Exploring the St. Mary Magdalene Church Interior and Top Sights

Karlovy Vary offers a mix of spiritual beauty and royal elegance. Most people start their journey at the church. The St. Mary Magdalene Church interior is famous for its golden altars. You can feel the history as you walk through the nave. It is a quiet escape from the busy spa streets.

Beyond the church, the town has many architectural wonders. You can walk along the river to see grand hotels. Each colonnade has a different style and history. Some are made of wood, while others use stone. Here are the top 12 sights you should not miss.

1. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: Sight Why go: To see the stunning Baroque altar and ceiling paintings. Best for: History and art lovers. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Visit during a concert for amazing acoustics.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: It is the largest colonnade with 124 columns. Best for: Photography and drinking mineral water. Where: Along the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the church. Tip: Read more about the Mill Colonnade history before you go.
3. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Experience Why go: Watch master glassblowers create world-famous crystal. Best for: Families and craft fans. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22. Tip: Use this Moser Glassworks guide to book your tour.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Hikers and photographers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from the town. Tip: There is a mini-zoo at the top for kids.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn how the famous Becherovka herbal liqueur is made. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Walkable from the main bus station. Tip: Check out the museum tour details for opening times.
6. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: See the Vridlo spring shoot water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Divadelni namesti. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to St. Mary Magdalene Church. Tip: Take a Hot Spring Colonnade tour to see the underground pipes.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure with intricate carvings. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river path. Tip: View the Market Colonnade architecture at night when it is lit up.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This luxury hotel was the inspiration for famous movies. Best for: Movie fans and luxury seekers. Where: At the end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; pricey for tea. Getting there: Follow the river to the south. Tip: Look for the brass plaques of famous guests on the ground.
9. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: It has stunning golden domes and a bright blue exterior. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit the Orthodox Church for a different religious style.
10. Name: Deer Leap Lookout Type: Nature Why go: A statue of a chamois marks where the springs were found. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Forest paths above the town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the Market Colonnade. Tip: The path is steep but well-paved for walkers.
11. Name: Karlovy Vary Museum Type: Indoor Why go: To understand the history of the spa and the region. Best for: History buffs. Where: Nova Louka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located near the theater. Tip: Perfect for a rainy afternoon.
12. Name: Municipal Theatre Type: Culture Why go: See the beautiful interior painted by Gustav Klimt. Best for: Art and theater fans. Where: Divadelni namesti. Time: 1 hour (for a tour). Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the curtain art.

How to Experience the St. Mary Magdalene Church Interior

The St. Mary Magdalene Church interior is a highlight of any visit. It was built by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer in the 1730s. The main altar features a painting of Mary Magdalene. You will also see many statues of saints around the walls. The light inside creates a very holy feeling.

You should also visit the underground crypt. It holds the remains of people from the old cemetery. The crypt tour shows how the church was built on thermal ground. You can see the unique foundations and old tombs there. It is a very different experience from the bright upper church.

When you visit, please remember to be quiet. This is an active place of worship for locals. Avoid using flash photography inside the main hall. You can find more visitor info on the official tourism site. Most people visit for about 30 minutes.

Essential Tips for Visiting Karlovy Vary in 2026

Getting around Karlovy Vary is quite easy on foot. Most major sights are located in the pedestrian zone. If you need to travel further, use the local buses. You can find schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site. Taxis are available but can be expensive.

The town is very busy during the summer months. If you want peace, visit in the spring or fall. The winter is also beautiful, especially during the Christmas markets. Always carry a small cup for the mineral water. You can buy traditional porcelain cups at any colonnade.

Czech food is hearty and delicious here. Try the local spa wafers called oplatky. They are thin, sweet, and often served warm. Many restaurants offer traditional goulash and dumplings. Be sure to try the Becherovka liqueur after your meal.