children. Skip if: You suffer from severe claustrophobia or have mobility issues. The tunnels can feel tight before you reach the hall.

Planning Your Gorlice Hall Original Statues Tour Vysehrad

Booking your Gorlice Hall original statues tour Vysehrad is straightforward. You can buy tickets at the Cihelna Gate visitor center. It is wise to check the Prague.eu portal for current opening hours. Tours usually run every hour, but group sizes are limited. In the peak summer months of 2026, arrive early to secure a spot. You cannot enter the hall without a guide.

The cost is very reasonable compared to other major Prague attractions. It is often included in various city passes. If you are looking for unusual things to do in Prague, this fits perfectly. After the tour, you can visit the nearby Vysehrad cemetery famous graves map. This allows you to spend a full half-day at the fortress. It is a much more relaxed pace than the Old Town.

Crowds are rarely an issue here. Most tourists stay at the Prague Castle or Charles Bridge. This makes Vysehrad a peaceful retreat. The best time to go is during the morning. The light in the park is beautiful for photos afterward. Be sure to check the UNESCO World Heritage Centre site for background on the fort's significance. It adds a layer of depth to your visit.