Fairy tale idyll? Locality – Smetana Riverbank
This is how the place was described by Karolína Světlá: poetically, with a touch of nostalgia. It gains a new dimension in the years when the chain bridge and first Moldau riverbank were built based on designs by architect Gustav Gruber, using granite slabs. When the luxurious riverbank was finished, it bore the simple name of Nábřeží (Riverbank). Since 1984, it has been called Františkovo Nábřeží (after Emperor Franz Joseph I) and in 1952 it was officially named Smetanovo nábřeží (Smetana Riverbank).
It refers to the area from the Legion Bridge (Most legií) near Novotného lávka near Křížovnické náměstí up to the level of Charles Bridge. It is adjacent to Křížovnická Street with the Křižovnický Convent and 17. listopadu Street, which offers tourists a luxurious and unbeatable view of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle right near the Old Town and Josefov: a unique place to take inimitable photos!
What the luxurious Smetana Riverbank offers
If you love peacefully browsing round historical monuments, you might enjoy a commented cruise on the Moldau River, from which the Smetana Riverbank presents itself from a different perspective. You will hear the splashing of the waves and won’t miss a bit of Prague’s beauty.
When strolling along the riverbank, you may also notice the fountain and monument from 1844 – 1846 by the co-author of the St. Vitus Cathedral – Josef Kranner. The fountain, with a 29 metre neo-gothic pinnacle, cannot be overlooked. The nonchalant character of the riverbank was disrupted by the construction of the Lažanský Palace and the building of Karlovy lázn2 (Charles Spas) by architect Jan Bělský on the opposite side.
Nevertheless, the riverbank offers a beautiful and luxurious view of Hradčany, which was also enjoyed by František Palacký, who chose it as the site for constructing the Czech palace of science and arts.
Anybody who wants to be astounded can simply take a walk or steamship cruise. It will leave an indelible trace of our luxurious mother Prague in their heart.
