The construction of St. Nicholas Church began in 1673 by Jesuits and completed in 1735. The church was used by the Russian orthodox between 1870 and 1914 and dedicated to St. Nicholas, the bearer of gifts to women and children, which explains its celebratory interior. Czech soldiers held up in the church during World War II, at which time artists restored the grandeur within. Nicknamed the "wedding cake’ because of its white Baroque façade applied in 1901, the structure now belongs to the Czech Hussite Order.

The inside of this grand building is loaded with frescos, life-sized sculptures (as those on the exterior south side), paintings, and delicate stucco decorations. The largest fresco by far-considered the largest in Europe-is "The Life of St. Nicholas," which honors the key saint. An art gallery, accented by the 2500-pipe Baroque organ on which Mozart is known to have played, ices the second level. The most striking feature of the church, of course, is the 70-meter-high dome coupled with the great bell tower. Classical concert performances are a regular event here.

Those who wish to visit can book tickets, and tours are available. Entrance requires a fee of 25 KCZ, and leaflets are provided to explain interior art and decorations. Transportation in bus or horse-drawn cab can be acquired at the Metro: StaRomesksta (line A). Plenty of dining and hotel accommodations are nearby. This breathtaking site will leave both church-lovers and architectural enthusiasts in awe!