Kampa Park and Island

Records first mention the island in 1169. The Knights of Malta dug the Čertovka canal to run their watermills. A huge fire hit Prague in 1541. People used the debris from Malá Strana to raise the island's ground. This helped stop the floods. Spanish soldiers gave the place its name in the 17th century. They called it campus or field. Eventually, the old private gardens became one public park in the 20th century. A massive flood hit in 2002, but the city fixed everything quickly.

Kampa looks historic, but the art is modern. Museum Kampa sits in the old Sova's Mills complex. It shows off 20th-century Czech art. The art doesn't stay inside the galleries. You’ll find David Černý’s 'Miminka' statues right outside. They are giant bronze babies with barcodes for faces. You can touch them and climb on them. Most people do. Follow the riverbank to see 34 yellow penguins. They are made of recycled plastic. They glow at night. It’s a clear message about plastic waste.

The Lichtenstein Palace dominates the island. It has a strange hexagonal shape. It used to be a home for nobles, but now the government uses it for VIPs. Check out the Werich Villa nearby. It was a hub for local thinkers and writers. Now you can visit the museum or grab a cake at the cafe. Na Kampě square is the center of the neighborhood. It has pastel houses and lots of shade. It feels like a village square. Craftsmen used to live here. It’s a mix of high-end style and local grit.

The Čertovka canal is only 740 meters long. It creates the island. People dug it in the 12th century for the mills. Houses grow straight out of the water here. People call it the Venice of Prague for a reason. The name Devil’s Stream comes from a legend about a mean local woman. You’ll see a green water goblin statue by the Grand Priory Mill. Take a boat tour if you want to see the old foundations. It’s one of the best views in the city.

There are two ways to eat on Kampa. Kampa Park Restaurant sits at the north end. It’s very fancy. Global stars eat here. The riverside terrace is great if you have the money for a splurge. But the park belongs to everyone. Most people just grab food from a shop and sit on the grass. You'll see locals with blankets and drinks everywhere. Kampa handles both worlds perfectly. It is both expensive and totally free.