Streletsky Island is located far from hiking trails, it lies between the two banks of the Vltava. The area of the island is small - about 2.5 hectares. It has the shape of a pointed Indian boat, but over the years its size and shape have changed under the influence of the river flow and human activities.
Majestic swans swim right to the shore, photo by Jacqueline
A romantic oasis of comfort and quiet in the center of Prague
Streletsky Island (Střelecký ostrov) is located far from hiking trails, it lies between the two banks of the Vltava. The area of the island is small - about 2.5 hectares. It has the shape of a pointed Indian boat, but over the years its size and shape have changed under the influence of the river flow and human activities. There was a period when a small branch of the Vltava flowed right through its territory, and the island was called "Little Venice". Even in the 21st century, Streletsky Island managed to survive several severe floods. The last natural disaster overtook him in June 2013 - then the island was completely flooded by the waters of the Vltava.
The park on Streletsky Island is cozy, romantic and beautiful in summer. Alleys turn green, nice benches stand along the banks, colorful flowerbeds bloom everywhere. Majestic swans swim right up to the shore, and the walking townspeople feed them with bread crumb. In the summertime, there is an open-air cinema here - the traveling cinema of the Chadikov brothers; music concerts and festivals take place on weekends.
The park is especially beautiful in autumn, photo by Martin Hapl
Autumn on Streletsky Island, photo kaddafi210
The park is especially beautiful in autumn, when both trees and walking paths are covered with golden foliage. In winter, the alleys of Streletsky Island are deserted and quiet.
Streletsky Island Restaurant
Streletsky Island Restaurant
There are no large buildings on the territory of the island - there is only the Střelecký Ostrov restaurant with a bar and a covered terrace, located on the very shore. The windows of the institution offer a wonderful view of the Vltava embankment and the National Theater. The restaurant presents various culinary trends and national Czech cuisine, there is an excellent wine archive.
Student carnival
At the end of May, young people from Prague come to the island en masse to celebrate the Mayolis student holiday. A vibrant, crowded carnival with dancing, games and performances continues until the morning. The youth costume ball at Strzelak ends with the ceremony of choosing the king and queen of Mayolis.
Vacationers, photo La cervelle en été
The history of the island
For the first time, this island is mentioned in documents of the XII century. At that time, it belonged to the ruling dynasty, and hops were grown on its territory. In the middle of the 15th century, the king granted the island to the Old Town community, later the community gave the land to the Prague archers. Since that time, the historical name "Strzhelaka" has gone, although over the centuries they tried to rename it more than once.
Shooting ranges and festive tournaments were held on Streletsky Island, where the best crossbowmen and archers demonstrated their skills.
During the reign of Ferdinand I, after the estate uprisings, the city was deprived of some of its privileges. Possession of weapons fell under the ban, and with it the right to the island was lost. When the rights to weapons were returned, the archers no longer solely owned this land - part of the territory belonged to the city community. A long-term litigation began, in which the archers, the community and private carriers, who had a commercial interest in delivering people and goods to the island, participated. Sagittarius retained their rights to the territory until the beginning of the last century.
How to get to Streletsky Island today? Above this piece of land, towering in the middle of the Vltava, passes a beautiful one, built at the very beginning of the 20th century. You can get to the island from it by a stone staircase. Now, not everyone can get to Strzhelak. The city authorities are planning to build lifts that would make the island accessible to all categories of citizens. It is planned to create a complete infrastructure for improvement in the park.
Streletsky Island
110 00 Praha 1 - Staré město Czech RepublicTake tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, 24, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 91 to the stop Národní divadlo
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Streletsky Island in Prague is a small canoe-shaped piece of land in the middle of the Vltava, surrounded by the islands of Kampa, Detsky and Zofin. This is a cozy park space in the city center, where there are almost no buildings. PragaTrips explains how the island was used before and why go there now.
The history of the island
For the first time, this piece of land is mentioned in documents from the 12th century. Then it was owned by kings, and here, as on the island of Kampa, hops were grown for royal palace... In the 15th century, Charles IV donated the island to the city community of Stare Mesta, and the latter gave the land to the archers. They used it as a platform for exercises, demonstrations and competitions. Archers and crossbowmen demonstrated their skills to each other - such were the first mass events on the island.
Before becoming “Streletsky”, the island changed several names. When streams cut the land, it was called Little Venice, the German-speaking Prazhanans called the island Wasserhof (Water Court), sometimes it was Lawn or simply the Island. The current colloquial name is Strzhelak.
