Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Karlovy Vary

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church built from brick, featuring five distinctive golden domes designed after Russian architectural traditions. Its interior displays Byzantine elements including an ornately decorated iconostasis and detailed wall frescoes.

Construction took place from 1893 to 1897 under architect Gustav Wiedermann, replacing an older Orthodox chapel on the same site. The building was erected as the number of Russian visitors and residents grew in the city.

The cathedral draws Orthodox believers and serves as a spiritual center for the local community. Its five golden domes are visible across the city and have become part of how locals identify their neighborhood.

Visitors can easily reach the church on foot from the city center and should wear modest clothing if they wish to attend services. Photography inside is often restricted, so it is worth asking beforehand.

The interior iconostasis contains oil paintings of saints created by artist Tyurin originally for the 1900 Paris World Exhibition. These valuable artworks represent a rare connection between international exhibitions and local places of worship.

Location: Karlovy Vary

Inception: 1900

Architects: Gustav Wiedermann

Architectural style: Russian Revival architecture

Made from material: brick

Address: Krále Jiřího 1039/2b,c, 36001 Karlovy Vary

GPS coordinates: 50.22464,12.87490

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:07