The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is one of the finest Baroque buildings in the Czech Republic, and Karlovy Vary's most important Catholic church. Inside are beautiful pieces of 18th-century artwork, while underneath is a crypt housing human remains and a chapel.
Since the church’s construction in the 1730s, its onion-shaped spires have been a defining feature of the town’s skyline. It was built on the site of a medieval Gothic church which had been surrounded by its own cemetery.
Once inside, make your way to the beautiful high altar, which features an 18th-century image of Mary Magdalene. Survey the sculptures of saints on either side of the altar. These sculptures date back to 1759. Elsewhere in the church, study the gothic Madonna, the lavishly decorated side altars, Baroque Eucharist sculptures and paintings of biblical scenes.
Go on a tour of the underground crypt. Within the subterranean chambers is a funeral chapel containing remains that were once interred in the church’s cemetery. See the charnel house, or vault that has been built from the old bones. While you are down here, check out the Baroque church foundations and stop by the Altar of the Holy Sepulcher which is made from sinter and aragonite. Also in the crypt are biblical scenes from the Garden of Gethsemane and Calvary, the hill where Jesus was crucified.
The church can be visited during religious services and cultural events such as organ performances. Tours of the crypt are offered daily from May to late September and by appointment only from October to April. During the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July, evening tours of the crypt are available.
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is situated in the town’s spa area, a few steps away from the Hot Spring Colonnade and close to bus routes.