How archers with the city fought for the island
When the Habsburgs suppressed the Uprising of the Estates, in punishment for the rebellion, the city was deprived of some of its privileges, including the right to own weapons. Soon it was returned to the townspeople, but over the years of gunlessness, the city lost the island. When the land plot on the Vltava was returned, it was jointly owned by the archers and the city.
Both sides wanted to own Streletsky alone, and the kings sought the same for themselves. Long litigation and conflicts began, arrests and strife around the island. The matter was complicated by the boatmen - people on whom everyone who wanted to own the island depended, because there were no bridges there. As a result, the archers still defended their right - they owned the site until the 20th century. the final was banned from shooting on the island in 1913, so it is now safe there.
Lehi's Bridge and Emperor Progulkin
In 1841, Streletsky was finally connected to land iron bridge, which was named in honor of Emperor Franz I. In 1890, Prague celebrated May Day for the first time on Streletsky. In 1901, the old bridge was replaced by a new, stone one, which is now called Lehi's Bridge and runs over the wider part of the island. The main staircase leads down from the bridge.
The Lehi Bridge was opened by Emperor Franz Joseph, and this is connected with interesting story... Photo solemn event, on which the monarch and the procession walk across the new bridge, were signed in Czech newspapers as "Procházka na mostě" ("Walk on the bridge"). Prochazka is not only a “walk”, but also a widespread Czech surname, so the emperor was given the nickname “old man Prochazka” - old man Progulkin.
Streletsky Island today
The island is located low, so it was flooded by the Vltava more than once. The last big flood happened there in 2013. In the same year, they made a major reconstruction of the island, giving it its current appearance. The island is 750 meters long, 140 meters wide and 2.5 hectares in area. From entertainment - a restaurant, carnival, cinema and just walks in the park.
A restaurant. This is the only building on the island. It was erected in 1812 - then it was stone, one-story and very waterproof. The great flood of 1890 could not destroy it. In the 30s of the last century, a second floor was added to it, expanded, and the facade was decorated with instructive inscriptions. This building is a national monument.
Now he has a restaurant. The institution is located on the very shore, where covered verandas have been arranged for it. There you can dine with Czech dishes, drink wine and admire the National Theater, the island of ofin, the Vltava.
Carnival. Every year in mid-May, students gather on Streletsky and arrange a carnival. Boys and girls come to the island in costumes, dance all night and have fun as they can. At the end, the party chooses the best couple of the evening - the king and queen of the carnival. The couple can boast of this title until next May.
Cinema. In the warm season, the Chadik brothers bring their mobile cinema to the island and set it up under open air... A large screen is being mounted, and rising rows of benches are placed in front of it - everything is as it should be. The schedule of the screenings is posted next to the cinema.
A park. During the restructuring in 2013, two new playgrounds were built on the island, 80 new trees, 700 bushes were planted and 8 thousand square meters of lawns were created. There are benches along the coast, where it is pleasant to sit in good weather and look at the river and the city. If you want to warm up, an easy rope route is at your service.
Walking along the coast around the island, you will see Charles Bridge, the Royal Baths, Kampa Island and Liechtenstein Palace, Smetana Embankment and the National Theater. On the way, fat swans spoiled by tourists and Prague residents will pester you - grab food for them, otherwise they will not unhook.
How to get to Streletsky Island
You can go down only from the Lehi Bridge, but in two ways. There is a staircase that branches in two, and there is an elevator for lazy people, mothers with children and strollers, people with disabilities.
How to get there
From the left, Lesser Towns coast, the tram stop closest to the Legia bridge is called “Ujezd” (Ujezd) - this is where the funicular to Petřín Hill. There are daily routes No. 1, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20 and night routes No. 98, 99.
From the right bank you can get to the Legia Bridge by metro at a distance of 15 minutes walk - Mustek station. You can get closer by tram to the stop “National Theater” (Narodni divadlo). Routes No. 2, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18, 22, 23 go there during the day, and No. 93, 97, 98, 99 at night.
An amazing creation of nature is a picturesque little island lying between the banks of the Vltava in Prague. Its area is no more than 2.5 hectares, and there are practically no buildings on the territory. Throughout the existence of the island, its size changed, depending on the course of the Vltava, on the natural features of the area, and human activities also had an impact.
