Why Prague's Lesser Town is a Baroque Treasure

Malá Strana was rebuilt after a massive fire in 1541. During the 17th century, the Catholic Church and noble families moved in. They wanted to show their wealth through grand architecture. This led to the creation of many stunning palaces and churches. The district is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. It remains remarkably unchanged since the baroque era ended.

The style is known for its drama and ornate details. You will see curved walls, gilded statues, and massive frescoes. These features were meant to inspire awe in everyone who passed by. Today, these buildings house embassies, museums, and government offices. Exploring them is one of the top cultural attractions in Prague for history buffs.

9 Best Baroque Buildings to See in Lesser Town

Use these quick picks to help you prioritize your visit:

• Best Overall: St. Nicholas Church
• Best for Nature: Vrtba Garden
• Best Free Sight: Wallenstein Garden
• Best for Families: Church of Our Lady Victorious

Explore these nine essential stops to see the finest architecture in the district.

1. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Sight Why go: It is widely considered the finest example of High Baroque in Prague. The interior features massive frescoes and a stunning copper dome. Best for: Photographers and art historians. Where: Malostranské náměstí. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 100-150 CZK). Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Visit during an evening organ concert for a magical acoustic experience.
2. Name: Wallenstein Palace Type: Experience Why go: This is the first large baroque secular building in Prague. It currently serves as the seat of the Czech Senate. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Valdštejnské náměstí. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Palace tours are usually free on weekends; gardens are free. Getting there: Metro Line A to Malostranská station. Tip: Check when is the Wallenstein Garden open to public to see the bronze statues and peacocks.
3. Name: Vrtba Garden Type: Nature Why go: This terraced garden is a hidden baroque masterpiece. It offers some of the most beautiful views over the Malá Strana rooftops. Best for: Couples and those seeking quiet spots. Where: Karmelitská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 120 CZK). Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: The top terrace provides a perfect angle for photos of St. Nicholas Church.
4. Name: Church of Our Lady Victorious Type: Sight Why go: This church is famous for the Infant Jesus of Prague statue. The building itself is a beautiful early baroque landmark. Best for: Pilgrims and families. Where: Karmelitská street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, 20, or 22 to Hellichova. Tip: Visit the small museum upstairs to see the different outfits worn by the statue.
5. Name: Morzin Palace Type: Sight Why go: The facade is famous for the massive statues of Moors holding up the balcony. These were carved by the famous sculptor Ferdinand Brokoff. Best for: Fans of baroque sculpture. Where: Nerudova street. Time: 10 minutes (exterior only). Cost: Free to view from the street. Getting there: Walk up Nerudova street from the main square. Tip: Look across the street to see the Thun-Hohenstein Palace for a double dose of baroque art.
6. Name: Lichtenstein Palace Type: Experience Why go: This grand palace often hosts classical music concerts. Its white facade is a prominent feature of the main square. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Malostranské náměstí. Time: 1 hour for a concert. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Located directly on the main square. Tip: Check the local schedule for evening performances by the Prague Academy of Music.
7. Name: Schönborn Palace Type: Sight Why go: This massive palace features four wings and a beautiful garden. It is a prime example of how the nobility lived in the 1600s. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Tržiště street. Time: 10 minutes (exterior only). Cost: Free to view from the street. Getting there: A short walk from the American Embassy area. Tip: Since it houses the US Embassy, security is high; stay on the sidewalk while taking photos.
8. Name: Thun-Hohenstein Palace Type: Sight Why go: The entrance is guarded by two massive eagles carved by Matthias Braun. It is one of the most dramatic portals in the city. Best for: Outdoor sightseeing. Where: Nerudova street. Time: 5 minutes (exterior only). Cost: Free. Getting there: Located halfway up the hill toward the castle. Tip: This is a great stop while following a Prague Castle complex guide.
9. Name: Kolowrat Palace Type: Experience Why go: This building combines baroque architecture with a rich theatrical history. It currently houses part of the National Theatre. Best for: Theater fans. Where: Valdštejnská street. Time: Varies. Cost: Depends on performance. Getting there: Near the Malostranská metro station. Tip: Look for the intricate stucco work in the interior halls if you attend a show.

Tips for Your Malá Strana Architectural Walking Tour

The best way to see these buildings is on foot. Start your walk early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Most tourists head straight to the castle, so the side streets remain quiet. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are very uneven. You can find more travel inspiration on the Visit Czechia website.

Many of these buildings are located on Nerudova street. This street was the traditional coronation route for kings. Look up at the house signs above the doors. Before numbers were used, people identified houses by these baroque symbols. You will see golden keys, red lions, and green lobsters. It adds a fun element to your architectural tour.