St Nicholas Church in Old Town Square: Baroque Interior, Crystal Chandelier & Concerts (2026)
I think St Nicholas church in Old Town is one of those places that rewards the curious. It’s right in the middle of Prague’s busiest square, and yet most people genuinely have no idea what’s inside.
As somebody who lives in Prague and has walked past this building hundreds of times, I can tell you it still stops me. The Baroque interior, the ceiling frescoes, and that enormous crystal chandelier gifted by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, it’s a lot to take in for something that takes about twenty minutes to see properly.
My honest review: Is St.Nicholas Church worth visiting?
I really think, that this church is absolutely worth twenty minutes of your time. I really like the fact that it is free to enter during the day, which is a rarity in such a prime location.
I also think, that St.Nicholas Church is far more impressive than the more famous Týn Church across the square, which is often surprisingly dark and gloomy inside.
As for the evening concerts, most people actually enjoy them, especially the acustics and the fact that the venue is so beautiful and right in the centre of Prague. But, if you are travelling on a budget, 600 CZK might be a little steep to pay for the concert ticket.
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My favourite thing about St.Nicholas Church
The best thing about this church is undoubtedly the central crystal chandelier. It was a gift from the Russian Tsar Alexander II to the Orthodox congregation in 1880, and it was crafted specifically for this space by the Harrachov glassworks in the Giant Mountains.
It’s 4.5 metres in diameter wide and because it’s so large, that it weighs roughly 1.5 tonnes.
I really like standing directly underneath it to get a sense of the scale; it gives you a neck ache if you look up for too long, but it is totally worth it. And of course, the light is absolutely beautiful as it shines through the windows on the chandelier.
Another reason to look up as you walk in is to see the organ loft, where Mozart played this organ in 1787 when he visited Prague.
Everyday Classical concerts at the church
The church continues to schedule daily evening classical concerts, which are very popular. While the church was always a music venue, the 2026 line up focuses on smaller, acoustic-heavy performances that sound fantastic under the vaulted ceiling.
The classical concerts take place every day from 6 pm and lasts 1 hr. You can buy tickets from 2 pm on the day (or for any other days) at the main entrance of the church (facing the Old Town Square).
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Best time to visit & How much time you actually need to visit
I always suggest visiting as soon as the doors open in the morning as most people are heading first to the Old Town Hall. By 11:00 AM, the square can be quite busy and the quiet atmosphere of the church starts to fade. You only really need 10-15 minutes to see everything properly.
There is also a small display near the entrance about the history of the church and the 2014-2016 restoration, showing the painstaking work done to clean the crystal chandelier, piece by piece.
The fascinating history of St.Nicholas Church
The history of the church is quite dramatic. The current building stands on the site of a much older parish church, which dates back to the 13th century. In early 18th century the church was given over to the Benedictine Order.
The church you see today was built in the 1730s under the architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, one of the most important names in Prague’s architectural history. Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer was worked on the more famous St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana, but also built the first Baroque private house in Prague, which is now Antonin Dvorak Museum.
When Joseph II dissolved the monasteries of Bohemia in 1787 as part of his sweeping Enlightenment-era reforms, St. Nicholas Church lost its monastic purpose almost overnight. The monks had to leave and the church was stripped of its valuables and turned into a storehouse for grain.
Afterwards it became a garrison church for the Russian military during the Napoleonic wars. This is the reason how that enormous Russian crystal chandelier came to be here, it was a gift from Tsar Alexander I.
The church then passed through further changes of ownership and purpose across the 19th century, including a period as a Russian Orthodox church, before eventually coming into the care of the Czech Hussite Church in the 20th century, which still administers it today.
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Planning your visit: 2026 Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Location
- Entry to the church during day time hours: FREE
- Concert Ticket Prices: 600 CZK for adults, 400 CZK for students and seniors, Children 250 CZK, Children under 10 free
- Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 (free to enter through the side door with church service on Wednesdays and Sundays). Classical concerts start from 6 pm each day, entrance through the main door
- Location: Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square), Prague 1.
My local tip: During the day the entrance is through a little side door which is facing the Franz Kafka Square. It’s a regular sided black door, which is kept closed (but not locked). The main grand entrance is kept closed (and locked) during the day, so the church might look like it’s completely closed (but it’s not).
Refreshments & Facilities
There are facilities inside the church itself, but you are in the middle of Old Town, so there is no shortage of good cafes. I usually avoid the cafes directly on the square as they are overpriced and often serve average coffee. Instead, try one of the small places in the side streets (heading towards Marianske Square); they are usually quieter and much better quality.
How to get to the church from the centre of Prague
If you are already in the centre, the best way to get here is by walking as it’s right in the corner of Old Town Square right opposite the little park and with Parizska Street next to the church.
If you are coming from the Staroměstská Metro station (Line A) or Staromestska Tram Stop (no. 17, 2), walk straight toward the Old Town Square. You’ll see the church tower looming over the square. You don’t need a map; just look for the tallest, whitest building with the prominent green dome.
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What else you can see & do nearby
Once you leave the church, you are right on the Old Town Square and steps away from the Astronomical Clock. I honestly think it’s a little overrated, but if you are here, you might as well take a quick look.
Since you are in the square, walk toward the Týn Church, the one with the gothic, spiky towers. It provides a great architectural contrast to the Baroque style of St Nicholas Church.
If you have a bit more time, stroll down toward the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). It is less than five minutes away on foot. The history of Jewish community in Prague can be quite sad, but I think, it’s important for understanding the city’s past.
This blog post was originally written on 20 April 2026 and last updated on 20 April 2026
