Kampa
Kampa Island is one of the most idyllic and tranquil places in the Czech capital. The island is divided into two visibly distinct parts. The section nearest to Charles Bridge is formed by a small, cosy square; the second is a park, formed when several historical gardens were joined together. Kampa was first mentioned in the late 12th century, when the island was given over to a Johannine Monastery. For centuries the island was a victim of regular flooding, thanks to which its shape was in constant flux. This situation changed after the fire of 1541 when Kampa was shorn up with rubble from the burnt-out buildings. Kampa is divided from the Malá Strana by a channel of the Vltava known as the Čertovka. It is said the name (which comes from the Czech word for ‘demon’) comes from a woman who owned a mill there. As she was so successful, and unusually for the time ran the mill herself, people began to think that she was in league with the Devil. Until the mid 16th century the island was practically deserted except for three watermills. Today visitors can still see two mill wheels. In the 16th century the island was settled by craftsmen responsible for the upkeep of Charles Bridge.
Barrier-Free Entry: yes
