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Tucked away in a hidden corner of Old Town, this complex of ancient buildings is home to the National Gallery’s collection of gothic art, which is largely made up of a unique collection of wood panel paintings portraying saints and sinners. Master Theodoric, one of the most distinguished artistic personalities of the 14th century, is well represented here with dozens of remarkable works. We also like the museum’s display of sandstone gargoyles. Agnes, the 13th-century princess who founded this abbey, was canonized in 1989 after a 600 year campaign for her sainthood that was hampered by the impossibility of locating her remains. View on Google Maps No related posts.Read more.

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Behind a gothic portal and ornate metal gates lies one of the oldest churches in Malá Strana; built around 1250 by the Knights of Malta, a still-extant aristocratic club that can be traced as far back as 1099. It has never been easy to become a member of this exclusive organization, as applicants have to prove that they are descended from at least sixteen noble ancestors. In addition to providing care for the sick, the ancient Knights spent their time crusading against heretics and, apparently, acquiring land because a good chunk of Malá Strana (and some important buildings in Old Town) are still owned by them. The Knights’ substantial real estate holdings were nationalized by the communists then returned afterRead more.

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This church is revered in the Italian- and Spanish-speaking worlds thanks to a peewee-sized baby Jesus doll known as Il Bambino di Praga. The 400 year-old wax figure was gifted to the church by Polyxena of Lobkowicz, a devout Spaniard who married into the local Catholic aristocracy. Years later, when the church’s nuns were spared of an 18th-century plague that ravaged Prague, they deemed it a miracle and credited the statue. The Infant Jesus has been answering prayers ever since, as evidenced by the numerous plaques claiming phenomena big and small that hang throughout the church. The most bizarre characteristic of the Bambino is its dress collection, which includes dozens of ornate little frocks that have been presented as giftsRead more.