St. Nicolas Church

The giant green dome looming over Lesser Town Square belongs to the wondrous St. Nicolas, one of the finest examples of High Baroque architecture in Central Europe, this massive imposing dome and the Catholic church have continued to look over and protect the Lesser Town for centuries. Built by Christoph Dientzenhofer and his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer from 1704 to 1755 the architectural style was considered to be radical, hence the name the Radical Baroque of Bohemia. Both men were inspired by Baroque examples in Northern Italy especially structures designed by Guarino Guarini. The characteristics of the Radical Baroque include seductive curving of walls and the meeting of oviform spaces. St. Nicolas is a prime example. Once you enter, you will be in a gilded Baroque dream. Notice the glorious fresco by Johann Kracker that decorates the ceiling of the nave - Apotheosis of St. Nicolas is one of the largest frescoes in Europe. Mozart himself once played the 2500 pipe organ that echoes throughout the massive church of St. Nicolas. If you have time to see only one Baroque structure in Prague, St. Nicolas is the granddaddy that most certainly takes the cake.

Malostranské náměstí 38, Praha 1.