Prager Kleinseite

The Lesser Town, known in Czech as Malá Strana, is a historic district in the heart of the Czech capital, Prague. It stretches along the west bank of the Vltava River and lies between Prague Castle to the north and the Old Town to the south, to which it is connected by the famous Charles Bridge. The district's focal point is Lesser Town Square, an imposing plaza surrounded by magnificent buildings. The history of this place is deeply rooted in the development of Prague. As early as the early Middle Ages, probably in the 9th century, an outer fortification arose here below what would later become Prague Castle, secured by timber-and-earth constructions and ditches. Archaeological finds suggest that this site played an important role in international trade early on, as evidenced by the presence of the merchant Ibrahim ibn Yaqub in the 960s.

Town rights were formally granted in 1257, when King Ottokar II of Bohemia settled colonists from northern Germany and endowed the settlement with Magdeburg town law. This made the Lesser Town a legally independent town, a status it kept until 1784. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, the town underwent a significant expansion. From 1360 to 1362, the so-called Hunger Wall was built, a massive fortification that enclosed large parts of today's urban area. The wall, which supposedly owes its name to a famine during its construction, still survives in large part today and makes an impressive backdrop. Within these new boundaries, numerous churches and palaces arose that shaped the character of the district.

After devastating fires in the 16th century and the destruction of the Hussite Wars, the Lesser Town developed into a residence for the nobility and wealthy citizens. The ruins were cleared away, and in their place rose splendid Renaissance and, later, Baroque palaces. This building boom is why the district is regarded today as the "town of the rich." The architecture is a blend of Gothic foundations, Renaissance elements, and Baroque splendor. Especially striking are the many churches, among them St. Nicholas Church, St. Thomas Church, and the Church of Our Lady beneath the Chain. The palaces, too, such as Lobkowicz Palace, Buquoy Palace, and Liechtenstein Palace, bear witness to the historical importance of the area.

For visitors, the Lesser Town offers a fascinating mix of history and atmosphere. The narrow, cobblestoned lanes invite you to stroll and lead to hidden squares and gardens. One particular highlight is the view from Kampa Island, which was raised by the rubble of earlier disasters and is now a green refuge in the middle of the city. Petřín Hill, with its 60-meter observation tower modeled on the Eiffel Tower, is also a popular destination. The tower was built in 1891 and offers sweeping views over the rooftops of Prague. The area around Petřín, with its gardens and funicular, is ideal for a relaxing walk.

Another interesting spot is the Saxon House, which originally served as a trading center for long-distance merchants and was later given by Charles IV to the Saxon duke Rudolf I. The building, which still has Gothic perimeter walls and Renaissance elements, was for a long time the residence of the Saxon dukes in Prague. The Prague Bishop's Court, whose remains can be found in the courtyard of the House "At the Three Bells," also recalls the district's early church history. The gate tower of the Gothic bishop's palace is still a striking landmark. The Lesser Town is not only a historic center but also a lively place that tells the story of Prague's rich past and transports visitors to another era.