svatá Máří Magdalena

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene stands right in the historic center of Česká Lípa, on the bank of the Ploučnice river, in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic. It's a modest but distinctly picturesque late Gothic building that has watched over the town for centuries and still serves as an active Roman Catholic parish church.

Where exactly is the church?

The church sits on Smetanovo nábřeží, right by the river, making it one of the easiest landmarks to spot on a walk through Česká Lípa's old town. The town itself lies in the Liberec Region, close to the borders with Germany and Poland, and is a popular base for exploring the Lusatian and Zittau Mountains.

What is the story behind the building?

The church's roots go back to the Middle Ages, most likely connected to a hospital once run by monks. The oldest surviving written record of the building dates from 1503. A little over a decade later, in 1514, the church underwent a major rebuild that gave it the late Gothic form it still has today — the structure has survived largely unchanged ever since.

What can visitors see inside and outside?

A slender roof turret rises above the church, holding two bells: the older one dates from the 15th century, while the newer one was cast in 1731 by a bell founder from Bolesławiec. Inside, Baroque sculptures stand in striking contrast to the building's medieval origins, alongside stained glass windows made in 1930 that combine religious scenes with ornamental patterns, filling the interior with distinctive colored light. Right next to the church grow two old lime trees that, according to local tradition, may date back to the founding of the parish rectory in 1489.

Is the church a protected monument?

Yes. Since 1965, the church and the adjoining rectory building have both been listed as cultural monuments. The two buildings still stand side by side on the riverside embankment in the town center and remain the property of the Roman Catholic Church, which continues to use the church for regular parish life.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to its central location, the church can be visited any time of year during a stroll through Česká Lípa. Spring and summer make for the most pleasant riverside walks, with longer days encouraging longer trips into the town and the nearby Lusatian Mountains, but an autumn walk along the Ploučnice has its own charm too, especially with fewer tourists around.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the Church of St. Mary Magdalene stand? In the center of Česká Lípa, on Smetanovo nábřeží by the Ploučnice river, in the Liberec Region.

How old is the church? Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, with the oldest written record dating from 1503; the church took its current late Gothic form after a major rebuild in 1514.

What is inside the roof turret? Two bells — an older one from the 15th century and a newer one cast in 1731 by a bell founder from Bolesławiec.

Is the church legally protected as a heritage site? Yes, along with the neighboring rectory it has been listed as a cultural monument since 1965.

Can visitors go inside? The church functions as an active parish church, so its interior — with Baroque sculptures and 1930 stained glass windows — can usually be visited during opening hours or services.