In the warm season, a summer cinema opens here, where you can enjoy watching your favorite films right in the open air. The park has a very cozy and romantic atmosphere. There are beautiful benches along the river bank where you can relax and breathe in the fresh air from the river. Local nature in different time year pleases the eye with all shades of its colors. In the spring it is the fresh color of the greenery of young foliage, in the fall - the dazzling yellowness of fallen leaves, in winter there is snow-white silence here, and in the summer it is full of flower ensembles. V winter time year the park is a secluded and almost deserted corner, almost in the very center of Prague.
Big historical past of the small island
Streletsky Island is loved by both its citizens and visiting tourists. The first mentions of him in historical materials were recorded in the distant XII century. In those days, the monarchs, ruling the Czech Republic, were the owners of the island. The best hops for the royal table were grown here. Later, in the 15th century, Charles IV made a gift to the masters of the archery craft, giving them this island. It was thanks to the Prague archers that the islet got its name, which has survived to this day. Shooting ranges, exercises and competitions were held here, where the best royal archers, archers and crossbowmen could boast of their skills.
In medieval times, the island was regularly the subject of disputes between various monarchs and archers, who, despite arrests and bans, managed to keep this small piece of Prague land until the 20th century of the last century. Certain difficulties also existed with the method of landing on the island. Previously, there were no bridges, and the archery society depended on the whims of frequent carriers. There were even attempts to start their own ship, but this decision was banned by the magistrate.
More than once, the brave islet has become the site of advanced military operations, thanks to its strategic position in the center of Prague. It was here that the people first celebrated the great May Day holiday in 1890. Another local attraction was a tree that was allegedly planted by Charles IV himself. The tree was either a maple or a plane tree, and, according to legend, there was a plate on it confirming the great monarch's belonging to the planting of the plant. Unfortunately, the tablet has not survived to this day.
Streletsky Island was not always called that way. There was a period when the waters of the river flowed through its territory, then the island was called "Little Venice". It was also called "Lawn", simply "Island" and "Vaserhof". Popular name of this island today - "Strzhelak".
Modern Streletsky Island
There is a pedestrian crossing right above Strzhelak. You can get to the island by a stone staircase leading from this bridge down to the ground. Today, this is the only way to find yourself in this picturesque oasis. The city authorities are considering plans for the reconstruction of lifts that will allow disabled people and young mothers with baby strollers to visit the park without the hassle of climbing and descending stairs. Also, in the near future, rooms for mothers and children, toilets and other household premises will be equipped here.
A fun tradition these days is the annual Mayales student carnival, which is usually held in mid-May. The whole night young people have fun and dance, dress up in bright and unusual costumes, the evening is accompanied by funny jokes and practical jokes. The celebration ends with the choice of the king and queen of the evening, which retain their royal status until the next carnival.
The island is a natural highlight of Prague. The refinement and grace of the local landscape makes aesthetes and romantics from all over the world come back here again and again to enjoy the tranquility and amazing silence of the island.
Hello! Friends, I do not know if you need a rest in a calm and beautiful place during city tours? .. Personally, from time to time I want to sit on a bench aside, relax and just watch what is happening. Streletsky Island in Prague is perfect for such a holiday as you get to know the Czech capital. Hardly anyone would refuse to walk in such a park:
The advantages of Streletsky Island are that it is located directly in the central part of Prague, and even in the middle of the Vltava, which provides an excellent view of both banks, the neighboring Charles Bridge with its Gothic towers and many more sights. And can you imagine ?! Everything is so close, and many have not even heard of Streletsky Island in Prague. Therefore, now we learn about the island, if not all, then a lot:
- Where is Streletsky Island
- Some facts of island history
- How to get to Streletsky Island
- What is interesting about the island on the Vltava
Where is Streletsky Island in Prague
Streletsky Island belongs to the group of islands located on a rather short stretch of the Vltava, bounded by the Karlov and Jiraskov bridges. Kampa, Streletsky Island and Children's are concentrated here.
It would seem an attractive phenomenon - the islands on the river in the center of the city. But tourists running after a guide don't even pay attention to the islands)) No wonder. They run along, where all the attention is riveted by sculptures and views of monumental architectural objects. How far is there to the islands ...
Streletsky Island is special in that it seemed to have grown in the middle of the river in the form of an Indian pie:
This is a side view of the island. In the photo you can see the part of the island that stretches towards the Charles Bridge along the Vltava river. All of it is a park area, and there are no structures here.
Approximately the same part of the island stretches in the opposite direction, if you look against the current:
A building is visible behind the autumn foliage - the only one on the island. The first stone building appeared on the island a long time ago - at the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, the house has been modified and expanded, but has retained its foundation.
