St. Nicholas Church at Lesser Town / Chrám Svatého Mikuláše na Malé Strane (Prague)
N 50° 05.275 E 014° 24.159
33U E 457267 N 5548576
St. Nicholas Church in Prague's Lesser Town (In Czech: Chrám Svatého Mikuláše na Malé Strane) is one of the most beautiful buildings of Bohemia Baroque and one from the most valuable Baroque buidings in Europe.
Waymark Code: WM6G70
Location: Hlavní město Praha, Czechia
Date Posted: 05/30/2009
Views: 228
Construction of St. Nicholas Church at Lesser Town began in 1703. This magnificent building is the largest of Prague's churches founded by the Jesuits. St. Nicholas is the masterpiece of Kryštof and Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, a father and son duo who constructed many buildings during the Baroque period. Unfortunately, neither lived to see its completion. The building was finished by Kilián's son-in-law, Anselmo Lurago).
The interior of St. Nicholas is finely decorated with statues, paintings, and frescoes by leading artists of the day. Particularly impressive is the dome fresco (the largest in Europe...) from Czech baroque painter František Xaver Palko, showing The Celebration of the Holy Trinity, filling the 70 m high dome.
The dome was completed in 1751, shortly before Kilián Ignác died. Over the Baroque organ is a fresco of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music. The organs were played by Mozart in 1787. The belfry was the last part to be built, constructed by Anselmo Lurago in 1751-56. During the summer months, classical concerts are held inside St. Nicholas.