Church of St. Mary Magdalene

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is one of Karlovy Vary’s most striking Baroque landmarks, designed by the renowned architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and completed in the 1730s. Built on the site of an older Gothic church, it stands directly opposite the Hot Spring Colonnade, creating a dramatic contrast between sacred architecture and the town’s spa life. One interesting fact is that during renovations, a hidden crypt was discovered beneath the church, containing rare Baroque ossuaries and ritual objects linked to local burial traditions. Inside, the church impresses with its soaring nave, richly sculpted altars, and soft interplay of light created by tall arched windows. The main altar features an expressive statue of St. Mary Magdalene, framed by dynamic Baroque ornamentation. Visitors can also admire the beautifully carved pulpit, side chapels dedicated to regional saints, and a historic organ that still accompanies concerts. The crypt, accessible on guided tours, reveals preserved stone chambers and exhibits on funerary customs. The church remains an active spiritual centre, blending artistic grandeur with centuries of local history.