The Lesser Quarter is the best district in Prague to appreciate old world splendor.  The district has been relatively untouched for centuries, providing a great snapshot of historically authentic Prague.  In other words, expect lots of churches, palaces and parks.

The Churches of the Lesser Quarter

If there’s one thing Prague can’t seem to get enough of, it’s churches.  And like the other districts of Prague, the Lesser Quarter showcases another handful of churches that need to be seen (even if all the angelic imagery grows tiresome).

Church Of Our Lady Victorious is home to one of the most important statues in the Catholic world: the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague.  You know something’s important when it has its own website.  People come from all over the world to see this miracle-giving statue.

Church of St. Nicholas (Chrám sv. Mikuláše) is the most dominant and revered church in the Lesser Quarter.  This church is a fantastic example of the elaborate Baroque style of architecture, from the fresco in the 230-foot high dome ceiling to the copper statues adoring the high altar, to the golden cherubs lining the ornate pulpit to a magnificent organ that was played by Mozart in 1787.

The Palaces Of The Lesser Quarter

Megalomania is on display at the Wallenstein Palace and Garden.  Albrecht Wenzel von Wallenstein was a Commander-in-Chief during the 30 Years War in the 17th century who really let success go to his head.  After the war, he bought up 26 houses, 6 gardens and 2 other structures with plans to build a complex that would rival the Prague Castle.  It falls significantly short, but it’s still impressive.

Visitors can wander the Main Hall, the Mythological and Astronomical corridors and a massive garden with a fountain, grotto and aviary.  Today the building is home to the Senate of the Czech Republic.

The Nostitz Palace is an elegantly refined 17th century building that used to belong to a wealthy Prague family.  Today it’s home to the Dutch embassy and the Ministry of Culture.  Concerts take place here in the summer.

The 17th century Vrtba Palace is a magnificent palace that’s overshadowed by its even more magnificent garden.  This unique Baroque garden creeps up the slope of Petrin Hill for fantastic views of the city.  The garden, with its elegant staircases and flower beds and statues, is a UNESCO protected monument.

The Parks, Gardens And Squares Of The Lesser Quarter

Kampa Park takes up most of Kampa Island and it seems like they should change the name to “Dog Park.”  It’s like everyone who owns a dog in Prague takes their pet here.  I don’t know how people in Prague train their dogs, but these were some of the most quiet, obedient dogs we’ve ever encountered… not one was on a leash.  This peaceful park is also home to the Museum Kampa.

The Grand Priory Square is home to palaces such as the Grand Prior of the Knights of Malta and the Buquoy Palace, which is now the French embassy.  It’s also home to a very slow moving mill in the Devil’s Stream.  But this area is more famous for its graffiti.  The Lennon Wall has been an artistic playground for symbols and poems of love and peace since John Lennon’s death.

Maltese Square showcases centuries of architectural styles in a compact area.  Numerous palaces line the square, including the Nostitz Palace and the pink Rococo Turba Palace, home to the Japanese embassy.  In the center of the square is a statue of St. John The Baptist.

The Ledebour Garden is located at the base of a steep slope rising to Prague Castle.  The elegant garden features numerous staircases and terraces overlooking Renaissance-inspired garden designs.  Oddly enough, if there’s one thing the garden is lacking, it’s flowers.