Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Kynšperk nad Ohří)

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kynšperk nad Ohří is a Baroque church standing in the heart of the town, on 5. května square, right next to the bus station. Its two bulbous towers are visible from far away and are usually what draws visitors' attention toward the building in the first place. Together with the adjoining rectory, the church has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1963.

What is the history behind the church?

The site's history reaches back to the Middle Ages. An earlier church in the area was most likely built in the 13th century, founded by Cistercian monks. In 1286, King Wenceslaus II granted patronage rights over the church to the Czech order of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, but by 1290 those rights had already passed to the monastery in Waldsassen. The dispute over the church dragged on for decades — only in 1311, after long disputes, did the Crusaders finally regain control of it.

The current Baroque building, however, does not stand on the original site. The church was rebuilt from scratch between 1721 and 1727, this time outside the boundaries of the town's historical centre. Construction was led by Jan Wolfgang Braunbock, an experienced builder from Teplá who built several churches for the Crusader order in the Loket region.

What does the church's architecture look like?

The building has a single-nave, rectangular layout typical of Baroque parish churches of the period. Its most recognisable feature is the pair of tall towers topped with bulbous cupolas, which dominate the surrounding buildings and can be spotted from many points around town. A twin-tower facade of this kind was a popular solution in the sacred architecture of the Karlovy Vary region during the 18th century.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Right next to the rectory adjoining the church stands a statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, which is likewise listed as a cultural monument. It's an extra detail worth noticing while exploring this small but historically rich religious complex.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands in the very centre of Kynšperk nad Ohří, on 5. května square, directly next to the bus station. Because of this location, it's one of the first buildings visitors arriving by public transport see, and it also makes a convenient starting point for a walk through the town centre.

Frequently asked questions

When was the current church building constructed? The current Baroque building dates from 1721–1727. It replaced an earlier church that stood on a different site, closer to the town's historical centre.

Who built the church? Construction was led by Jan Wolfgang Braunbock, a builder from Teplá associated with the Crusader order, who also built other churches for them in the Loket region.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, the church together with the neighbouring rectory has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1963.

How can you recognise the church from a distance? By its two distinctive towers topped with bulbous cupolas, which make the building visible from many parts of town.

Is there anything else worth seeing near the church? Yes, a historic statue of the Immaculate Virgin Mary stands by the rectory, listed under the same monument protection as the church itself.

How do you get to the church? The church is located on 5. května square, directly next to the bus station in Kynšperk nad Ohří, making it easy to reach by public transport.