What's in a Prague street name

Originally published on X on 20 December 2023.

(Not a street; thought it might have a street sign like some parks do; it doesn’t; felt like writing about it anyway)

The island was first mentioned in writing in the 1100s, when it served as a park and was called Travník (‘Lawn’). During the reign of Charles IV (1346-78), local shooters were allowed to practise here, hence the current name.

Occupied by Ferdinand I in 1547, he then returned half of it to the City of Prague in 1562. Ferdinand’s half continued to be used by the city’s guild of sharpshooters, who also held an annual festival here until the 1800s.

In 1812, this building was erected for the guild; it’s now a restaurant.

In 1882, the island was the location of the first all-Sokol convention (slet – more on https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/08/26/prague-2-day-114-sokolska/). In 1890, meanwhile, it would also be the scene of Bohemia’s first May 1 celebrations.

The island remains a popular venue for outdoor concerts and events, hence stands like this one.

It’s also the best place to go for views of the Kampa Museum.

And for much better views of Malostranské nábřeží (https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/09/12/prague-1-day-89-malostranske-nabrezi/) than you’ll get on the embankment itself.