Slovansky Island

Located on the flowing Vltava next to the golden-topped National Theater is the lush Slovansky Island. A quiet retreat in the center of the city, Slovansky Island features the neo Renaissance Zofin Palace, a playground and a toy train for children, the Zofin Garden restaurant (perfect for al fresco dining), a large gazebo and the Manes building, a famous functionalist building plus more. The island was formed in the 17th century by gradual soil deposits. After the floods in 1784 the island was fortified with a wall and trees were planted there. Also a spa, dyeing plant and a restaurant were built on the island. Throughout its existence the island has carried several names, among others Barvířský Ostrov (Dyer's Island) after its owner, a dyer of leathers Josef Ignac Saenger and Žofínský Ostrov, after the mother of the Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, the Austrian Archduchess Sophie (Žofie in Czech). The island got its current name from the first Prague Slavic Congress that took place on the island in 1848, when the island was bought by the city of Prague and the main building on the island was rebuilt according to Jindřich Fialka's design. Before the Municipal House near the Powder Tower was built the island served as the center of Czech social life. Also today the Slovansky Island is a significant center of cultural and social city life. It is dotted with ancient trees complemented by wrought iron benches, perfect for a relaxing spell. The child-friendly island is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or working.  

Slovansky Island, Praha 1.