The Devilīs Stream, together with houses around, is one of the most beautiful places in Prague. It is an artificial channel, dividing the Kampa Island from the Lesser Town. The houses along the Devilīs Stream stand right by the river, which gave the channel the name Prague Venice. There is an old mill-wheel in the channel and it makes this place look even more picturesque.
Picturesque Grand Priory Mill
The area belonged to the Knights of Malta in the middle ages. They created the channel for regulation of water flow, needed for the mills in the area. They also built the mill with a preserved wooden wheel, called Grand Priory Mill. It is out of order nowadays, it doesnīt drive anything, but it keeps rotating.
The Devilīs Stream leaves the Vltava river behind the Most Legii (bridge) and returns to the river after 740 metres, behind the Charles Bridge. It was called Rosenberg Stream since 1585, after Vilem of Rosenberg, the owner of the area.
Why Devilīs Stream?
The origin of the present name Devilīs Stream (Certovka) is unclear. A legend has it, that it is because of a woman of devilish nature, who used to live nearby, at the Maltese Square. In fact, the place was probably called after the house At the Seven Devils, standing there.
Several famous movies were shot at the Devilīs Stream and around it, for example Mission Impossible or Amadeus.
Go for a sightseeing sail on a boat
There are sightseeing sails on boats, going through the Devilīs Stream, with guides speaking foreign languages. You will also find hotels, restaurants and pubs in the area.
