Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is a baroque building in Karlovy Vary with twin towers and a central dome that shape the city's profile. Inside, an elaborate 18th-century altar and religious sculptures fill the space, with tall windows allowing light to illuminate the interior.

The current building was completed in 1737 by architect Kilian Ignác Dientzenhofer, replacing a Gothic church that had occupied the site since the 14th century. This transformation reflects the rise of baroque architecture in the region and changing tastes across centuries.

The church is named after Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in Christian tradition whose story has inspired devotion for centuries. Visitors can observe how the interior blends artworks from different periods, creating a space where people gather to worship and connect with their faith.

The church is accessible to visitors during religious services and offers a calm space for exploration. An underground crypt can be visited through guided tours available from May through September, providing deeper insight into the building's past.

The underground crypt features an altar built from mineral deposits sourced from local springs that give the city its name. Skeletal remains from the former cemetery that operated at this site rest beneath the floor until it closed in 1784.

Location: Karlovy Vary

Architects: Kilián Ignaz Dientzenhofer

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: Kostelní náměstí, Karlovy Vary

GPS coordinates: 50.22250,12.88440

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53