Mala Strana is one of the two districts, which concentrate probably all Prague’s attractions. It is situated on the left bank of Vltava River between two highlands: Petrin hill and the hill of Prague Castle. Charles Bridge connects the district with the Old Town.
Most noteworthy, the Lesser Town remains excellent examples of baroque architecture. Let’s find out what to see here, but first of all, its history.
History
The development of Mala Strana began in 1257 by the king of Bohemia Ottokar II. Originally the district was called “New town under the Prague Castle” as it combined several settlements to one administrative unit. Generally the citizens of the new town were German colonists who were invited by the King.
Up to the dissolution of Austro-Hungarian Empire almost Germans were living here. Later local people also began to take up their residence here as the place was known as beautiful, rich and comfortable in Prague.
During the reign of the King Charles IV (14th century) the district got a name “little Prague town”. The borders of the town were expanded and even walled.
The little Town had a strategic location as it protected the territory of Prague Castle from the enemies. That’s why Mala Strana suffered a lot during Hussite wars in 1419, was on fire in 1541, was occupied by the Swedes in 1648.
Starting from 17th century in the district began a building activity. New military fortifications, palaces with beautiful gardens appeared here. A baroque style that was so popular in Europe at that time found a fruitful soil in this territory.
Today the Lesser Town is the best representative of Renaissance and Baroque architecture that almost hasn’t changed.
Main sights of Mala Strana
The most popular places of interest located in Mala Strana are:
Nerudova Street
Named after the Czech poet Jan Neruda who was born here. Nerudova street attracts tourists because of many houses with heraldic beasts and emblems. They tell visitors to a certain extent about people who lived there, for example “the Red Sheep”, “the Green Lobster”, “the Golden Horseshoe”, “the White Angel” and many more.
There are also a number of great Baroque buildings that are worth to look at: Thun-Hohenstein Palace, the Morzin Palace, the Church of Our Lady of Unceasing Succour.
Lesser Town Square
Lesser Town Square or Malostranske namesti is the heart of the district. Long time ago it was the location for trade fairs and public executions.
While walking along the square pay attention to such beautiful buildings as the St Nicholas Church (the dominant of the square), the Town Hall, the Sternberg Palace, the Smiřický Palace.
Wallenstein Palace
Wallenstein Palace (Valdstejnsky palac) is a former residence of Count Albrecht von Wallenstein. The palace was meant to overshadow even the Prague Castle. Today, it houses the Senate of the Czech Republic.
The palace is also holds concerts and state occasions. Moreover, you can visit the gardens and enjoy beautiful lawns, fountains and statues.
The entrance to the palace and the garden is free.
Open hours:
- November – March: 1st weekend of the month – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.;
- April – October: Weekends – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Church of St. Thomas
Beautiful ancient Church of St. Thomas was founded almost 800 years ago. This monastery used to be a home for brewers until 1951, when it was closed. But the medieval building is still used as a beer hall called At St. Thomas’s.
Amazing place to taste a pint of great Czech beer.
Open hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sunday: 9-12 a.m., 4.30-5.30 p.m.
Vrtba Garden
Vrtbovska zahrada represents a secret Prague’s place in the Mala Strana district. It’s not so easy to find, the garden hides from the eyes of strangers. In Vrtba Garden predominates the Baroque style. Despite its small size, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Prague.
It is pretty small place with large amount of flower beds, statues, terraces and staircases.
The best time to visit the garden is spring or the beginning of summer when everything is in bloom.
More photos and instruction how to find it here: Vrtba Garden.
Admission:
- Adults 65 CZK;
- Children, students 55 CZK;
- Family admission 180 CZK;
- Season ticket 350 CZK.
Church of Our Lady Victorious
Chram Panny Marie Vítzne was built in 1611. The church is world-famous thanks to the Infant Jesus wax statue. All year round hundreds of pilgrims come to the church to pay homage to the statue.
