St Nicholas Cathedral
TIME : 2016/2/22 10:36:08
St Nicholas Cathedral
St Nicholas Cathedral is the most famous Baroque church in Prague. Along with the former Jesuit college, it is situated in the center of the city’s Lesser Town Square. A 13th century Gothic parish church stood at the site until the current cathedral took its place in the mid-18th century.
St Nicholas Cathedral is a superb example of High Baroque architecture and is as impressive from the inside as it is from the outside. The interior was said to have been inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-Invalides in Paris, with its intricate frescos, grand sculptures, and elegant stucco designs making it a striking place to visit.
The cathedral’s main Baroque organ is up to six meters in length and features more than 4000 pipes. In 1787, during his stay in Prague as a guest of the Dušeks, Mozart himself played this very organ. Elsewhere, the church’s 79-meter belfry is directly connected with the building’s huge dome and provides panoramic views across the city from its gallery.
In addition to visiting during the day, guests can attend classical concerts at the cathedral, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Practical Info
St Nicholas Cathedral is located in the Lesser Quarter of Prague. To reach it on foot, follow the route to Prague Castle from the Charles Bridge. Alternatively, take tram number 12, 20, or 22 to the Malostranske náměstí stop. There is a church service every Sunday at 10am.