St. Nicholas Church

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests
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The St. Nicholas church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, featuring elaborate sculptures created by Antonin Braun. The interior of St. Nicholas was modelled after the chapel of St. Louis-des-invalides in Paris. The fine stucco embellishments were completed by Bernardo Spinetti and the gorgeous frescos were painted by Peter Adam the Elder. Construction on St. Nicholas Church was completed in 1735, though it was built as a replacement for a parish church that is thought to have been established in the mid-13th century.

In 1781, all the decoration and ornamental adornments were removed on the orders of Emperor Josef II, who demanded that any monastery or parish without a social purpose should be immediately closed.

From 1870 until 1914, St. Nicholas Church was home to a Russian Orthodox congregation. During World War II, Czech army units used the church as a barracks and artists were commissioned to set about restoring the structure to its former glory. After the war, St. Nicholas Church was given to the Czech Hussites, who continue its care today.

Until 1901 the large Krenn House virtually blocked the church from view in Old Town Square. Once the Krenn House was torn down that year, the full beauty of St. Nicholas’ gleaming white facade became visible to visitors in the square. Tourists now flock to Old Town Square from Prague apartment rentals all over the city, just to catch a glimpse of the sunlight hitting the white exterior during the day or to see the church lit by bright white lights after dark. It really is a dazzling sight.

St. Nicholas Church is still an active house of worship and also serves as a venue for spectacular classical concerts and performances. It is open daily for tours from 9am to 5pm, March through October, and from 9am to 4pm, November through February. Sunday services are at 10am and the church is easily accessible for those staying in Prague holiday apartments simply by taking the metro Line A to Staromestska. No trip to Prague would be complete without a visit to the beautiful St. Nicholas Church, located in the city’s Old Town Square district.