Open hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 8.30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 8.30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Maltezske namesti
Maltese Square was named after the Knights of Malta who lived in this part of the city since 1169. Today it’s atmospheric place with a lot of samples of architecture.
Kampa Island
Kampa Island is picturesque and lyrical place, with its own unique sights. A lot of poets and artists lived there due to its beauty. A peaceful place of Prague still attracts tourists and remains one of the most exciting areas in Mala Strana district.
Moreover, the place is called “Prague Venice” due to the artificial channel which separates the “island” from the district.
Information about places to see there and history you can find here: Kampa Island in Prague.
Vojan Park
Vojanovy sady is one of the oldest parks in Prague. The founding dates back to 1300. Speaking about what to see there, you can find two chapels: the Chapel of Elijah and a chapel dedicated to St. Theresa.
It’s open daily and free of charge.
Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill offers probably the most magnificent panoramas over Prague. At the top of the hill you could visit the Štefánik Observatory, the 60m high Observation Tower – a copy of the Eifel Tower, the Mirror Maze, the Church of St. Lawrence and the wooden Church of St Michael.
Moreover, there are lots of wonderful gardens to walk around or take a rest.
Information about how to get, attractions, work hours here: Petrin Hill in Prague.
Museum of Music
There are up to three thousand exhibits in the permanent exhibition of the museum. All of them acquaint visitors with the history of Czech music, which are remarkable examples of artistic craftsmanship.
During the excursion in the museum you will be able to learn about the ways in which musical tone was created, how to write music for absolutely different instruments, at what events one or another instrument is used.
How to get there
Tram Stop: Hellichova:
- In the afternoon: 12, 15, 20, 22, 23, 41;
- At night: 97.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pedagogické muzeum Jana Amose Komenského
The Pedagogical Museum, named after the founder of humanistic pedagogy, is probably one of the largest museums in the Czech Republic. It has a certain thematic focus, related to one of history of pedagogy and its scientific specific.
This is the only educational museum in the Czech Republic, concentrating all aspects and history of teaching and education.
The Pedagogical Museum is among the oldest museums not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the world. It was founded at the end of the XIX century, in 1892.
Ticket price:
- Adult: 60 CZK
- Preferential: 30 CZK
- Child: 30 CZK
- Family: 100 CZK
How to get there
Metro: Stop Malostranska.
Tram Stop: Malostranské náměstí:
- In the afternoon: 12, 15, 20, 22, 23, 41;
- At night: 97.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wallenstein Riding School
The Wallenstein Riding School in Prague is part of the architectural complex. The place belongs to one of the exhibition sites that make up the National Gallery in Prague. In addition, this building was the last of the designed facilities and its appearance dates back to 1630.
Even at that time the architectural complex was considered huge in its area. National Gallery organizes there various thematic exhibitions probably of all kinds of art.
How to get there
Metro: Station Malostranská.
Tram Stop: Malostranská:
- In the afternoon: 2, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 41;
- at night: 97.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hotels in Mala Strana
But for amazing architecture and lots of historical buildings, Mala Stana has a huge number of hotels and apartment to stay on your visit to Prague. I strongly recommend considering this hood as the place to find your room for the time you plan to spend in the Czech capital. Here are the reasons:
- calm area;
- big choice of options;
- access to the main attractions;
- good transport connections;
- a lot of local restaurants and beer places;
Among all the hotels in Mala Strana I can single out the following list. It is based on the experience of my tourists and friends, who have stayed in this neighborhood:
- Alchymist
- Golden Well
- St. George Apartments
- Malostranska Residence
- Apartment U Hroznu
To find and to book this hotels, follow the link and pick up the variant that is your.
Tours
Of course there are much more interesting places to visit in Mala Strana district. Cathedrals, museums, palaces are ready to impress tourists. So spend a good day or two exploring the territory. Therefore, to find out more exclusive places we offer you Tours with Local Guide.
Take a step back from beaten routes and find out what real Prague is!
