One of the dominating features of the Louny skyline is the Church of St. Nicholas. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when the town was founded and the original parish church was built. It was constructed in the Romanesque or early Gothic style, and consecrated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In its heyday, the church in Louny was one of the richest in the entire Czech Kingdom, because the founder and patron was the King himself. That is why Louny townsmen could afford major Gothic reconstruction of their church, during which the present high tower was built. The church was also re-consecrated in the name of the patron of merchants, St. Nicholas.