Dvořák´s Embankment Has Proudly Borne the Artist´s Name Since its Foundation
The location and historical background
Dvořák´s Embankment spreads from Na Rejdišti Street next to Čech´s Bridge all the way to Štefánik´s Bridge. It was constructed in 1904. It is an interesting location on the border of the Jewish town and buildings in the original surroundings of St. Ann monastery. The nearest notable way was that linking the ford at Štvanice island and the ford beneath Prague Castle, which; however, did not lead directly along the bank.
The first essential construction achievement was the establishment of a double convent of Minorites and order of Saint Clare - followers of St. Francis and St. Clara of Assisi, who control that area practically to this day. Part of the luxury waterfront originally belonged to the street that bore the name of Sanytrová (today Street of 17th November).
On the bank there had once been a spa, fences with wood and facilities for production of ´Chile saltpeter´ i.e. sodium nitrate. In the 18th and 19th century the riverbank near Paris Street had been called Square of St. Jan. However, the square was lost during renovations at the turn of the the last century and was transformed into a street.
Luxurious buildings of Dvořák´s Embankment
On the bank there are two notable buildings: Law Faculty of Charles University from the period 1928 -1929 by architect Ladislav Machoň who used original plans of Jan Kotěra from 1914 for its construction and the building of the Conservatory.
Inter alia, you can also find here luxury hotels - Hotel President and Hotel Intercontinental by architect Karel Filsak.
Furthermore you will also find here Hospital Na Františku, adjoining the St. Ann convent which is today part of the National Gallery, or the building of the Ministry for Trade and Industry. The author of the design for the construction of the ministerial palace was one of the most significant Czech architects, professor of CTU, Josef Fanta.
Dvořák´s Embankment represents a major traffic node
As far a ships and steamboats are concerned, standing on this luxurious Prague embankment you will see more of them here than anywhere else. This is because at Čech´s Bridge there is located a pier of a Prague company, Boats. Dvořák´s Embankment may be perfectly viewed for example during a sightseeing cruise, perhaps with fabulous lunch or dinner served on board. That would definitely be a luxurious experience. In the summer season from a place close to the cloister complex, Na Františku, you may also sail to the Prague ZOO.
