Prague’s Mala Strana, also known as “Little Side” or “Lesser Town”, is far from being inferior to the rest of the Czech capital. One of the city’s most historic and most beautiful districts, it is perfect for a romantic stroll along the area’s centuries-old churches and Baroque palaces and is among Prague’s greatest attractions.
The Mala Strana is filled with Baroque architecture, making it one of the most beautiful walks in Prague. A prime example is Wallenstein Palace, currently the site of the Czech Senate and a series of gardens open to the public. Many historic churches are also tucked among the district’s streets, including Saint Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Lady Victorious, both home to well-known Christian artworks. Other points of interest include the Parisian-style Petrin Lookout Tower and a statue of Jan Neruda, a famed Czech novelist who lived in and wrote about the Mala Strana.
Prague’s Lesser Town is sandwiched between the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, two of Prague’s most famous sights. Prague’s city centre is small enough that it can be easily navigated on foot, but the Mala Strana can also be reached by Metro, using the Malostranska stop, or by Tram, using on the Malostranske Namesti stop.
While the current architecture reflects the Mala Strana’s Baroque-era prominence, the neighbourhood dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was founded as a royal town by Bohemian King Ottokar II. Largely populated by German craftsmen, it was after a devastating fire in the 16th century when it became a favoured site for nobles’ palaces, and it is this Renaissance character that has prevailed.