Known for being one of the most impressive examples of high Baroque architecture in Prague, St. Nicholas Church not only excels in its architectural design but also in its maximalist interior decoration.

The church was built between 1704 and 1755 on the site of a former Gothic place of worship dating back to the 13th century. The new church was designed by the architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi and was sponsored by Count Wenceslaus Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky who donated his entire estate to ensure the completion of the construction.

The basilica features a wonderfully detailed geometrical design  built by Christoph Dientzenhofer with a soaring nave and lofty side chapels giving great height and light to the structure. The interiors are truly beautiful, showcasing many frescoes by the Vienna painter Johann Lucas Kracker, who took inspiration from the Italian late-Renaissance period. In total there’s an incredible 3000 square meters of frescoes featured in the church with the painting of the Holy Trinity by Franz Palko positioned inside the 70m high dome, being particularly impressive!

As well as the gorgeous paintings there are many impressive larger than life sculptures by artist František Ignác Platzer which showcase different Jesuit Saints in glistening marble with individual parts highlighted in gold.

To the left of the altar you will find a small staircase leading up to a balcony from which you can admire the church from above and get a closer look at the magnificent dome as well as admiring the baroque organ which has over 4000 pipes (the largest of which are six metres in length). In 1787 even Mozart played this exact organ and after his death his requiem Mass was held here.

In my opinion the most impressive part of the church has to be St. Barbara’s Chapel located in the north-east corner of the basilica. The painting on the ceiling by Karel Škréta documents the Crucifixion and if you look closely you can also spot some tiny skulls and reapers hidden amongst the many figures that are depicted within this amazing work of art. Also, around the edges of the chapel you can find winged skull carvings and a ‘skull and crossbones’ within a golden wreath. 

Construction of the church lasted nearly one hundred years and saw three generations of great Baroque architects work on it, transforming the structure into a National cultural monument which amazes visitors with its timeless beauty.

Alongside the church you can also climb to the top of the bell tower which was the last part of the church to be built in the Rococo style by Anselmo Lurago. The 215 steps take you up to a 65m high gallery which offers striking panoramic views across Prague!