What's worth seeing in Prague? Lesser Town

Lesser Town is the perfect way to spend your vacation. Often it is lying down and relaxing, preferably on a hot beach or swimming in the warm sea. It can also be an intensive tour of the most beautiful places in Europe. If you prefer the second option, it is worth going to the capital of the Czech Republic - Prague. You certainly cannot get bored there. An interesting place is the Lesser Town district. Why is it worth visiting?

Lesser Town - history

At the very beginning, it is worth mentioning that Malá Strana has not always been a district of the Czech capital. Until 1784, it was an independent city, located near the Prague Castle. It was only at that time that it was incorporated into the city of Prague to be one of its most interesting parts to this day.

King Przemysław Ottokar II founded this place in 1257. Initially, it was called the New Town, but with time the current name was adopted - Lesser Town, which means a smaller side, a smaller town. During the reign of Charles IV (1346–1378), the city flourished. The ruler expanded them considerably and built a protective wall. In the 15th century, however, Malá Strana was damaged mainly by fires and Hussite wars. More and more people who could not afford to rebuild their homes were selling them and leaving. Therefore, in the 17th century, more and more buildings belonging to the aristocracy began to be built in the city. In the 18th century, however, when the city became a district of Prague, the influence of the Baroque on the local architecture was clearly visible.

Many of the buildings have kept the look of those times, which is why the district is really beautiful and has retained its former character.

Lesser Town - monuments

Sightseeing should definitely start from the Małostranski Market Square. In the central part there is the impressive church of St. Nicholas. The first building was built in the 13th century. Then, in the 16th century, the Jesuits began their efforts to take it over, which they did in the first half of the 17th century. They created the entire monastic complex because they also acquired buildings that were next to the temple. The church was built in the Gothic style, but in 1703 a new construction began - this time referring to the Baroque style. As a result, a temple of really impressive size was created. Construction and equipment was not completed until 1761. Soon after, in 1773, the Jesuit Order was dissolved and the church became the seat of the parish of the town of Malá Strana. In the middle of the 20th century, the building was renovated. It is definitely worth visiting.

Another famous church located in this district is the Church of Our Lady of Victory. This baroque building was built earlier than the church of St. Nicholas, because at the beginning of the 17th century. The current interior of this place, however, comes from the eighteenth century. In the temple there is a statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. There are talk of numerous healings associated with it. It is certainly interesting that the figure of the Child changes clothes depending on the day.

Lesser Town - Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most famous monuments in Prague. It connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town. It is worth seeing this place, which has retained its former character. There are sculptures made by many famous artists, and the most famous of them is the figure of St. John of Nepomuk. Urban legends say that it brings good luck, so when you are on the Charles Bridge, it is worth approaching it and touching it. In addition, it is worth just taking a walk through it because of the climate and views.

Mala Strana is not a place full of modern buildings. The architecture of this place has stopped in time, so we can see the magnificent buildings with our own eyes. The character of the district and numerous monuments make visiting Lesser Town a pleasure and should not be missed when planning a trip to Prague.