Prague: Mala Strana

The area of Prague known as Mala Strana, or the Lesser Side, is on the west side of the Vltava, in the area just south of the Castle. It is a very pleasant neighborhood, probably my favorite in Prague. A large percentage of the foreign consulates are lodged in old palaces in the neighborhood.

Items of interest in this area include the John Lennon Wall, the beautiful St. Mikulas Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady Victorious(Panna Maria Vitezna). The church, certainly not Prague's most beautiful, draws scores of pilgrims daily- they are coming to visit the shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague. On the facade of the church is a statue of Our Lady Victorious, and higher up is a mural of the Infant Jesus. The Infant Jesus is a wax statue. It was brought to Prague by a Spanish bride of the Lobkowicz family.. they were the high chancellors and owners of a chateau nearby (where they produce wine, Melnik- there are some photos under the "near Prague" section). The statue has a large wardrobe - the statue was
dressed in blue while I was there,although the photographs usually show red. The statue is kept behind glass in a shrine with lights. Nuns change the statue's outfit daily.

St. Mikulas

The Infant Jesus of Prague

Church of Our Lady Victorious

For a better view of each picture, double click on the thumbnail.

Last updated 11.08.2001