Slavic Island | Prague-Boats.cz

Slavic Island

The Slavic Island, commonly known as Žofín for Prague residents, is located on the right bank of the river and stretches along the Masaryk Embankment between Jirásek Bridge and Legion Bridge. It has an area of ​​2.2 hectares. In the vicinity of the island you will find the magnificent National Theatre.

The island was created by the gradual silting of soil behind the Šítkovský Mills during 17th century. Its growth was accelerated by the establishment of the New Town Mills in the area under Zderaz. It grew to the today's dimensions after the flood in 1784. The island was named the “Dyeing Island“ according to one of its owners, the dyers of leather Joseph Ignatius Saenger. It has borne the today's famous name since 1838, according to the Austrian Archduchess Sophie, mother of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The major event held on the island was the Slav Congress, which took place here in 1848, to the memory of which the island was in 1925 renamed Slavic.

The present building on Slavic Island was founded in 1884, and designed by Jindřich Fialka after the island was bought by the City of Prague. This beautiful Neorenaissance building houses various social events even today. In 1930, at the southern end of the island, in close proximity to the Šítkovská water tower was the Mánes an exhibition hall and an art café was built. In 1948 the island was at the National Theatre connected to the coast by a new bridge.

We will take you along the Slavic Island on cruises such as a two-hour cruise, a lunch cruise or a dinner cruise.