Lost in time, Veslařský ostrov has witnessed centuries of Prague’s story unfold. This Vltava island lies in Prague’s Podolí district. It sits near the Podolí bank opposite Císařská louka. Its history began long ago.
The island appeared in records as early as 1420. It mainly formed from sand deposits. These deposits accumulated when ice blocked the river at Žluté lázně. The Schwarzenberg family established a small raft harbor here. They used it to store timber from Šumava.
As the importance of rafting declined Veslařský ostrov gradually transformed. It became a sports harbor. To speed up sediment accumulation, a cargo ship was sunk. An advertisement from 1929 enticed visitors. It read that one could find swimming pools for all ages. People could find exercise equipment, ping-pong, and volleyball. There was even a children’s corner. All comforts in nature could be found at the Schwarzenberg Island playground. It was run by the Union D. T. J. near the Podolí cement factory.
Today a prestressed concrete bridge connects Veslařský ostrov to the right bank of the Vltava. Clubhouses, boathouses and sports facilities support rowing. This is how the island got its name. Veslařský ostrov is the traditional starting point. It is the start of Prague’s famous rowing race Primátorky. The island also houses a facility. This facility draws Vltava water for the nearby Podolí waterworks.
Veslařský ostrov once bore another name. It was called Schwarzenberg Island. In the mid-20th century, a beautiful new bridge was built. It stretched from the Podolí bank to Veslařský ostrov. It was built using the cantilever method. Its total length is over 70 meters.
The island’s banks still have a natural feel. People relax and sunbathe along the banks. However, the northernmost part is closed to the public. This is due to the water intake facility. It is used for the Podolí waterworks and its protection zone.
Speaking of the Podolí waterworks it is on the mainland in Podolí. It offers a great view from the island. It is one of the most interesting works. Antonín Engel designed it. He was known for Vítezné námestí in Dejvice. He also adapted the former parliament building into a concert hall.
In the 19th century Prague got water. It came from four waterworks. These were Staroměstská, Šítkovská, Novomlýnská and Malostranská. In the 1950s Žofínská waterworks was added. The first stage of the new waterworks construction took place between 1922 and 1928. Only the northern of two filtration plants was built. Also built were two smaller buildings. These housed administration and the engine room. In 1929 the new filtration plant opened. It became one of the largest reinforced concrete buildings. Engel used simple building layouts. This allowed trouble-free completion thirty years later.
Technology advanced over time. The architecture had to respect this. In the second part of the waterworks, built from 1953 to 1956, a tower-like cube was created. It had a hip roof. It allowed for a greater height gradient. The complex was constantly rebuilt. This was to meet demands for greater performance and quality. It was officially completed in 1965. This was seven years after Antonín Engel’s death.
The building’s design was slightly changed. Glass blocks replaced the original windows. The facade features eleven statues. They represent the Vltava River and its tributaries. The entire structure dominates the Podolí bank. If you visit Veslařský ostrov this building will catch your eye first.
Once upon a time, steps on the island served as a grandstand. Nowadays they are overgrown. Grass and shrubs now cover it. Fishermen often sit there. They are waiting for circles on the water. If you seek peace and nature visit Veslařský ostrov. A walk along the river is pleasant and romantic.