sv. Mikuláš

St. Nicholas Church. It stands tall and proud in the heart of Prague’s Lesser Town. It has been a landmark of the city for centuries, with its impressive Baroque architecture and intricate details. It stands on the site of an older church from the 13th century, and its construction took nearly a century and a half. Three generations of talented architects, the Dientzenhofers, built this incredible masterpiece. Their names are forever associated with the splendor of St. Nicholas Church. The dome, a testament to their architectural prowess, is one of the largest in Europe. Its interior reaches an awe-inspiring 57 meters high. The Church is a testament to the artistic skill of the Baroque era and a true architectural gem. You can see the original planned appearance of the church in the Chapel of St. Barbara. Built first so that mass could be celebrated, it has a late renaissance style. This chapel is a smaller space with a more intimate feel and a quieter atmosphere. However, after 1702, the architect Krystof Dientzenhofer made significant changes to the original design by Giovanni Domenico Orsi. The church stands on a sloping terrain. Underneath its massive structure lies an impressive crypt. The crypt is a series of barrel vaults connected with narrow hallways and passages. It was created in 1710. This space holds an aura of mystery and intrigue that invites your imagination. And if you find yourself in the church gallery, keep an eye out for a curious monk painted in the immense ceiling fresco by an unknown artist. Legend has it that the monk sneaked in to watch the painter at work and was included in the fresco as a mischievous reminder to the other monks. The church is an immense reminder of the cultural heritage of Prague and is one of the most visited attractions in the Czech Republic. It is certainly worth spending some time exploring it, admiring its stunning art, and imagining the life that once pulsed within its walls.