Travel photography and stock images by Stephen Bay
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Little Quarter Photos

Prague, Czech Republic
The Little Quarter is located across the Charles Bridge from Old Town on the left bank of the Vltava River. Its name, Mala Strana, means "Little Side" in Czech but it is also often called Lesser Town or Lessor Side based on the town's location beneath Castle Hill.

Although many areas of Prague have undergone significant rebuilding, the Little Quarter remains virtually unchanged since the 18th century. Very little construction has taken place and the district is filled with Baroque palaces and gardens built for European nobles. A stroll through the charming Little Quarter feels like a walk back in time.

The Little Quarter started as an 8th century market settlement for merchants and craftsman providing services to the nobility in Hradcany and later became an official royal town in 1257 by order of the King of Bohemia Premysl Otakar II. However, In 1541 the town was almost completely destroyed by fire, leaving the district dominated by the Baroque architecture of the period. Today, many of the buildings are used for embassies and government offices.

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