OLD TOWN, PRAGUE

:''See other places named Staré Město.''

'Old Town' () is a cadastral district in the city of Prague, Czech Republic.
Old Town was the original place of settlement in Prague. In the 14th century, Charles IV expanded the city by founding the New Town. The two parts are separated by Na Příkopě street.
Notable places in the Old Town include the Old Town Square or Astronomical Clock. Across the river Vltava is the Lesser Quarter, called Malá Strana in Czech. These two parts of the town are connected by Charles Bridge.

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History

History

From its early existence, approximately around 9th century Staré Město was laid out of settlements which appeared from the spacious marketplace of the bank of Vltava. The records dated back to 1100 indicate that every Saturday there was a market on the marketplace, and the large military gatherings also took place there. Thanks to the trade the nearby area merchants became rich, and when the King Vaclav 1 gave them the privileges of town, the town of Pesto Prazske (the town of Prague) was formed. According to ancient records, the city had around 13 gates, and a huge water-fence, providing strong defenses.