St Nicholas Church, Malá Strana

St Nicholas Church dominates Malostranské náměstí, the main square of the Lesser Town, and its green copper dome and bell tower are one of the defining shapes of the Prague skyline. It was built for the Jesuits between 1704 and 1755 on the site of a Gothic church. Christoph Dientzenhofer designed the nave and his son Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer the choir and dome, and the bell tower was completed by Anselmo Lurago. The result is widely regarded as the finest example of Prague Baroque.

Inside, the scale and movement of the architecture are the main attraction. The walls curve and swell, and huge statues of the Church Fathers stand around the crossing. The ceiling of the nave carries a vast fresco showing the life of St Nicholas, and the dome is painted with a fresco by František Xaver Palko. Climb to the gallery for a closer view of the paintings and the organ.

The church's Baroque organ has more than 4,000 pipes, and Mozart played it in 1787 during one of his visits to Prague. That musical connection continues today, as the church holds regular early evening concerts of organ and choral music, including Mozart's Requiem, with tickets sold through the Prague Ticket Office. A concert is the best way to hear the acoustics of the building. The bell tower, which stands slightly apart from the church, has its own entrance and was once used as an observation post by the communist secret police. It now offers views over the Lesser Town rooftops.

The church is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, with a paid entrance for visitors. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. It suits anyone interested in art and architecture, and the concerts work well for couples and music lovers. Dress respectfully, since it remains a place of worship, and avoid visiting during services unless you intend to attend. Check the rules on photography at the entrance.

Malostranské náměstí is on the tram line, with a stop right outside, and Malostranská metro station on line A is a ten-minute walk. Charles Bridge is at the end of Mostecká Street, and Nerudova Street climbs from the square towards Prague Castle.