KARLOVY VARY

Basic Information on Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) - the most famous and popular spa in the Czech Republic, renowned mostly for its natural healing springs. The town is located in the very heart of Europe, west of Bohemia, between Krušné hory (Ore Mountains) and Slavkovsky les (Kaiser Forest). Karlovy Vary is not just a spa resort; guests may be attracted most of all by the famous local spa treatment, yet the town is also an architectural jewel with a number of monuments and a rich history. The number of visitors is further increased due to the acclaimed sport grounds and a major social-cultural event.

Foundation of Karlovy Vary

The beginnings of Karlovy Vary are obscured by ancient legends. One of the first to write down the oldest of the local legends on how the Vřídlo (Hot Spring) was discovered by Charles IV, was a native of Carlsbad and a Renaissance physician Dr. Fabian Sommer. This is how he puts the story in his book about the use of Karlovy Vary mineral waters from 1571:

"People say that Charles IV once upon a time hunted in the wood-covered hills and valleys, where the hot springs are now seen. The local forests were abundant with game. One of the hounds suddenly went after some wild animal. During the pursuit the dog fell into a pool where hot water is now jetting up. The dog howled in pain.

Hunters, hearing the roar, rushed in, thinking the hunted game had attacked and injured the hound. They were astonished by what they saw. They came closer, pulled the poor dog out of the pool, and tasted the hot water that had scared the hound so much/

They informed the Emperor of the event, and he set out with a large company to see the rare work of nature for himself. The wise monarch noted in the presence of his physicians that such hot water could cure many a serious disease, being very useful and giving strength. Then he applied the water himself (his leg was hurting), and felt relief and improvement. It was a great joy for the Emperor who soon after ordered the place to be settled, and houses built around the hot spring."

History of Karlovy Vary

The spa town of Karlovy Vary was founded in the second half of the 14th century thanks to the decision of Charles IV. However, its heyday came 200 years later. Carlsbad suffered tremendously in the 17th century due to natural disasters and the Thirty Years War. Yet the town soon recovered soon and continued the development of its spas, architecture and culture. The spa became an increasingly favourite destination in time. This was largely a result of the fact many celebrities, high and rich nobles, came to Karlovy Vary to find a cure. The most famous patient in the 18th century was the Russian Tsar Peter the Great.

The historic core is typical mostly for its art nouveau feel from the 19th century. New social and purpose-built structures accompanied the spa resort development. The first public spa house (Mill Spa) and the Baroque Church of St. Mary Magdalene were built at the beginning of the 18th century. Remarkable art nouveau architecture followed in the second half of the 19th century, when the town was endowed with Mill and Hot Spring colonnades, Emperor's Baths, or the building of the Karlovy Vary theatre. Some of the buildings were financed from the sales of Carlsbad salt or spa resort fees, others from generous donations from foreign sponsors.

As was mentioned earlier, the fame grew thanks to the visits of celebrities. Karlovy Vary was more and more often a scene of major events. Political and artistic leaders of the 19th century often frequented the spa including, among others, Beethoven, Franz Joseph I, Dobrovský, Paganini, Chopin, Mozart, Gogol, Tyl, Barrande, Purkyně and Freud. Almost each famous guest has left their mark here, be it a commemorating monument, or at least the name of a forest path.

The spas had to build their goodwill several times, almost from scratch. Karlovy Vary at the beginning of the 20th century was the most famous spa town in Europe. However, as a result of both world wars, the number of visitors was reduced to a fragment of the pre-war figures. Even after the war Karlovy Vary did not enjoy liberation for too long. Spa resources and baths were nationalised as early as in 1948, and the clientele was limited mostly to the citizens of the former Soviet Union. Western tourists found their way back to Carlsbad only after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The number of guests has been growing ever since.