Malá Strana (literally "Little Side", but usually referred to as "Lesser Town") is the official name for the one of Prague's historical and oldest places.

Lesser Town, the city's oldest residential centre has been by Lesser Town Square (Malostranske namesti), at Ujezd and along At the Lusatian Seminary Street (ulice U luzickeho seminare). The most substantial was certainly around todays Parliament (Snemovni), where the oldest marketplace was also located, positioned by a stream along the route of today's Marketplace (Trziste) and along the river.

A bishop's court and fortified convent of the Knights of Malta were developed separately here. In 1257 New Town was founded Premysl Otakar II under Prague castle in the area, that was relatively densely settled. During the establishement of New Town under Charles IV, the King changed the name to the Smaller Town of Prague (Mensi Mesto prazske) in 1348. During the 15th century the district gained its current title: Lesser Town (Mala Strana).

New fortifications uncompromisingly cut through the old residential centre. The original inhabitants were evicted from their homes and sent to the Prague outskirt towns of Unhost, Jenec and Hostivice. The royal locator summoned colonists from northern Germany to replace them.

Based on the design of the new town, the immense rectangular central space became a square at the crossroads of major trade routes. From its corners more streets are connected with older ones (today's Mostecka, Tomasska, Letenska, Nerudova and Zamecka).

Neruda Hotel ****, Nerudova 44, Mala Strana, Prague, you will be delighted with convenient location and calm atmosphere, necessary for good rest. Tourists will be surprised by the number of cozy restaurants, cafes, music bars situated in this district.