One of the most romantic Prague streets — Nový Svět — is located just a few steps from the crowded Loretanska Square. When you are here, it is hard to believe that you are still in the capital city. A long time ago, this place was a suburb of Hradčany. After 1360, it was included in the town walls.
Loreta is one of Prague's main pilgrimage sites. The name comes from the Italian town of Loreto. The legend says that after the Saracens' invasion of Palestine, angels first took the Holy House (Santa Casa) to Dalmatia and then to Loreto. It was the very same house where the Virgin Mary lived and where Archangel Gabriel came to her and announced that she would become the Mother of God.
A long time ago, this square was surrounded by small houses belonging to residents of Hradčany. It might have remained this way if a devastating fire had not occurred in 1541. Most of the houses were then burned down. Wealthy aristocrats began purchasing the cleared land and building magnificent palaces in Hradčany.
Hradčany is one of the most distinctive quarters of Prague. A network of narrow streets, magnificent palaces beside small fairytale houses, the sound of the Loreta carillon, and peaceful monastery gardens create its unique atmosphere.
