Park Kampa Park
Park Kampa is situated in the southern part of the island of Kampa in Malá Strana in Prague 1, between the main flow of Vltava and its artificially created arm - Certovka. His story goes deep into the Middle Ages. The oldest mention of Kampa dates back to 1169 from the founding charter of the Church of the Maltese Order published by King Vladislav II. The island gradually grew with natural patches and rugs, especially after the Great Fire of the Little Party and Hradčan in 1541. The solid shape of the shores stabilized after 1600.
Economic activity has been developing on the island since the end of the 13th century. There were mills - the Hute Mill is already documented before 1293, the Grand Prior Mill before 1400. Gradually, gardens were established, first connected to mills, later also representative gardens of noble families. The most famous one was the Baroque Michnovská Garden, which was supplemented by the Odkolková Garden near the Owl Mill and the Kaiserštejn Garden.
A substantial transformation took place in the first half of the 20th century. Historic gardens have merged into one whole - the partitioning walls and fences have been removed, the terrain has levelled and new trees have been planted. Between 1947 and 1948 today's form of the park was created, which bears the characteristics of a free English landscape style.
The park occupies an area of 2.65 hectares and extends from Werich Villa and Liechtenstein Palace to the south to Jechental houses. In the west it is bounded by the Devil, in the east by the River Vltava. The two main roads - along Certovka and formed by the U Owl Mill street - are planted by the grown cutters and maple trees. The dominant feature of the park is the commemorative tree of the maple tree.
In the park there are valuable cultural-historical objects. The former Owl Mill building has been hosting its centre since 2002 Museum Kampa. South of it stands Michnovský summer castle, which has the status of cultural monument, as well as the former garden house over Certovka on the west side. The park is decorated with children's playground and a series of sculptures - bust of Josef Dobrovský by Tomáš Seidan, statue of Rév (girl with grapes) by Karla Vobišová, figure Jarmili by Jan Hana, sculpture of Babies by David Černý or sculpture of Franol - stone block on glass cube in metal frame by Marian Karl.
Although the fencing of the park was considered in the years 1997 to 1998 in the context of its overall reconstruction, this step did not take place in the 2005 modifications. The park remains publicly accessible. Occasionally there are cultural and social events that confirm it as a living place to meet in the middle of historical Prague.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1169
- The first written mention of the island of Kampa in connection with the charter of the Church of Maltese Order.
- 13th Century
- Beginning of the production of mills and gardens on the island of Kampa, including the Hute Mill and the Grand Prior Mill.
- 1947-1948
- The creation of contemporary park design in free English landscape style.
Architectural development
The park was created by the combination and modification of historical gardens which were gradually joined and compared in the first half of the 20th century. The main adjustment took place in 1947- 1948. The park consists of lots with various historical buildings such as former mills, summer castles and garden houses which are part of its character. The terrain was naturally increased by patches and drags, especially after the fire in 1541.
Historical events
- 1169
- First mention of the island of Kampa in the charter of the Church of the Maltese Order as King Vladislav II.
- 1541
- The Great Fire of the Little Party and Hradman, which influenced the landscaping of Kampa Island.
- 1947-1948
- The creation of contemporary park design in free English landscape style.
Owners
City area Praha 1
Points of interest
- Park Kampa has been established gradually since the Middle Ages, the first written mention of the island dates back to 1169 from King Vladislav II.
- After the Great Fire of the Little Party and Hradman in 1541, the island grew with natural patches and rags.
- In the park there are several cultural monuments such as the Michnovský summer castle and the former garden house near Certovka.
- The dominant of the park is the commemorative tree of the maple tree.
- In the park there is the Museum Kampa, which is located in the building of former Owl mills since 2002.
Guide
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Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Park Kampa is located in the southern part of the Kampa Island on Malá Strana, between the main flow of the Vltava River and its arm called Čertovka. As one continuous park, it was created only after the Second World War, when it connected several older gardens.
The island was created by the construction of Čertovka, an artificially created arm of the river. The oldest mention of Kampa dates back to 1169, from the founding charter of the church of the Order of Malta under King Vladislav the Second. The island gradually rose due to alluvial deposits and landfill, especially after the great fire of Malá Strana and Hradčany in 1541. It gained firm banks after the year 1600.
From the end of the thirteenth century, mills and gardens were built here, first mill gardens, later also aristocratic ones. The largest was the Baroque Michnovská garden at the southern end of the island. The garden at Sova's mill, named after its fifteenth-century owner Václav Sova z Liboslavě, was later called Odkolkovská. It was followed by the Kaiserštejnská garden.
In the first half of the twentieth century, the fences and walls between the gardens disappeared, the terrain was leveled and new trees were planted. Today's layout in the free English landscape style dates from 1947 and 1948. The elongated park covers an area of 2.65 hectares. It stretches from Werichova vila and the Lichtenštejnský palace to the south as far as the Jechentalovy houses.
Two main paths lead from north to south. One follows Čertovka, the other is the street U Sovových mlýnů. They are lined with plane trees, maples and other mature trees, and above them stands a remarkable sycamore maple. Roughly halfway along the eastern side stand the former Sova mills, where the Museum Kampa has been located since 2002. South of them is the former Michnovský summer house. This is a cultural monument, as is the former garden cottage above Čertovka.
There are also several sculptures in the park. These include a bust of Josef Dobrovský by Tomáš Seidan, a female nude called Réva by Karla Vobišová, or a sculpture of a sitting girl called Jarmila by Jan Hána. David Černý created three toddlers here, similar to the figures from the Žižkov transmitter. Marian Karel is the author of Hranol, a stone quadrangular block on a glass cube in a metal frame.
