12 Top Sights: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Guide

Exploring this church requires a keen eye for detail. The building is a prime example of High Baroque style. It was designed by the famous architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Most visitors start with the grand exterior before heading inside. However, some of the best secrets are hidden below the floor. Here are the top twelve things to see and do at the church and in its immediate surroundings.

• Best overall: The High Altar
• Best for families: The Vřídlo Geyser
• Best rainy-day: The Underground Crypt
• Best free: The Baroque Facade

1. Name: The Baroque High Altar Type: sight Why go: This is the spiritual center of the church. It features a grand painting of St. Mary Magdalene. The artwork is framed by gold and marble. It captures the dramatic style of the 1700s perfectly. Best for: Art historians and pilgrims. Where: At the front of the main nave. Time: 10-15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk straight down the center aisle. Tip: Visit in the morning when sunlight hits the altar.
2. Name: The Underground Funeral Crypt Type: experience Why go: This is a unique and slightly eerie site. You can visit the crypt to see old remains. It also holds unique mineral formations from the hot springs. The atmosphere is very different from the bright church above. Best for: History buffs and curious travelers. Where: Beneath the church floor. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for guided tours. Getting there: Access is usually through a side entrance or guided group. Tip: Wear a light jacket as it is cool underground.
3. Name: The Baroque Twin Towers Type: sight Why go: These towers define the skyline of Karlovy Vary. They feature elegant onion-shaped domes. You can see them from almost anywhere in the valley. They represent the peak of Bohemian Baroque design. Best for: Photography. Where: The front facade of the church. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: View them from the Vřídelní street. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture both towers from the street.
4. Name: The Historic Pipe Organ Type: experience Why go: The church has incredible acoustics. The organ is used for regular concerts in the church throughout the year. Hearing live music here is a powerful experience. The organ itself is a work of art. Best for: Music lovers. Where: The choir loft above the entrance. Time: 1 hour for a concert. Cost: Concert tickets vary in price. Getting there: Enter through the main doors for scheduled events. Tip: Book tickets in advance during the summer film festival.
5. Name: Side Altar of the Holy Cross Type: sight Why go: This altar displays impressive sculptures. It shows the skill of local 18th-century craftsmen. The detail on the figures is very lifelike. It offers a quiet place for reflection. Best for: Quiet contemplation. Where: Along the side walls of the nave. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the left side of the church. Tip: Look for the small symbols of the saints on the base.
6. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous hot spring in town. It is located just steps away from the church. You can see water shooting 12 meters high. The Vřídlo Geyser Colonnade is a must-visit. Best for: Everyone. Where: Directly across from the church entrance. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view the geyser. Getting there: It is a 1-minute walk from the church steps. Tip: Try the mineral water from the nearby fountains.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure is beautiful. It houses several healing springs. It is part of the colonnades walking route near the church. The architecture is Swiss-style and very delicate. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: 200 meters from the church. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north along the Teplá river. Tip: Look for the relief showing the founding of the city.
8. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. It features 124 columns and many statues. Learning the Mill Colonnade facts helps you appreciate the scale. It is a grand place for a stroll. Best for: Walking and people-watching. Where: A 5-minute walk from the church. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river path toward the town center. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best light on the stone.
9. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: For the best view of the church, head up here. You can take the Diana funicular to the top. From the tower, the church looks like a toy model. It is the best way to see the city layout. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Funicular requires a ticket; tower is free. Getting there: Walk to the funicular station near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Check the weather before going up for clear views.
10. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This hotel is a legend in the travel world. It has a rich architecture and history. Many famous movies were filmed here. It is just a short walk from the church. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: At the end of the main spa street. Time: 20 minutes for a look. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Walk south from the church for 5 minutes. Tip: Have a coffee in the grand café if you have time.
11. Name: Ceiling Painting of the Holy Trinity Type: sight Why go: The ceiling is covered in a massive fresco. It depicts the Holy Trinity in vibrant colors. The perspective makes the dome look even higher. It is a true Baroque optical illusion. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Look up from the center of the nave. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Stand directly under the central dome. Tip: Bring binoculars to see the small details in the clouds.
12. Name: Statue of St. Augustine Type: sight Why go: This statue is one of many fine carvings. It stands as a guardian of the interior space. The craftsmanship shows the importance of the church. It is part of a larger set of saintly figures. Best for: Sculpture enthusiasts. Where: Located near the side pillars. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk around the perimeter of the seating area. Tip: Notice the items the saint is holding; they tell his story.

How to Plan Your Visit to This Baroque Icon

Visiting the church is quite easy for most travelers. It is located in the pedestrian zone of Karlovy Vary. You cannot drive directly to the doors. Most people walk from their hotels or the nearby colonnades. The church is open daily for visitors. However, times can change during religious services or weddings.

Always check the local schedule before you arrive. Respectful behavior is required inside the building. Please keep your voice low and avoid using flash. Dress modestly as it is an active place of worship. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. This helps you avoid any unexpected closures.

The area around the church is very busy. It is the heart of the tourist district. If you want a quiet photo, arrive early. Before 9:00 AM, the streets are much emptier. You can also visit during the evening when the towers are lit up. This provides a very romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

History and Architecture of St. Mary Magdalene

The church has a long and fascinating history. The current building was finished in 1736. It replaced an older Gothic church that was too small. The architect, Dientzenhofer, was a master of his craft. He used curved lines to create a sense of movement. This is a classic feature of the Bohemian Baroque style.

The church survived many fires and wars over the years. It remains a symbol of the city's resilience. In 2021, it gained even more fame. It became part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO listing. This honors the city's unique spa culture and architecture. You can learn more about the national context at Visit Czechia.

Inside, the layout is designed to impress. The oval floor plan was very modern for its time. It allows light to fill the space from all angles. The use of local materials connects the building to the land. It is not just a church; it is a piece of Czech heritage. Every stone tells a story of the people who built it.