Alš Riverbank: Piece of Prague Luxury for Everyone
The Alš Riverbank is one side bordered by the romantic Vltava River, on the other by luxurious buildings. It leads from the site of Rudolfinum and continues in the direction of Charles Bridge along the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design and Higher Medical and Technical School. In this spot the riverbank turns into a pedestrian zone and ends at the Four Seasons Hotel from where it continues through the Platnéř Street.
Beautiful and quiet place near the river
At Rudolfinum you can relax in the pleasant park, dominated by the statue of Josef Mánes, the most important representative of Czech romanticism. If you cross to the opposite side, to the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design, you will discover a luxurious little park with the memorial of Jan Palach, represented by the sculptural group House of the Son and House of the Mother.
You will find here benches in beautifully kept greenery, offering a very pleasant seating near the Vltava River. Behind you is the luxurious Four Seasons hotel with the renowned Prague restaurants, Cotto Crudo.
Daydream a little and imagine the past: no luxury here!
A few centuries ago these luxurious buildings have not yet been constructed and the now picturesque waterfront was desolate. There was a ford crossing here and a wooden bridge later, becoming a link with the other side of the Vltava River. The wooden bridge was eventually replaced by a chain walkway. Today, when looking at the massive Mánes Bridge, this seems almost unbelievable.
By the end of the 19th century, Alš Riverbank bore the name of Lower Riverbank and there was also the ´Lower´ ferry. Contrariwise, on the Kampa side there was the ´Upper´ Riverbank. A much nicer name originated but a few years later, when the riverbank was renamed to the embankment of Crown Prince Rudolph. It has been recognised under its current name since 1919. Take a little time off to visit it during your wandering through Prague.
