Czech name: Kostel svatého Mikuláše
The baroque Church of St. Nicholas, fondly referred to by Czech locals as “kostel svateho mikulase praha” was built between 1704 and 1755, replaced a Gothic church in Prague that was consecrated in 1283. Baroque architecture followed the Renaissance period and originated in Rome in the 16th century. This church in Prague should be included when you are planning a schedule for your Prague sightseeing. Opportunities to view the church include tours, church services, concerts, and other events.
Location & How to Get to the Church of St. Nicholas
The Church of St. Nicholas is located at Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí) in the Lesser Town of Prague.
You can reach the Church of St. Nicholas in Old Town Prague by subway, tram, taxi, or walking. You may want to base your method of travel on the opportunity for more Prague sightseeing:
- Starting at the Prague main station (Hlavní nádraží) using the subway and the tram, take the Museum A route that runs every five minutes to Malostranská. Transfer to the tram to be taken to St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláše). Total travel time is 12 minutes.
- To travel by subway only, starting at the Prague main station (Hlavní nádraží), take the Museum A route to Malostranská and walk five minutes to Nicholas Church. Total travel time is 18 minutes.
- To travel by tram only, starting at the Prague main station, walk seven minutes to the tram station Hlavní nádraží. Take the Hlavní nádraží route that runs every five minutes to Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square) – tram number 15 and arrive at Nicholas Church. Total travel time is 23 minutes.
- To travel by taxi, starting at the Prague main station, call for a taxi and receive door-to-door service. Total travel time is six minutes.
Church of St. Nicholas Old Town Prague Opening Hours & Entry
Weekly masses are scheduled at 8:30 pm on Sundays.
In January, the Church of St. Nicholas, Old town Prague is opened daily for tours from 9 am to 4 pm. From February through June, tours are offered daily from 9 am to 5 pm. In July and August, tours are offered from 9 am to 6 pm except on days of concerts when tours end at 5 pm. In September up to the 20th, tours are provided from 9 am to 5 pm. On and after September 21st and through October, tours are provided from 10 am to 4 pm, There are daily tours in November and December, but the hours are not available.
Concerts and other special events are also scheduled at various times.
Church of St. Nicholas, Prague entrance fee
Admission for tours into the baroque Church of St. Nicholas, Prague costs 100 CZK for adults. For adults over 65 and children and students from ten to 26, admission is 60 CZK. Children under 10 with an adult and ZTP, ZTP, and P card holders are free. School groups of ten or more aged ten to 15 years are 40 CZK each. You can purchase tickets at the church box office with CZK or credit card.
The one-hour concert prices are 490 CZK for adults. For adults over 65, children aged ten to 15, and students from ten The Church of St. Nicholas, Prague concerts is however a different story entirely, as the concert’s ticket prices differ to a considerable extent from the cost charged for a mere tour of The Church of St. Nicholas, Prague . The one-hour concert costs 490 CZK for adults. For adults over 65, children aged ten to 15, and students from ten to 26, admission is 300 CZK. Children under ten are free. Admission for some subscribers is 100 CZK per concert. If you will attend multiple concerts throughout the year, an annual 900 CZK, non-transferable subscription is recommended. For the subscription, you receive nine concert tickets with an extension for two guests. Tickets can be purchased at the church box office or online. The Church of St. Nicholas, Prague concert is a must visit for every tourist before they exit the beautiful city of Prague.
What to Do & What to See at the baroque Church of St. Nicholas, Prague
Information about the Church of St. Nicholas, Prague should start with a couple unusual facts. First, the church’s bell tower has always been owned by the city of Prague. Second, the patron of the church chose to try to remain anonymous. So, instead of placing his own coat of arms on the church, Václav Count of Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky placed the coat of arms of his uncle, Frantisek Karel Count of Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky, on the church.
The Church of St. Nicholas, Prague is sometimes popularly referred to by locals as Church of St. Nicholas, Prague mala strana. “Mala Strana” here translates in English to mean “little side of the river” which is a term used to refer to the Lesser town in Prague, which is the part of the city where the church is located.
The interior of the dome is 20 meters in diameter and 57 meters high. The external 79-meter height of the dome is the same as the 79-meter height of the belfry. The Rococo-style belfry was built by Anselmo Lurago between 1751 and 1756. In the chancel, there is a copper cupola. A large crypt with barrel vaults is underneath the church.
On the exterior of the St. Nicholas Church, convex and concave shapes alternate on the facade. It has three gables, a statue of St. Nicholas, statues of church fathers, a cross, and an IHS monogram. Semicircular stairs lead up to the three entryways.
With over 4,000 pipes measuring up to six meters, the large, Baroque-style organ in the choir area includes Mozart in 1787 as one of its users. After his visit, his Mass in C was showcased at the works initial performance at the church. Thomas Schwarz actually built three organs for the church. A second 18-register, two manual, one pedal organ, built in 1745, is in the side emporium. It has been restored several times and is the organ that is currently used for concerts. The organ under the dome was built by Josef Gartner in 1831. It has six registers and one manual.
Among the artwork displayed inside the Church of St. Nicholas, Prague are the 1760 Visitation of the Virgin Mary altar painting, the Adoration of St.. Barbara ceiling painting in the oldest chapel, paintings by St.. Jan Nepomucký in the chapel, sculptures by František Ignác Platzer, frescos by František Xaver Palko inside the dome, frescos by Jan Lukas Tracker, and the pre-1646 Crucifixion and Souls in Purgatory painting by Karel Škréta that was created for the original Gothic St.. Nicholas Church.
History of the kostel svateho mikulase Praha
The Church of St. Nicholas was designed and built by Kryštof Dientzenhofer; his son, Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer; and his son-in-law, Anselmo Lurago. The plans by Dientzenhofer featured geometrical interconnected cylinders under a dome. The Jesuit priests decided to build a new church in 1673 and originally chose Giovanni Domenico Orsi to design it. The involvement of the Jesuit priests explains why a Jesuit house is located on Malostranské náměstí with the church. Pope Clement XIV. abolished the Jesuit Order. So, in 1775, the church became the parish church of Lesser Town.
Baroque Music Concert in St. Nicholas Church
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Baroque music in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. Enjoy a one-hour performance by artists from the National Theatre and Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in the magnificent St. Nicholas Church.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in a captivating classical music performance featuring masterpieces by renowned composers such as Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Dvořák.
- Experience the enchanting ambiance of the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, a masterpiece of architecture and a treasure trove of historical significance.
- Marvel at the magnificent Baroque organ, which once resonated with the melodies played by Mozart himself.
- Delight in the flawless acoustics of the church, allowing you to fully appreciate the richness and beauty of the music.
Included
- Admission ticket to the exquisite classical music performance, providing an unforgettable auditory experience.
- Printed program in English, allowing you to follow along and gain deeper insight into the pieces performed.
Conclusion
The Church of St. Nicholas in Prague is a stunning architectural marvel known for its intricate Baroque design and ornate interior, attracting visitors with its grandeur. Our detailed tour guide highlights the must-see synagogues in Prague, offering valuable insights into their rich history and cultural significance.
In Prague, there are six must-see art museums that showcase an impressive collection of masterpieces, providing a rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts. Additionally, the Church of St. Nicholas in Prague is a magnificent architectural gem, known for its breathtaking beauty and intricate Baroque design, attracting visitors with its grandeur.
