Have you ever heard the question, “Who is buried in Prague?” It’s a bit of a trick question but there is actually a fascinating answer to it. Prague is home to one of the most impressive and historic cemeteries in Europe – the Vyšehrad Cemetery.
The History of Vyšehrad Cemetery
Located in the Vyšehrad fortress, which sits on a hill overlooking the Vltava River, the cemetery was founded in 1869. It quickly became one of the most prestigious burial sites in Prague and attracted many notable figures from Czech history and culture.
Famous Burials at Vyšehrad Cemetery
- Antonín Dvořák: This world-renowned composer is perhaps the most famous person buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery. His grave can be found near the entrance on the left side.
- Alphonse Mucha: The famous Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist is also buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery.
His grave can be found near Dvořák’s.
- Karel Čapek: The writer who coined the term “robot” and author of numerous works including “War with the Newts” and “The Makropulos Affair” is also buried here.
- Jan Neruda: A Czech writer known for his poetry and short stories. His most famous work is probably “Tales of Malá Strana”.
The Origins of “Who Is Buried in Prague?”
Now, back to the original question: Who is buried in Prague? This question has been asked for centuries as a sort of riddle because it has no definite answer.
The correct response is “Nobody.” Despite the many famous figures buried at Vyšehrad Cemetery, the question is actually a play on words and refers to a famous American comedian, Groucho Marx.
In 1947, Marx hosted a quiz show called “You Bet Your Life” and would often ask contestants this question as part of a joke. The question became so popular that it has since been associated with Prague and the Vyšehrad Cemetery.
Conclusion
So, while nobody is actually buried in Prague (at least not in the literal sense), there are certainly many notable figures laid to rest at the historic Vyšehrad Cemetery. If you find yourself in Prague, it’s definitely worth a visit to pay your respects to some of Czech Republic’s most influential people who helped shape its history and culture.