St. Nicholas' Church

"The Church of Saint Nicholas (Kostel svatého Mikuláše) in Prague is a prime example of Baroque architecture, with a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally, a Gothic parish church stood on this site, but following its transfer to the Jesuits after 1620, the parish was moved to St. Václav's Church. By 1628, the Jesuits had opened a primary and junior secondary school in the area. In the latter half of the 17th century, the Jesuits, under the guidance of architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi, decided to construct a new church. The first phase of this project was the Chapel of St. Barbara, built to allow for the celebration of mass while the main church was under construction. The old Gothic church was demolished, and in 1673, the cornerstone for the new building was laid. The construction of Saint Nicholas Church took place in two main stages during the 18th century. From 1703 to 1711, the west façade, choir, and the chapels of St. Barbara and St. Anne were completed. Count Wenceslaus Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky, a prominent Czech nobleman, was the church's most significant patron, donating his entire estate valued at 178,500 gold for its construction. The church's design features a complex geometrical system of interconnected cylinders topped by a central dome above the transept. The massive nave includes side chapels and an undulating vault created through a system of intersecting ellipsoids, largely attributed to architect Christoph Dientzenhofer. The chancel, characterized by its distinctive copper cupola, was completed between 1737 and 1752 under the supervision of Christoph's son, Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. After the death of Christoph Dientzenhofer in 1751, the church tower was completed in 1752. The church served as the main parish church of the Lesser Town after the Jesuit Order was dissolved by Pope Clement XIV in 1775. During the communist era, the church tower was repurposed as an observatory for State Security, allowing surveillance over the American and Yugoslav embassies and access routes to the West German embassy. Saint Nicholas Church is often regarded as "the most impressive example of Prague Baroque" and is recognized as the greatest Baroque church in the city. The exterior is characterized by a brownish hue, adorned with frescoes by Jan Lukas Kracker and an impressive fresco inside the 70-meter-high dome created by František Xaver Palko. The church's interior features sculptures by František Ignác Platzer. The Baroque organ, boasting over 4,000 pipes that can reach lengths of six meters, has a notable history as well; it was played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during his visit in 1787, where his Mass in C was first performed. The church's belfry, standing at 79 meters, connects directly with the church's grand dome. Completed in Rococo style between 1751 and 1756 by Anselmo Lurago, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, making it a prominent feature of Prague's skyline."

"St. Nicholas Church, located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square, is a Baroque masterpiece renowned for its ornate facade and stunning interior. Completed in the 18th century, it features elaborate frescoes, a grand altar, and a richly decorated dome. Visit during a quiet time to fully appreciate the intricate details of the church’s interior without the crowds. Attend a classical music concert if available, as the church is known for its excellent acoustics. The church's dome was painted by the famous Czech artist Karel Škréta, and its design was influenced by the works of Italian Baroque architects. The church is also notable for its beautiful pipe organ, which has been used for numerous musical performances throughout the years."

"The church was previously used by the Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church. Since 1920, it has served as the primary church for the Prague diocese of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. During the 1945 Prague Uprising, it was utilized by Czech partisans as a covert location for Radio Prague while the Waffen-SS attacked the main radio building."