The Church of St. Nicholas on Malostranská Square is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches not only in Prague but in the entire Czech Republic. The mighty dome with its slender bell tower is an integral part of the city skyline.

Photo of the Dome of St. Nicholas Church, Lesser Town, Prague

The church was built in the 18th century for the Jesuit Order by the renowned Dietzenhofer family. First, Christoph Dietzenhofer built the nave between 1703 and 1711. Later, his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer completed the chancel and the massive dome between 1737 and 1752.

The facade of the temple is a typical example of buildings in the so-called radical or dynamic baroque style. Curved walls articulated by pillars and cornices create a strong sense of movement. The facade is richly decorated with sculptures. Above the entrance, there is a sculpture of St. Nicholas. On both sides of him, St. Peter and St. Paul are standing. At the outer edges stand the founders of the Jesuit Order — St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier.

The interiors of the church are even more impressive. Franz Xaver Palko created the dome fresco with an illusion of dizzying height. Some sketches of this mural are kept in the Louvre. The dome rests on four massive pillars. Sculptures by Ignaz Platzer depicting the Fathers of the Church and allegories of human virtues look down from the pillars.

Photo of St. Nicholas Church, Lesser Town, Prague

Jan Lukáš Kracker created the murals in the nave. It is curious that, in addition to the saints, he depicted many scenes from everyday life: warriors, sailors, merchants, boatmen, and even himself (look for a figure in yellow and blue clothes). Another priceless object in the church is the organ from the 18th century. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself played this organ during one of his visits to Prague.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Prague, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture. From guided walking tours through the Old Town to boat trips along the Vltava River, you can discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Check out a curated selection of top Prague experiences on the GetYourGuide platform to plan an unforgettable trip.