- Location: 160 00, Bubeneč, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Area: 66 hectares
Despite the fact that Prague is located in the heart of Europe, it is adjacent to about 10 small islands. All of them are located along the Vltava River and enjoy great popularity among tourists. The largest of them is the Imperial Island, or Imperial Meadow. It is full of sports and entertainment complexes, worthy of attention of the guests of the capital.
History of the Imperial Island
If you look at the old map of Prague, you can see that originally it was a peninsula. With the capital it was connected only by a narrow isthmus. In 1903, the construction of the Smíchov pier was conducted in the city, which necessitated the deepening of the Vltava river channel. As a result, the isthmus disappeared and a modern Imperial Island was formed.
Long before these events, the natural object was owned by the highest Prague bourgeoisie, who transferred it to Rudolf II. Until the end of the monarchy, the Imperial Island belonged to the royal family, which used it for seclusion and rest .
In 2002 and 2013, there were floods that destroyed many buildings.
Bridges of the Imperial Island
During a sightseeing tour it is impossible not to notice a large number of these structures. The first bridge connecting Prague with the Imperial Island was built in 1703 and destroyed in the XX century. After that, here were erected:
- a bridge with underground tunnels, which was demolished in 2001;
- modern comfortable bridge, leading to the zoological and botanical garden Stromovka ;
- a bicycle bridge installed in the 70s of the XX century;
- a narrow railway bridge for sludge export;
- The north bridge, laid to the Troy Castle .
All these facilities allow you to move freely between the objects of the Imperial Island and the surrounding areas of Prague.
Sights of the Imperial Island
For a long time this place was very popular among Pragueans, because from the very beginning here were held royal feasts, concerts of classical performers, horse racing and mass bathing. Now on the Imperial Island there are open areas where competitions are held on such sports as:
- football;
- horseback riding;
- sailing;
- rowing;
- archery.
Another unusual sight is the museum of sewerage , or sewage treatment plants. He tells the story of the Prague sewer system, which was created in the XIV century. This original cultural center is one of the architectural monuments of the Czech Republic.
The Imperial Island has a century-long history, so it's worth to include it in your journey through the Czech capital. A huge territory, beautiful views of the Vltava and old treatment facilities allow it not to get lost in the general color of Prague and contribute to the national property.
How to get to the Imperial Island?
The tourist attraction is located in the Prague district of Bubeneč. From the center of the capital it is separated by about 5 km, which can be overcome by land transport . The nearest tram stop (Výstaviště Holešovice) is located 1 km from the Imperial Island. It can be reached by routes Nos. 12 and 17. At the same distance are the tram stops Hradčanská, Nádraží Holešovice and Letna Square. From them you need to walk to the bridge over Vltava.
From the center of the capital to the Imperial Island are the roads Wilsonova and Za Elektrárnou. Following them, you can reach your destination in 15 minutes.