Orthodox Church of Sts Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary

The Orthodox Church of Sts Peter and Paul is one of the most striking landmarks of spa Karlovy Vary. Its five gilded domes rise above the villa quarter of Westend and can be seen from many points in the town, giving the walk uphill from the colonnades a clear destination. Come for the architecture first, then step inside for the carved iconostasis, icons and quiet atmosphere of a living Orthodox church.

History

Karlovy Vary had an Orthodox community long before the present church was built. Fundraising for a new church began on 29 June 1862 under the patronage of Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, as the earlier prayer room could no longer serve the growing number of Russian and Serbian nobles and wealthy spa guests visiting the town.

The foundation stone was laid on 11 July 1893. The building was designed by Gustav Wiedermann of Františkovy Lázně, working from plans by the Russian architect K. A. Ukhtomsky and inspired by a church at Ostankino near Moscow. The church was consecrated on 9 June 1897 and completed in 1898.

A major restoration in 2013-2015 returned the facade, domes and interior details to much of their original brilliance, so the building again feels like one of the showpieces of the West Bohemian spa world.

Architecture

The church stands on a Greek-cross ground plan and is crowned by five gilded onion domes, with the central dome rising above the others. The facade is richly modelled with sculptural and ornamental details typical of Byzantine and Old Russian church architecture.

Its setting is part of the experience: the church sits in a garden among Art Nouveau villas, on the slope above the main spa promenade. It works well as a short architectural detour from the centre, especially if you enjoy the quieter streets of Westend.

Interior

The interior is compact but memorable. The main treasure is the carved wooden iconostasis with oil icons of saints by the Russian painter Ivan Alexeyevich Tyurin. It was originally made for the Paris World Exhibition in 1900 and later moved to Karlovy Vary, which gives it unusual value within Central European Orthodox heritage.

Look also for the frescoes and wall paintings, and for the bronze relief of Tsar Peter the Great by M. Hiller, recalling Peter's spa visit to Karlovy Vary in 1711.

Visit

The church is usually open to visitors outside services. Keep voices low inside and be prepared to pause your visit if prayer or a ceremony is taking place. Photography is usually tolerated, but this is first of all a sacred space, so discretion matters.

A normal visit takes about 20-40 minutes. It suits architecture lovers, visitors tracing the Russian spa history of Karlovy Vary, and anyone looking for a calm stop above the busy colonnades.

Practical information

• Opening hours: daily 9:00-18:00
• Admission: free, with a voluntary contribution welcome
• Services are held regularly; during services the church is reserved for worshippers
• The surrounding Westend quarter is pleasant for a slow walk and is manageable for most visitors, though the route climbs from the spa centre

Directions and contacts

• Address: Krále Jiřího 1039/2b, 360 01 Karlovy Vary
• GPS: 50.2247, 12.8749
• From Vřídlo / the Hot Spring Colonnade: about 900 m on foot via Zámecký vrch, the Anglican Church of St Luke and Petra Velikého street
• Public transport: city bus no. 4 to Krále Jiřího, then a short walk
• Phone: +420 607 183 023
• E-mail: onikolay@volny.cz