The church was constructed specifically to replace a medieval chapel that sat directly atop a mineral spring vent.
The interior altar was crafted by the Prague sculptor Josef Hager.
An ossuary located under the church contains relics of plague victims and townspeople from the defunct local cemetery.
The church building is constructed on a foundation designed to withstand the volatile thermal activity of the surrounding spa terrain.
St Mary Magdalene's Church is a prominent high-baroque structure built between 1732 and 1736 to replace an earlier Gothic building. Designed by the acclaimed architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, it stands directly above the Vřídlo hot spring area. The interior features a significant altar painting by Elias Dollhopf, depicting the namesake saint. The church houses a unique subterranean ossuary that contains human remains recovered from the former town cemetery. Its twin domes and oval ground plan are hallmarks of Dientzenhofer’s innovative architectural style. The exterior is adorned with statues representing the four cardinal virtues and patron saints. The church serves as a Catholic parish hub for the central spa district of Karlovy Vary.
From the steps of the square facing the main entrance to capture the full scope of the twin towers.
Access the underground ossuary to view the unique collection of historical human remains.
Check the local parish schedule for organ concerts, which often utilize the church's favorable acoustics.
Observe the exterior façade closely to identify the symbols of the four cardinal virtues.
Do not mistake the church for the nearby Orthodox or Protestant places of worship in the spa area.
The church may occasionally close for private religious ceremonies or funerals; check the parish notice board outside.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid flash photography during services.
