What is the Infant Jesus of Prague?

A 47 cm dressed wax devotional figure depicting the Infant Jesus with a gesture of blessing, kept in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Malá Strana, Prague. It is one of the images in world Catholicism with the greatest number of devotees.

What is the Spanish origin of the Infant Jesus of Prague?

The figure was brought to Bohemia by doña María Manrique de Lara, a Spanish noblewoman, in the early seventeenth century. Her daughter Polyxena de Pernstein donated it to the Discalced Carmelites of Prague in 1628. From there, the cult spread via the Jesuit route to Spain and Latin America.

Why does the Infant Jesus of Prague have so many outfits?

The figure has more than 70 embroidered outfits, donated by devout communities from around the world, which are changed according to the liturgical calendar. The colour varies with the liturgical season: white for Christmas and Easter, red for Pentecost, purple for Advent and Lent.

Where is the Infant Jesus of Prague?

In the Church of Our Lady Victorious, Karmelitská 9, Malá Strana, Prague 1. Three minutes on foot from Charles Bridge in the direction of the Castle.

Is it free to visit the Infant Jesus of Prague?

Yes. Admission to the church is free. The museum of historical vestments on the upper floor may have an admission charge; check before visiting. The Infant Jesus is in Malá Strana, the same quarter as the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. If you take the free tour of the Castle, the detour is three minutes away.

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The Infant Jesus of Prague: History, Location and How to Visit (2026)

Spanish origins, the wardrobe of 70 outfits and how to visit the figure in Mala Strana

Ion López Bidaguren

Art historian and licensed tour guide with over 17 years in tourism. Former educator at the Guggenheim Bilbao, guiding in Prague for 10+ years in Spanish, English and Italian.

March 11, 2026 · 5 min read

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