Church of St. Nicholas - basic information

Church of St. Nicholas – basic information

The facade of the Church of St. Nicholas is one of the landmarks of the Old Town Square in Prague. The history of the Baroque church is very rich and

we want to introduce it to you now. We will also take you inside where you can admire the original decorations. At present, the church is popular not just because of the services but also due to regular musical concerts.

All about Church of St. Nicholas more read here

Construction of the church
The Baroque Church of St. Nicholas was built in the Old Town Square between 1732 – 1737. There used to be a Romanesque chapel in this place which later burnt down. The new Baroque church was built by one of the most important architects of that period – Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. The church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron of merchants, sailors and other professions related to the water. Saint Nicholas also represented the protector of the municipal autonomy. Later, the church was used by the Benedictine Order. As as result of the Josephine reforms, the church of St.Nicholas was closed in the 18th century.

Old Town Square

Come with us and explore the real heart of Prague. Do you know the secret of the Old Town Astronomical Clock? Do you know where to find the Prague Meridian and the meaning of the crosses on the paving stones? Click here and explore the Old Town Square on your own!

» More »

Modern history
In the mid 19th century patriotism started to grow and the church became an Orthodox church. Then the period of WW1 followed and the monument was used as a storage and occasionally as a presidiary church. A few years later the Czechoslovakian Hussite Church was founded here which still resides in here. The church became popular place for concerts which, due to perfect acoustics and the sound of the 18th-century organ, are a really strong cultural experience.

Interior of the church
When visiting the church you will certainly be enchanted by the gorgeous ceiling decorations. The fresco paintings represent the lives of the Saint Nicholas and Saint Benedictus and the motives from the Old Testament. The decoration was performed by the painter Kosmas Damián Assam. The whole interior is decorated by gorgeous stucco ornaments of Bernardo Spinetti. One of the dominating features of the church is the crown chandelier given as as present by Tsar Nicholas II. Only very little original furniture has been preserved until today. Beside the already mentioned organ also the altar (from 1737) and the wooden pulpit are original. In 1906 the church corner was decorated by a niche with the statue of St. Nicholas and by Classicist fountain with the dolphins.

PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1

Discover the most beautiful sights of Prague. Review the educational route PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1. All sights are described with lots of pictures.Click here

» More »

Address:
Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)
Praha 1 – Staré Město (Prague 1 – Old Town)

Contacts:
Phone: + 420 224 190 991 – 4
Mail-to: mikulas@ccsh.cz
Websites: http://www.husiti.cz/ccshpd/obce_seznam.htm ,

http://www.svmikulas.cz

Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm and during services

Entrance fees: no
Barrier-free access: no

GPS: 50.08797,14.419936

Connection:
Tram: 17, 18, 53 Staroměstská (then follow the street Kaprova)
Bus: 133 Staroměstská (then follow the street Kaprova)
Metro: A – Staroměstská (then follow the street Kaprova)

Search for connections: click here
Information on Prague transport: click here
Information on Prague public transport: click here

All about: Prague 1 Monuments
All about: Prague 2 Monuments
All about: Prague 3 Monuments
All about: Prague Castle
All about: Royal route and the coronation of King
All about: Jewish Prague
All about: Old Town Square
All about: Petrin Hill
All about: Prague gardens and Parks