
Mala Strana, Prague
Photo Credit: Gr3mi, GNU Free Documentation License
Mala Strana
Prague, Czech Republic
Malá Strana, which translates as "Little Side", or more frequently "Lesser Town" in English, is the name of one of the most historical and oldest quarters of Prague, Czech Republic. It was once a popular name, and has nowadays become the official name of Mensi mesto prazske - the Lesser Town of Prague.
The name Lesser Town was derived from the fact that it is on the west bank of the river Vltava, opposite the larger section of Prague on the east bank, joined by the Charles Bridge. During the Middle Ages, Mala Strana was predominantly German in character. Among the sights here include the famous statue of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, which is at the Church of Our Lady Victorious. The church is an important pilgrimage site for millions of Roman Catholics every year.