The Karlovy Vary region is blooming with unique monasteries, churches, pilgrimage sites, and other sacred structures that tell mysterious stories of the past and present. We had the opportunity to visit some of them, and today we will share the best ones with you.

 

The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary

This Orthodox church is a unique architectural gem inspired by the Byzantine-Old Russian church in Ostankino near Moscow. The richly decorated sanctuary features five gilded domes and lavish ornamental sculptures and paintings. The opulent interior includes, among other things, a wooden iconostasis (a wall with passages) adorned with figures of saints, originally created for the 1900 World's Fair in Paris.

Address: Krále Jiřího 2c, Karlovy Vary

 

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Karlovy Vary

This national cultural monument, the work of the renowned architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, attracts visitors not only with its impressive facade but also with surprising treasures hidden within the building. The interior of the church amazes with its lavish Baroque decoration —gilded details, statues, and altars create an atmosphere of supreme ecclesiastical splendour.

We also visited the unique underground of the church, where a burial crypt still stands, containing skeletal remains from the abolished cemetery that once surrounded the church in earlier times.

Address: náměstí Svobody 1, Karlovy Vary

 

Chlum Saint Mary Provostry Complex

According to legend, the origin of the pilgrimage site in Chlum Saint Mary (Chlum Svaté Máří) is linked to a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, discovered by a young journeyman who took it home. However, the statue mysteriously kept returning to its original spot, leading to the construction of a pilgrimage church there.

Whether this story is true or fictional, the fact remains that today's extensive Baroque complex of the provostry of the Czech Order of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star is worth seeing. It is no coincidence that in the 18th century, it was one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the entire country, and its popularity could not even be diminished by the Josephine reforms.

Today, this magical corner invites you to an unforgettable free tour. Walk through the historic complex, admire the majestic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Mary Magdalene, and step into the quiet chapel where time flows differently. And if you long for a view, climb the tower.

Address: náměstí J. W. Goetheho 1, Chlum Svaté Maří-Habartov

 

Parking:

You can park for free at J. W. Goethe Square.

 

 

Church of Saint Nicholas and Saint Elizabeth in Cheb

This majestic parish church opens its doors to all who seek a moment of peace, admiration of history or unique experiences.

Would you like to know more? Explore our article titled Cheb: a thousand-year-old town with a rich history and its four best stops.

Address: Kostelní náměstí 188, Cheb

 

Premonstratensian Monastery of Teplá

A unique tour of the Teplá Monastery will reveal not only the turbulent history of this place but also the beauty of the second-largest monastic library in Bohemia and the richly decorated Baroque interior of the Church of the Annunciation with its unique atmosphere.

This national cultural monument, with an 800-year-old tradition, is home to a community of Premonstratensians, whose name originates from their mother monastery founded in the French town of Prémontré. The Teplá Monastery was established in the 12th century by a nobleman, the Blessed Hroznata, who came from an old Czech aristocratic family and invited the Premonstratensians from the Strahov Monastery in Prague.

It is also worth mentioning that the relics of Blessed Hroznata remain preserved to this day in the chapel of the monastery church.

The complex also includes a beautiful park with mature trees and a monastery pond, as well as a newly added hotel offering a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. Hotel guests can even catch their own fish in the pond, which the local chefs will then prepare according to their preferences.

Address: Klášter Teplá 1, Klášter Teplá

 

Parking:

You can park for free in front of the monastery grounds.

 

 

Nový Dvůr Abbey

This unique place, located near the small town of Toužim, radiates a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. The local monks belong to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, also known as Trappists, meaning their life follows strict rules. The order originated in the La Trappe Abbey in France, hence the name of the members of the order.

The complex includes a guesthouse where you can purchase products, that are made by the monks themselves. We opted for their famous mustard, which added a unique flavour to our homemade dishes. However, if you don’t happen to be passing by, you can also buy their products online.

With all humility, we also peeked into the modern church, bathed in sunlight, which further emphasized the purity and simple lines of this contemporary sacred building.

Address: Dobrá Voda 20, Toužim

 

Parking:

There is a free parking lot for visitors in front of the abbey.

 

 

The Sacred Precinct in Ostrov

On the edge of the historic centre of Ostrov lies a unique Baroque treasure—a monastic complex known as the Sacred Precinct.

Lovers of Baroque will be thrilled here—monumental architecture, a spiritual atmosphere and exquisite details will transport you to the time of the greatest glory of this place.

Do you want to learn more? Read our article Ostrov: a hidden gem of the Karlovy Vary region and discover fascinating stories from this magical corner of the Czech Republic.

Address: Klášterní 141, Ostrov

 

Our final tip:

If you have the time and inclination, you can visit the individual locations in the chronological order listed above and take a round trip from Karlovy Vary to the surrounding area and back, just as we did.