Üleliidulise tähtsusega ehitismälestiseks tunnistatud Niguliste kirik on kujunenud välja paljude sajandite (13.-18. sajand) ning mitmete stiiliperioodide (varagootikast kuni hilisbarokini) vältel.
Kunstiteadlasest autor annab brošüüris üksikasjalise ülevaate kiriku ehitusloost kuni selle restaureerimiseni ja kujundamiseni muuseumiks-kontserdisaaliks.

The Church of St. Nicholas was first mentionend in written sources in 1315, but it has a more ancient history. The comprehensive reconstruction occured in 1405-20, when the main body and choir were given the present space solution and architectural appearance.
In 1944 the Church of St. Nicholas was badly ravaged by the war. However, the most precious art treasures were salvaged.
Restoration of the building proceeded from 1953 to 1984. The Church of St. Nicholas, now a museum and concert hall, is an architectural monument of All-Union importance.