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.