Lesser Town Square, Prague
Since the 10th century, this arcaded square has been a center of activity on the left bank of the river鈥攁 place where merchants once gathered and locals exchanged more than just goods. These days, the rhythm continues with caf茅s, restaurants, and shops drawing in visitors, while weekend markets add extra color and energy.
Among the square鈥檚 most compelling landmarks is the 14th-century Old Town Hall, once the site where non-Catholic nobles drafted the 鈥淐zech Confession鈥� in 1575鈥攁 bold call for religious tolerance addressed to the Habsburg emperor, later enshrined into Czech law. Today, that historic building has a new life as a nightclub and bar. But it鈥檚 the magnificient 18th-century Saint Nicholas Church that truly steals the show. Built over the remains of a Gothic chapel, its interior dazzles with exquisite statuary and a ceiling fresco that stretches across an astonishing 1,500 square meters.
If you鈥檙e sipping coffee at the local Starbucks, you鈥檙e actually seated in what used to be the Gr枚mling Palace鈥攁 prime example of Prague鈥檚 Rococo flair. Across the square at number 18, look for the pistachio-and-vanilla-toned Smi艡ick媒 Palace, easily recognized by its twin turrets. It was here, in 1618, that Protestant leaders convened before launching what would become the infamous Defenestration of Prague鈥攁n act that ignited the Thirty Years' War. Not far from there, the High Baroque Sternberg Palace now houses treasures from the National Gallery.
Commanding a significant portion of the square鈥檚 northern side is the Czech Parliament. So don鈥檛 be surprised to see suited officials weaving through the crowd鈥攋ust another reminder that this historic space remains very much alive.
Among the square鈥檚 most compelling landmarks is the 14th-century Old Town Hall, once the site where non-Catholic nobles drafted the 鈥淐zech Confession鈥� in 1575鈥攁 bold call for religious tolerance addressed to the Habsburg emperor, later enshrined into Czech law. Today, that historic building has a new life as a nightclub and bar. But it鈥檚 the magnificient 18th-century Saint Nicholas Church that truly steals the show. Built over the remains of a Gothic chapel, its interior dazzles with exquisite statuary and a ceiling fresco that stretches across an astonishing 1,500 square meters.
If you鈥檙e sipping coffee at the local Starbucks, you鈥檙e actually seated in what used to be the Gr枚mling Palace鈥攁 prime example of Prague鈥檚 Rococo flair. Across the square at number 18, look for the pistachio-and-vanilla-toned Smi艡ick媒 Palace, easily recognized by its twin turrets. It was here, in 1618, that Protestant leaders convened before launching what would become the infamous Defenestration of Prague鈥攁n act that ignited the Thirty Years' War. Not far from there, the High Baroque Sternberg Palace now houses treasures from the National Gallery.
Commanding a significant portion of the square鈥檚 northern side is the Czech Parliament. So don鈥檛 be surprised to see suited officials weaving through the crowd鈥攋ust another reminder that this historic space remains very much alive.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Lesser Town Square on Map
Sight Name: Lesser Town Square
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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