Mala Strana (Little Quarter)

Mala Strana is known as Prague's Little Quarter or Lesser Town. This is the small area snuggled between Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. It's filled with a variety of Prague attractions all its own.

Sadly, most visitors miss this wonderful area and its little streets and details.

Please step off the beaten-path and explore this charming area. It's far less crowded than here than Old Town.

There's lots to see and experience here - churches, hidden gardens, stoic embassies, museums, cute shops and lovely accommodation as well.

This page previews some of our recommended highlights of this lovely area. If you don't have time for all of them, consider a less-traveled path to and from Prague Castle. Visitors miss so much when buried amongst each other.

Church of St. Nicholas

The most notable building below the castle is the Church of St. Nicholas. It's the landmark green dome that you see in in so many photos. Inside you'll find one of the largest frescoes in Europe.

We consider this church really a "must-see." It's possibly the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague.

And, it also makes for a perfect place to rest for a moment as you continue either to the castle or down to Charles Bridge.

You have to buy a ticket to enter, but it's cheap and well worth it. You can also visit the church's bell tower at the side entrance. It offers great views of the surrounding area and a replicated spy's nest near the top. The tower once served as a hideout for the secret police to gaze on unsuspecting citizens. Entrance to the tower has a separate fee and there's no elevator - but we highly recommend it.

Infant Jesus of Prague

Of all Prague attractions, this one might be one of the most curious.

The Church of Our Lady of Victory houses what is known as the Infant Jesus of Prague (Milostné Pražské Jezulátko). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a pilgrimmage site for many Catholics.

Infant of Prague

People come from around the world to receive blessings and submit prayers to this little wooden statue of Jesus.

The statue is housed in a huge golden side altar. He is looked after methodically by the Carmelite sisters of the Child Jesus. They change his robes according to church calendar.

It's free to enter the church and visit the statue. There's a small gift shop behind the main altar and church services are offered in a variety of languages.

Kampa Island

Kampa Island is a small strip of land bordered by the Vltava River and a small canal. It has a lot to offer... benches, mill wheels, picnic spots and the contemporary Kampa Museum. 

You can read more about Kampa in this blog entry.

Mill Wheel on Kampa Island

Gardens in Mala Strana

I can't say enough about the three main gardens in Mala Strana. I'm always searching for the right adjective. Let's just say you won't find these in your neighborhood... Baroque, hidden, impressive, awesome...

The two free ones are Wallenstein Garden and Vojonavy Sady.

The pay-to-enter garden is Vrtbovska Garden. It's a classic Baroque garden with incredible views of Mala Strana. Just sit here and take it all in. This is Prague.