At the foot of Prague Castle hill you will find an incredibly romantic neighbourhood called Malá Strana. Though also part of the historical Prague, its cobbled slopes, hidden gardens with free-roaming peacocks and Baroque facades impart their own exceptional charm – a little more quiet and upscale.
Lesser Town
Baroque architecture, gardens and romantic views
HIGHLIGHTS
- Play vintage instruments at the Czech Museum of Music
- Chill out in the quiet atmosphere of Wallenstein Gardens
- Marvel at the cute statue of Baby Jesus inside the Pražské Jezulátko church
The Lesser Town (or Malá Strana in Czech) is located on the left bank of the Vltava. This enchanting green district with rolling terrain is squeezed between two hills – Prague Castle in the north and the woody Petřín in the south.
Often referred to as the Baroque Pearl of Prague, Malá Strana has way more ancient roots. It originated back in the 9th century as a small trading settlement, and even had its own fortification walls once. However, this area was almost entirely devastated during the Hussite wars and major city fires, and was rebuilt in the 1700s.
A lot of tourists would simply view the Lesser Town as a passage between Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, but this atmospheric neighbourhood has so much to offer on its own! Start exploring from Malostranské náměstí (the main square), housing the most dominant local landmark – St. Nicholas Church crowned with a towering dome. Other star attractions include the delightful Nerudova Street leading up to Prague Castle, Franz Kafka Museum and the Church of Our Lady Victorious with its pretty statue of baby-Jesus.
Walk the narrow lanes of Prague Lesser Town, admiring its former noble residences that have now been turned into restaurants, pubs, embassies and gift shops. Check out the collection of rarity instruments at the Czech Museum of Music and take a colourful picture next to the John Lennon Wall.
Sitting right across the busy Old Town, Malá Strana offers lots of green spots to relax after active sightseeing – one of such is the manicured Wallenstein gardens with strolling peacocks and a beautiful fish pond.