Prague 1, Slovanský ostrov 1
VENUE FOR ALL EVENTS ON SATURDAY 18. 5. 2019
More information about history of Žofín Palace
More about Slovanky Island
More about this Island today
This independent island, on which Žofín Palace stands, was created from silt and flood debris during the 17th and 18th centuries. A significant contribution was made by the great flood of 1784, when a low bank was created and several fruit trees were planted amongst the growing undergrowth. Several dye & paint works were then established here and at today’s Mánes Mill Gallery site. In 1817, the first pub appeared here in a log cabin, and also a basic spa/swimming pool/, where later a bridge was built to join the island to the embankment.
Owners of the island changed regularly. Mill owner, Václav Novotný, in 1835 – 1837 undertook significant construction works on the island and decided to develop it into a significant Prague cultural and society centre.
The plans were put together by the leading engineer at the Prague Municipal Planning Department, Vincent Kulhánek, and construction was led by Josef Tredrovský. The Palace was opened by the Archduke František Karel, father of the later Emperor František Josef I. At this event the Palace was named Žofín honouring his wife Sofie. In 1848, it was here that the Slavic Gathering occured chaired by František Palacký, where Ludovít Štůr made a declaration on behalf of the Slavonic community. Hence the name of the island: Slavonic (Slovanský).
In 1884, the island along with the Palace were purchased by the municipality and renovated to its present neorenaissance form. Until the building of Obecni Dum (Municipal House) in 1912, Žofín Palace was the centre of Prague cultural and social life. The last renovation of this cultural heritage building with its 3 halls, coffee bar, restaurant and garden pavilion occured in 1994. It is all managed by NKL Žofín s.r.o. In recent years, the Slavonic Island and Žofín Palace have become symbols of Czech and international social, political, cultural, and commerical events (International TV Festival Zlatá Praha/Golden Prague/, international conference FORUM 2000 etc.).
For Rotary International, Žofín was the venue of the Inauguration of Rotary District 2240 on 26th June, 1999, which was created by 42 Czech and Slovak Rotary Clubs either renewed or newly established clubs since 1989 with the help of Rotarians from Upper Austrian Rotary District 1920. Rotary District 2240 continued the tradition of the First Republic Czechoslovak Rotary District 66 (established 1927). Carlo Ravizza, Rotary International President 1999-2000 attended this inauguration. Former Austrian Vice President, Erhard Busek, greeted everyone on behalf of Austria, Pavel Tigrid on behalf of the Czech Republic and Fedor Gal on behalf of the Slovak Republic. During the inauguration, the Vice President of the Czech Republic Senate Ivan Havlíček, Jaroslava Moserova, and Prague Mayor Jan Kasl, welcomed an official delegation of Rotarians. Over 166 Rotarian delegates from the Rotary Clubs of Czech Republic and Slovak Republics attended along with 400 guests from 18 countries.
Žofín Palace and Slovanic Island belong to Prague Heritage Monuments which are part of the List of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
