Kampa: a romantic square (photo: CzechTourism)

With its isolated nature, this relaxing spot near Charles Bridge is the center of many legends and stories. Its little streets have a mysterious feel, especially in the evening light. There are many interesting nooks, little squares and good restaurants that can be found throughout this special area. 

Kampa Island is separated from the rest of Malá Strana by an arm of the Vltava River called Čertovka (Devil Creek). Supposedly, it got its name from the demonic character of a woman who once lived on nearby (Maltese Square) Maltézské náměstí.

All around Liechtenstein Palace you will find beautiful residences built by the nobility. This architecture is also evident along the gardens and near the old water mill. At the Kampa Museum you can find works by Central European modern artists such as František Kupka, Otto Gutfreund and Jiří Kolář.

If you venture onto Charles Bridge, you will discover yet another delightful locale. From the bridge you can see an ochre-coloured house with a small, wrought-iron balcony with a small candelabra with a candle burning inside. This house is called Dům U Obrázku Panny Marie (“House of the Painting of the Virgin Mary”) - there is a painting of the Virgin Mary hanging above the balcony. According to one legend, the painting was hung there as thanks that the Virgin Mary prevented the Swedish Army from taking the city in 1648; according to another, the house's owner saved the picture from the flooding Vltava River and hung it there.