Prague Lesser Town - Mala Strana
Lesser Town, also known as Mala Strana in Czech, is a small Prague district which during the 16th and 17th centuries was inhabited by the aristocracy. It is located below Prague Castle and Petrin Hill on the left side of the Vltava river. Lesser Town is one of the most historically preserved quarters of Prague, so much so that it even used to have its own dialect called Malostranska Nemcina. If you want to see what Prague was like 300 years ago, you have to visit Mala Strana!
Top Things to Do in Prague Mala Strana
- To get to Prague Lesser Town you probably crossed Charles Bridge, right? Well, just on the side of the bridge you can find a famous monument of free speech - the John Lennon Wall. I hope you brought something to write with because leaving a message on this wall is a must for all Prague travelers! We have to warn you though that using spraypaint is illegal same as writing on anything besides John Lennon Wall. A couple of people got in trouble for breaching this rule in the past!
- Mala Strana has one very picturesque feature that makes it look like Amsterdam - Certovka Canal! It is an artificial canal where you can find a statue of a Czech folklore character Vodnik. He lives in rivers and ponds, causes mischief, and sometimes has one too many beers in a nearby pub. Who can blame him, the Czech Republic is a beer-drinking capital after all!
- Another famous statue is located in the Church of Our Lady Victorious - Infant Jesus of Prague. It is a small wax figure of a baby Jesus, that attracts people from all over the world to this Prague church. Infant Jesus of Prague is believed to be miraculous and, luckily, there is no entrance fee to see it!
- Your next stop is going to be a little nature-break - Kampa Park where locals love to go to play with their dogs, drink coffee, and visit galleries. We recommend stopping by Cafe Mlynska and statues of David Cerny!
- There are plenty of beautiful churches in Mala Strana, but the church of St. Nicholas beats them all. It is the biggest Baroque shrine in Prague that also has one of the largest fresco in Eastern Europe! The entrance ticket costs 100 CZK but it's 100% worth it: you will enjoy beautiful ecclesiastical art and the rich interior decoration that can rival even churches in Rome.
- Today Prague Lesser Town is a Political district where the Czech Senate and Czech Parliament are located. The Senate Gardens are one of the most beautiful gardens in the city with a view of the Prague Castle. Senate Gardens and Palace were built in 17th century by Albrecht von Wallenstein, the second richest man after the Emperor. Rumor has it, Wallenstein had chosen this specific place for his residence, so every time the Emperor sees his lavish palace and beautiful park outside of his window of the Prague Castle, he becomes green with envy. We don't know if it worked, but one thing you won't see in the Prague Castle today are peacocks casually strolling down the Senate garden.
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Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 6 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.