Church of Saint Mary

The Church of Saint Mary (known locally as the Church of Our Lady of the Healing of the Sick) is a neoclassical church in Karlova Studánka, a small spa town in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Bruntál District. Standing on a south-facing slope above the Bílá Opava river, it has served as the spiritual heart of this spa community for nearly two centuries.

How to get there?

Karlova Studánka lies in the Jeseníky Mountains at an elevation of roughly 775 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher-altitude spa towns in the Czech Republic. It connects by road to the nearby town of Bruntál and to popular hiking hubs in the Jeseníky range, including the trailhead for Praděd. The church sits in the central part of the spa settlement, only a short walk from the main spa buildings, so it is easy to find once you arrive.

What will you see?

The church was built between 1838 and 1840 to a design by Antonín Onderka, a builder associated with the Teutonic Order, which owned the entire spa estate at the time. Onderka is thought to have shaped not only the church itself but the architectural character of the newly developing spa settlement as a whole.

The building follows the neoclassical style typical of Central European sacred architecture in the first half of the 19th century. Inside, a uniform set of period furnishings has survived intact from the time of construction — pews, altar, and decorative details form a cohesive 19th-century ensemble that is unusually well preserved. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Healing of the Sick, a name that directly reflects the curative purpose of the town around it: from the outset, the church was meant to serve visitors coming to Karlova Studánka for treatment.

Thanks to its excellent state of preservation, the building has been listed as a protected cultural monument, underlining its historical and architectural value for the Jeseníky region.

When to visit and how to see the interior?

The interior is open to visitors only during regular services, held on Thursdays at 4:30 PM. This is the best opportunity to see the historic furnishings up close while also experiencing a living religious tradition tied to the place. Outside service hours, the church is still worth admiring from the outside — its form blends naturally into the spa settlement and the forested slopes of the Jeseníky that surround it. Further information is available from the Roman Catholic Parish of Bruntál.

As a spa town, Karlova Studánka draws visitors year-round: summer favours hiking on the surrounding trails, while winter proximity to ski resorts makes it a convenient base. Whatever the season, a walk to the church is a natural addition to any stay in this part of the Jeseníky.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Karlova Studánka built? It was constructed between 1838 and 1840 to a design by Antonín Onderka, a builder connected to the Teutonic Order, which owned the spa at the time.

What architectural style does the building represent? It is an example of early-19th-century neoclassicism, with a uniform and well-preserved set of interior furnishings dating from its construction.

When can you see inside the church? The interior is accessible on Thursdays at 4:30 PM, during regularly held services.

Why is the church dedicated to the "Healing of the Sick"? The dedication reflects Karlova Studánka's role as a spa town — the church was built from the start to offer spiritual support to visitors coming for treatment.