History of the Church of St Mary Magdalene

The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture. It was built between 1732 and 1736. The famous architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer designed the structure. He is the same man who designed several iconic buildings in Prague. The church replaced an older Gothic building that once stood on the site. Today, its twin towers dominate the skyline of the spa district.

The interior of the church is just as impressive as the outside. You will find beautiful altarpieces and historic sculptures inside. The main altar features a painting of Mary Magdalene. There are also several side chapels dedicated to different saints. Many visitors are surprised by the bright and airy feel of the nave. The acoustics are excellent, making it a popular venue for organ concerts.

One of the most unique features is the underground crypt. This area contains a funeral chapel and an ossuary. It houses the remains of locals from the former cemetery. You can take a guided tour of the crypt to learn more. This offers a different perspective on the history of Karlovy Vary. It is a quiet and reflective space away from the busy streets.

10 Best Things to Do Near Church of St Mary Magdalene

The area surrounding the church is packed with history and beauty. You can easily walk from the church to many of the city's most famous springs. The streets are lined with colorful buildings and luxury shops. Here are the top ten things to do during your visit to Karlovy Vary.

• Best overall: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day activity: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Church of St Mary Magdalene Type: Sight Why go: To see the finest Baroque architecture in the city and explore the historic crypt. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Located right next to the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the church; small fee for crypt tours. Tip: Check the schedule for evening organ concerts for a magical experience.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Sight Why go: To see the Vřídlo geyser which shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone. Where: Directly across from the church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Buy a traditional porcelain spa cup nearby to taste the thermal water.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: To walk through the largest colonnade in the city with its 124 Corinthian columns. Best for: Photographers. Where: A short 5-minute walk along the Teplá River. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Read more about the Mill Colonnade history and springs before you go.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: To get the best panoramic views of the entire valley and the surrounding forests. Best for: Nature lovers and families. Where: Accessible via a funicular behind Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Funicular fee applies; tower entry is free. Tip: Follow the Diana Observation Tower funicular guide for easy access.
5. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: To see the world-famous hotel that inspired movies like Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: At the southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour (for coffee or a tour). Cost: Free to view from outside; prices vary for dining. Tip: Learn about the Grandhotel Pupp architecture and history at the hotel cafe.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: To learn the secret history of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: Near the main bus station. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Tip: Use a Jan Becher Museum visitor guide to book your tasting in advance.
7. Name: Imperial Baths (Císařské Lázně) Type: Sight Why go: To see the most luxurious spa building ever constructed in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate for guided tours. Tip: Check for Imperial Baths tours to see the stunning Zander Hall.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: To see the intricate white wooden carvings of this Swiss-style structure. Best for: Casual strolls. Where: Between the Hot Spring and Mill Colonnades. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the Charles IV spring, which is linked to the city's founding legend.
9. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: To see the famous statue of a chamois overlooking the city. Best for: Hikers. Where: On the hills above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The trail is steep, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
10. Name: Orthodox Church of St Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: To admire the brilliant gold domes and colorful facade of this Russian-style church. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: In the upscale Westend residential district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation requested. Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders and knees.

Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary in 2026

Visiting Karlovy Vary in 2026 is a great idea. The city continues to improve its tourist facilities while maintaining its historic charm. Most visitors arrive by bus or train from Prague. The journey takes about two hours and offers lovely views of the countryside. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website.

The city is very walkable, but it is also quite hilly. If you have mobility issues, use the local buses or the funiculars. Many of the best views require a short climb up the forest paths. These trails are well-marked and offer plenty of benches for resting. Always carry a bottle of water, but remember the thermal water is for sipping, not gulping.

When visiting the Church of St Mary Magdalene, be mindful of religious services. Avoid taking photos during mass to show respect to the local congregation. The church is usually open daily, but hours can vary in the winter. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the city is less crowded than in the summer.