St. Nicholas Church (Kostel sv. Mikuláše) in the Old Town Square is a Baroque church situated in the heart of Prague’s historic centre. It was constructed between 1732 and 1737 on the site of a former Gothic church that dated back to the 13th century. The present structure was designed by architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, a leading figure of the Bohemian Baroque movement. Though smaller and less imposing than its namesake in the Lesser Town, the church is a significant architectural feature of the Old Town.
Originally built as a Catholic church, it was transferred to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church in the 20th century, a denomination that emerged after World War I. The change in ownership led to the removal of some Catholic iconography and the installation of features reflecting the Hussite tradition. Despite these alterations, many Baroque elements remain intact.
The building is characterised by its white stucco façade, twin towers, and octagonal dome. The interior is relatively restrained compared to other Baroque churches in Prague but still features frescoes, stucco decoration, and a notable chandelier, originally made for the Orthodox Church in the 19th century. The organ is still functional and is occasionally used for concerts, particularly during festivals and seasonal events.
Unlike many older churches in Prague, St. Nicholas in the Old Town Square does not have medieval stained glass or Gothic elements, as these were replaced or removed during the Baroque reconstruction. The church does not have a high altar in the traditional sense but rather a simple central focus appropriate for Hussite worship.
Today, it functions primarily as a concert venue and a religious space for the Hussite Church. Its central location and historical significance make it a common stop for visitors exploring Prague’s Old Town.
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