Kampa Park

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park's island, Kampa, was artificially created by the digging of the Certovka (Devil's Channel) to power water mills.

2. 2

   The name 'Certovka' originates from a local legend about a woman who was famously irritable, leading neighbors to call the stream 'the Devil's Channel'.

3. 3

   The park houses 'Crawling Babies' (Miminka), bronze sculptures by artist David Černý that were originally displayed on the Žižkov Television Tower.

4. 4

   Kampa Island is historically referred to as the 'Venice of Prague' due to the surrounding water channels.

5. 5

   The park contains a 16th-century mill wheel that remains partially intact near the southern edge of the channel.

6. 6

   During the 2002 Vltava floods, the park was submerged, necessitating extensive reconstruction of its paths and terrain.

7. 7

   The island contains the Lichtenstein Palace, which now serves as the seat of the Music and Dance Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts.

8. 8

   The park's southern tip offers a natural beach-like access point to the Vltava riverbank.

Overview

Kampa Park is located on Kampa Island, an artificial isle formed by the Certovka stream in the Vltava River. It serves as the southern portion of the island and functions as a significant public green space within Prague’s Malá Strana district. The park features expansive lawns, mature trees, and direct riverfront access. Historically known as the Garden of the Convent of St. Elizabeth, the grounds transitioned into a public park in the 20th century. It hosts the Museum Kampa, which focuses on Central European modern art. The northern end of the island is separated from the park by the Charles Bridge. Its layout provides elevated views of the National Theatre and the Vltava embankment. The park acts as a flood-sensitive zone, having undergone significant restoration following major Vltava river inundations.

Insider tips

• Bring a blanket for a picnic on the lawns, as seating is mostly restricted to scattered benches.

• Look for the smaller, less crowded paths near the water channel for a quieter experience.

• Combine a visit to the park with a tour of the Museum Kampa located at the northern end of the island.