May 2012 - Prague Czech Republic
Beautiful St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square was completed in 1735. It replaced a parish church, mentioned in records dating back as early as 1273.
St. Nicholas is a Baroque church, decorated with sculptures by Antonín Braun. The interior design was inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-invalides in Paris.
In 1781 decorations inside St. Nicholas were removed after emperor Josef II ordered the closure of all monasteries without a social function.
From 1870-1914 St. Nicholas became Russian Orthodox. Then, during the second World War, Czech army units were stationed here and artists were set to work restoring the church.
After the war, St. Nicholas was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement, with whom it remains today. It now serves as both a church and a magnificent venue for classical concerts.
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What a grand place! Prague is one of the cities I must see for myself someday. You've photographed this church beautifully.
ReplyDeletePrague is a wonderful city, beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'd love to visit there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interior shots
ReplyDeleteA beautiful building both inside and out.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Such a beautiful church!
ReplyDelete