Malá Strana means “small side”, in relation to the other bank of the river (Staré Město). In the ‘600 and in the’ 700 it was completely remodeled, and therefore contains a unique architectural interest in Europe. A maze of narrow streets, stairs, wonderful buildings and secret gardens invites to romantic and poetic detours, even more than to Staré Město.
Here are some “experiences” that have remained in our hearts.
The first light of dawn on the Charles Bridge…
Built in the 14th century, it is a pedestrian bridge that connects Malá Strana with Staré Město, through the Vltava. Charles Bridge is the symbol of Prague and exerts a great charm, but we advise you to go there at dawn, to enjoy the romantic soft light in (almost) solitude. During the day it is perpetually invaded by tourists, as well as portraitists, painters, sellers and musicians. Better at dawn, with the profile of the Castle and the Towers standing out against the pink sky. Amazing!
Not to be forgotten: a visit to the two towers at the ends of the bridge.
… And in the evening wander around Nový Svět, on the Castle hill
Walking in the tiny streets around Nový Svět (New World), it seems to be in a South Bohemian village. The small neighborhood is located on the slope of the hill opposite Malá Strana and is composed only of ancient typical houses, many of which are considered national heritage. An authentic marvel, a journey through time with the Mozart soundtrack.
Not to be forgotten: nearby, the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, with the monstrance decorated with 6222 diamonds.
Kampa Island, an oasis of peace between the Vltava and the Čertovka Channel
At the bottom of Charles Bridge a staircase leads you to an elegant square called Na Kampě, from here continue along the poetic Park that leads to the Legií bridge. The Čertovka canal (Devil’s canal) surrounds the island, with a beautiful water mill that turns slowly. It seems to be a thousand miles from the hectic pace of a European capital. A really suggestive and romantic corner, especially in Winter.
Not to be forgotten: the Kampa Museum, dedicated to contemporary art
We follow in the footsteps of Franz Kafka
From the birthplace located in Staré Město, passing by Metamorphosis, the monumental head of the writer (David Černý’s work), we arrive at the Franz Kafka Museum.
Before entering, let’s stop for a moment to look at one of the most peculiar works of the sculptor Černý: two men urinating in a tub that has the shape of the Czech Republic! It is impossible not to notice the contrast between this provocative but ironic work and the dark atmosphere of the Museum dedicated to the tormented Kafka. The Museum proposes, among other things, interesting photos, unpublished documents and correspondence, which immerse us in the reality of the Czech artist, who lived in Prague, poor and sick, and now universally recognized as a “sacred monster” of literature.
Not to be forgotten: reading (or re-reading) his works, starting with the gloomy The trial and The castle, which prophesies the arrival of Nazism.
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