A magnificent crystal chandelier hangs dazzlingly from the high ceiling. This is the Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Prague’s Old Town Square. Its history is as captivating as its architecture.
The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas stands proudly in the Old Town. It wasn’t always an Orthodox church though. Records show a church existed on this site as early as 1273. It served as a parish church for centuries. Hussitism and the Reformation were even preached here. In the 17th century Benedictines took possession. Sadly a fire destroyed the old church.
The Baroque beauty we see today was built by the brilliant Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Construction began in 1732 and finished three years later. His design is simply stunning. However the church’s journey wasn’t straightforward. Emperor Joseph II closed it in the 18th century. He considered the Benedictines unproductive. The church fell into disrepair. It became a warehouse. How could such a beautiful building be reduced to storage?
But hope arrived in 1871. The Russian Orthodox Church took over. They restored the building to its sacred purpose. A remarkable gift from Tsar Nicholas II arrived. A magnificent crystal glass chandelier now illuminates the church. This chandelier is the most prominent reminder of the Orthodox era.
World War I brought further changes. The occupying forces commissioned local artists. They restored frescoes by Kosmas Asam. These depict Saints Nicholas and Benedict in the dome. These frescoes add to the richness of the church’s interior.
The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas has served many purposes over the years. Since 1920 it has been the home of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. Its two greenish Baroque towers and dome are landmarks of the Old Town. They are visible from all over the area. The Church continues to thrive. It hosts regular religious services and classical music concerts. Its 2500-pipe organ is a highlight for music lovers. The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas stands as a testament to resilience and beauty. Its enduring presence in the heart of Prague is a captivating story of faith and architectural grandeur. It is a must-see for any visitor to this amazing city.