How did the Old Town of Prague develop during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the Old Town (Staré město) of Prague evolved from a market center on the right bank of the Vltava River into a fortified urban hub. Its development was significantly bolstered by the construction of the Judith Bridge in 1170, which improved connectivity across the river. By 1230, the settlement had achieved borough status and was protected by a system of walls and fortifications.1

The city’s growth accelerated under the House of Luxembourg, particularly during the reign of Charles IV. As the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague became a major European center, marked by the founding of Charles University in 1348 and the construction of the Charles Bridge in 1357. By the 14th century, the city’s economic influence was solidified by the use of Czech currency minted in Kutná Hora, though its social structure became increasingly complex due to the rise of powerful merchant classes and craft guilds.1