So, we looked to the left, we looked to the right, and what is in the center? The central part of the island is hidden under a bridge. The Legia Bridge connects the two banks of the Vltava, overhanging Streletsky Island:
But this is now a bridge over the island. And there was a time when the island was inaccessible. A kind of tidbit: it is located nearby, and it is difficult to get there. Its inaccessibility was due to the violent disposition of the Vltava. In the last century, this temper has been tamed by equipping river rapids, which, in addition to being useful, have also brought entertainment.
Nevertheless, for several centuries, Streletsky Island has been popular with a certain category of Prague residents. And this category was arrows.
Some facts of island history
The history of the island stretches back to the 12th century. At that time, grapes and hops were grown on Streletsky Island, as well as on neighboring Kampa. But gradually this island began to be used for archery and crossbow shooting.
In the XIV century, Charles IV officially confirmed the purpose of this island for such exercises, and the shooters competed in shooting at models of birds.
As soon as the island was not named in its long history of existence! He was also a herbalist, since he was always distinguished by lush vegetation. They called it the Vodny Yard, since it was formed in the middle of the Vltava. And a few more names that never caught on. The name Streletsky Island appeared only in the 16th century.
Shooting was banned on the island in 1913. True, there was a deviation from this prohibition in 1937, but it was also soon suppressed.
The size of the island is small. With an area of about 2.5 hectares, it stretches for about 750 m in length and reaches 140 m in its widest part.The widest part is at the bridge:
But this is a one-way view from the central alley of the island. The same lawn is located on the other side of the alleys:
Friends, I want to show you how good Streletsky Island is in different seasons. Therefore, I post photos of the island, decorated with autumn gilding, and in the early spring season, when emerald leaves just appeared on the trees. In summer, a pleasant coolness is formed here under the shade of numerous trees. I suppose that the island is beautiful and with snow, but in Prague it is a natural phenomenon is rare.
And a few more words about the only building that received the right to inhabit Streletsky Island. The first stone building was built on the island in 1812. The building was one-story and very solid, as it withstood even the most devastating flood of 1890. In 1935-37, it was expanded and the second floor was added, immortalizing the inscription on the facade, which can be translated as "We and the descendants":
This building is national monument... A restaurant was opened with him, for which verandas were attached at the very edge of the water. Panoramic windows of the restaurant allow you to see during his visit both the Legia bridge and the island of ofin.
How to get to Streletsky Island
If earlier it was possible to move to Streletsky Island only by rafts or a boat, then since 1841 the crossing has been significantly simplified. First, the banks of the Vltava at the location of the island were connected by a metal bridge, naming it in honor of Franz I. And then in 1901, the construction of a new stone bridge, now known as the Bridge of Legions or Legions, was completed:
Island and bridge tied front staircase... It is this staircase that you need to use when you walk along the Legia bridge from the National Theater, or, conversely, from Mala Strana to the embankments of Masaryk and Smetana:
The staircase branches into two sides, not only providing the convenience of the descent, but also forming a very beautiful views... So soundly and aesthetically pleasing:
Notice how low the island is. Therefore, during severe floods, he suffers. Last time the island experienced the fate of a submarine in 2002, completely submerged in the flood abyss.
What is interesting about the island on the Vltava
Streletsky Island has long become a favorite vacation spot for the townspeople. Mass events with fireworks can be held here, but this is rare. Usually they come here to relax, wander the alleys and breathe fresh air, sitting on the grass under the trees:
For the most active in the park, there is a simple rope route (viewed on the right in the photo). Someone is attracted by a romantic walk:
The island is popular among visitors to Prague for its panoramic views from its shores. Given the proximity of the island to the main attractions, you can walk to its northern tip and perfectly see both, and the complex of the royal baths:
However, going around in a circle, you can alternately see the island of Kampu with the Liechtenstein Palace, then Charles Bridge, then the embankment ... And the review from this side will end with the view of the National Theater:
On the other side of Streletsky Island, it will not be possible to go around in a circle, since a building blocks the way there. But in this part of the island there are other pluses: you can visit a restaurant or just sit on benches, soak up the warm sunshine or watch pleasure boats:
We can say that Streletsky Island is such an oasis of tranquility in the crowded tourist districts of Prague. I have already talked about some where you can relax in the center of Prague. But most of these gardens have created their comfort behind high walls and, being in them, you will not see other attractions. Streletsky Island is good because it itself is in sight, and that, having moved to the island, you can relax, continuing your excursion with a glance. Wish you comfortable travel, friends!
Your euro-guide Tatiana
