Střelecký Island

An island with a shooting tradition dating back to the times of Charles IV, when there was a training ground for archery here.

Střelecký Island is located between the right bank of the Masaryk and Smetana embankments and the left bank of the Janáček Embankment. It is connected with them by the Legion Bridge.

The first mention of the island dates back to the 12th century, when it was called the Lawn. It belonged to the Johannite order and there was a garden. During the time of Charles IV there was a practice ground for bow and crossbow shooting here. Since the 18th century, celebrations have been held here regularly, which were accompanied by shooting and fireworks. This shooting tradition gave the island its name. In 1882, the island was the seat of the First All-Sokol Meeting with 2,500 spectators. In 1890, May 1st was celebrated here for the first time in Bohemia.

On the site of the wooden shooting range, the Corps of Prague Sharpshooters built a new brick empire-style building with a pub in 1812. It was later repaired and extended by a terrace, café and loggia. A cinema was built on the floor. Today it is a state-protected cultural monument.

In the middle of the 19th century the original alley was extended and a brick restaurant was built on the island. The inn building, despite standing against the current, survived the floods in 1890 and 2002.

Until 1841, when the chain bridge of Emperor Franz I was suspended over the island, the island was connected with the banks by ferry. This bridge was later replaced by the Legion Bridge, from which a monumental stairway leads to the island. In 2008, the ferry returned to the island, connecting it with the Smetana Embankment and the Slovanský and Children's islands.

Today, besides restaurants, there are various sports grounds and a public park on the island. Occasionally there are celebrations, concerts, open-air festivals and similar cultural events.

The island was reopened in 2013 after a major reconstruction. The existing network of roads was repaired, the island was newly equipped with benches and games, and the greenery was restored. The island is now wheelchair accessible thanks to a lift.