In 1997 and 1998, due to planned reconstruction, there was consideration of fencing off the park. During the renovations in 2005, however, this ultimately did not happen.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit Kampa Park is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the park is full of green. In summer it is often busy and in winter some parts of the park can be frozen or difficult to access. It is recommended to visit the park early in the morning or in the afternoon when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy a quiet walk.
Park Kampa is available by car and public transport. By public transport you can get here for example from the centre of Prague, where you can switch to trams or buses. You can find the current connection in the traffic search engine.
When visiting the park take on comfortable shoes and clothes because the park offers various terrain - from asphalt trails to lawns. It is also appropriate to take sunglasses, hat or handkerchief because some parts of the park are illuminated by the sun. If you are planning a longer stay, you can also bring a light snack and drink.
Park Kampa is the perfect place for shooting, especially in sunny weather. The best places for pictures are historic bridges that border the park, and old trees with massive crowns. The best light for photography is in the morning or in the evening when the light is softer and creates pleasant shadows. It is also recommended to visit the park during the flowering season of trees or bushes for colour contrasts.
In the vicinity of Kampa Park is worth visiting the Liechtenstein Palace, located in the immediate vicinity of the northern edge of the park. Another interesting feature is the complex of Jechental houses on the southern edge of the park. If you like water activities or just walking along the river, you can visit the Vltava and the Devil that surround the park. Near is the Church of St. Nicholas, which is another historical monument in this area.
For families with children, Kampa Park is a great choice thanks to its vast space and quiet atmosphere. Children can play in the open area or see old trees and historical elements of the park. In the vicinity of the park it is also possible to visit the Liechtenstein Palace, where there are often cultural events or exhibitions that can also interest children. It is also recommended to visit Vltava where children can observe boats and water activities.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Parks and gardens are often open to the public, but some have opening hours or are part of a closed site. We have not verified the entry conditions.
What are the opening hours and admission?
We have not verified the opening hours or admission. Current information is published by the operator.
Where is the monument?
Location: Malá Strana, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
About 128 years ago, a wonderful room appeared in Prague, where romance, art and fairytale gardens merged into a park full of secrets. I'm talking about Kampa Park, which was created around 1898, around the same time the first film projection was made. This park is like a great work of art built for all, where every step welcomes a new mystery and a beautiful view.
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Liechtenstein Palace
Werich's villa
Jechental houses
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1.Park Kampa Start by walking through this picturesque park complex that connects nature and modern architecture. There are many statues, garden paths and picturesque views of Vltava and Certovka, which form its edge.
2. Liechtenstein Palace Then visit this Baroque palace in the immediate vicinity of the park. Its rich history and representative interiors are fascinating and also offers beautiful views of the surrounding sights.
3. Jechental houses Continue towards the southern edge of the park where these unique houses with typical Prague architecture stand. Their historical significance and picturesque details are worth paying attention to.
4. Church of St. Nicholas on the Little Side Close the route by visiting this Baroque church, located about 500 metres from the park. Its impressive facade and historical significance are a reason to visit.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring Park Kampa offers a unique atmosphere in spring months when nature wakes up after winter sleep. Golden sun reflections on the water surface of Campa and blooming trees, especially ash and maple, create picturesque scenery that are still underlined by historical statues and architecture. The air is fresh and light, ideal for walking on the roads between artistic parts. Specific is also changing lighting - the morning sun lights the park from the south, while the afternoon reflects from the water level and creates a game of light. It is practically advisable to visit Campa early in the morning or in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors. It is recommended to dress suitable for variable weather - light jackets, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. The best time is April to May, when nature reaches its peak, but there is still no summer heat.
Summer In the summer months Park Kampa will turn into a live scene full of sunshine and relaxation. The warm days and long hours of daylight allow the park to be used until the evening, when the sun lights on the water become almost magical. There is plenty of greenery - tall trees provide shade, while water surfaces reflect the blue sky. In the main summer season, however, it is necessary to count on a higher number of visitors, especially in the afternoon. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Clothes should be light, but with the possibility of covering with sunlight - hat, light scarf and shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain are necessary. The best season is June to August, when the park is the most vital, but also the hottest.
Autumn Autumn brings a unique colour to Kampa Park, when tree leaves turn color into shades of orange, red and brown. The atmosphere is quiet and nostalgic, supplemented with splashing leaves and cooler air, which gives the place a mysterious atmosphere. The lighting is also specific - morning and afternoon sun creates dramatic shadows and reflections on the water, while in advent time the park becomes even more charming thanks to its historical elements lit by artificial light. It is practically advisable to visit Kampa in the morning when there are fewer people and the weather is more pleasant. Clothes should be warm but not too massive - sweaters, jackets and comfortable shoes are ideal. The best period is September to October, when nature reaches its autumn peak, but there is still no winter cold.
Winter Winter Park Kampa is a magical place where snow surfaces and frozen water connect with historical statues and architecture. There is a quiet environment where visitors can concentrate on a detailed tour of works of art without disturbing crowds. In the winter months the park is often covered with thin snow, which gives the place a fabulous look, while the afternoon sun creates long shadows and reflections on the water. It is practically convenient to visit Kampa in the afternoon, when the light is more pleasant and the opening time of the monuments still allows a tour. Clothes should be warm and suitable for cold weather - warm jackets, gloves and shoes with anti-slip soles are essential. The best season is November to February, when the park is the quietest and offers a unique winter atmosphere.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: ŠJů / CC BY 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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