Prague Castle
In the 13th century, towns started to increase in size. Three settlements around the Prague Castle gained the privilege of a town. The settlement below Prague Castle became the New Town of Prague in 1257 under King Otakar II, and it was later renamed Lesser Town (or Quarter) of Prague — "Malá Strana". The Castle District — "Hradčany" which was built around its square, just outside Prague Castle, dates from 1320. Across the river Vltava, the Old Town of Prague — "Staré Město" had already gained the privilege of a town in 1230.