Czech spas are worth visiting, regardless of the purpose of the visit, passing through or for the sake of healing springs. The sights of Karlovy Vary are in many ways similar to other objects, but they have a special flavor. Mineral waters and "Kalovar" salt attracted family members of monarchs and European celebrities here for treatment. The city has about 50 thousand residents, whose main responsibility is to maintain the resort. The well-being of the city is directly related to its tourism and balneological specialization. Carlsbad survived the Hussite and Napoleonic Wars. The floods of 1582 and the fires of 1609 and 1759 destroyed almost all the houses. The glory of the European resort contributed to the rapid revival of Karlovy Vary. Viennese architects designed the city buildings between 1870 and 1890. Prague was connected to the spa town by means of a railway line. The Second World War brought bombing, but the city was reborn on the ashes, like the legendary Phoenix, becoming even more beautiful.
Goethe Tower
The tower is located on a hill, which is called the "Peak of Eternal Youth". It was built at the end of the 19th century. When Princess Stephanie once came up here, she liked the views so much that she ordered to immediately build a tower on the hill. And since the walk took a lot of time, and one could get hungry, it was decided to build a restaurant next to the tower.
The project belonged to the Austrians - Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. The tower has been open to the public since 1889. Initially, it was planned to lead a cable car here, so that everyone could easily get to the top. Although it is not high, only 638 meters, for some people even this climb can be tiring. However, due to the outbreak of the First World War, the construction of the "cable car" remained unrealized. The tower has changed several names. Finally, in 1957, it was named Goethe. It is known that the great poet loved to come here.
Sour Cream Gardens
Getting to know the city is quite a tedious task. A visit to the Smetana Gardens will allow you not only to see one of the sights, but also to relax in one of the most beautiful places. The gardens are named not in honor of the dairy product loved by many. Bedřich Smetana is a Czech composer whose works are very popular. A bright touch will meet you already at the entrance to the park. There is a large flower bed with flowers in the center representing today's date. The noise of the fountain, numerous benches, green lawns ... Here, by the way, you can sit right on the grass, no one will scold you for it. Also, by visiting the Smetana Gardens, you can take part in one of the entertainment events that are regularly held here.
Moser Glass Museum
Not all tourists are attracted by an excursion to the glass museum. But those who have visited it are not disappointed. People of the Soviet era still remember how they stood in line for "Czech glass". It is here that his homeland is. The excursion can include a visit to the glass museum only, or it can be extended if you want to see the glass factory. This is an old enterprise, it is more than one and a half centuries old. In the workshop, you will get acquainted directly with the production process. With bated breath, you will watch the birth of a new product. In the museum, you can see the best works of the masters. Among them there are those that were made 100 or more years ago, and there are also modern ones. Suffice it to say that the dishes made of the famous Czech glass are served on the table of royalty.
But, of course, everyone is interested in the opportunity to buy souvenirs as a keepsake. There is also a company store here. You can buy anything - not only souvenirs, but also dishes, various decorations. The range of prices is large. It sells both collectibles and nice little things. If you are tired of the excursion, go to the Moser coffee shop and taste the branded and delicious coffee. By the way, there is a fountain nearby, decorated with crystal figures.
Jan Becher Museum
Another excursion that will bring guests a lot of joy is a visit to the Jan Becher Museum. Everyone, of course, tasted the Czech Becherovka liqueur. But few people know that it was first made in 1809 by the pharmacist Becher. Of course, he did not at all think that his tincture would become a popular and beloved alcoholic drink. He simply stated that he had made a wonderful remedy for improving digestion. After a short time, the "remedy" was appreciated by the whole world, but only a very narrow group of people know the exact recipe for making "Becherovka". Local water and herbs are used for this. True, some spices for Becherovka are brought to the Czech Republic from abroad. The herbs are put into a bag, and this, in turn, is placed in a vessel with alcohol.
The museum dedicated to the famous drink was opened relatively recently - in 1992. Here they will tell you about how the Becherovka was invented, they will take you on a tour of the wine cellars. You will also look at the vessels in which the liquor was stored and sold - for two centuries it was bottled in bottles of various shapes. And, of course, you can buy Becherovka in any quantity and bring the liqueur home as a souvenir. I would especially like to note that excursions at the plant are conducted in Russian.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
The church is a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Many trials fell to his lot. The church is located next to the Vřidlo spring. The first building was built by the Crusaders at the end of the 15th century. At the same time, a church parish was opened here, and a few years later, a cemetery appeared. The church was soon rebuilt. The Gothic style was replaced by the Renaissance. Then the church was destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt again. In the 18th century it was decided to build a larger church. The project was prepared by Kilian Dientzenhofer. It was planned to move the church to another place, since a powerful source located nearby would significantly complicate construction work.
But, as the believers said, this was already a “place of prayer”. Therefore, it was decided to demolish the remains of the old church to the ground and start construction from scratch. We had to work with the utmost care, since Vrzhidlo (Geyser) carried its hot waters here. In 1759, after the construction was completed, another fire broke out. Only the altars have survived from the beautiful church. I had to get to work again. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene was completely ready by the middle of the 19th century. Today all tourists find time to visit the church. They examine its beautiful paintings and statues. Organ concerts are also regularly held here.
Karlovy Vary Picture Gallery
It is also called the "Art Gallery". The beautiful building is located on the Tepla embankment. The gallery was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. But after World War II, the fund had to be rebuilt. In January 1953, as a result of the painstaking work of art critics and volunteers, the gallery opened its doors. Here are collected paintings and other works of art dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Some works are constantly on display, others are changing. Many canvases by contemporary Czech artists are also displayed here.
City theater
Also located on the banks of Tepla. There is a square called Teatralnaya in the neighborhood. You can park your car here. The theater building was reconstructed at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, the first theater was built from wood in the 18th century. Despite all the beauty of wooden buildings, this material is fragile. Years later, the building collapsed.Unfortunately, this happened exactly when the performance was being given in the hall. People died. But the residents loved their theater so much that they decided to reconstruct it. The new building was made of stone. Now it is one of the most visited places. You can watch opera and ballet, listen to an orchestra or enjoy an operetta.
Loket castle
This is a truly fairytale castle that will interest both history lovers and those who are attracted by mysticism. Initially, the castle was a fortress that protected the Czechs from German troops. Later, when the raids of the conquerors stopped, Loket began to play the role of a prison. And today tourists who come here on excursions see cameras and instruments of torture. Periodically, as a theatrical performance, the execution is staged. Here you can also admire the collections of works of art, in particular, porcelain. Numerous figures of gnomes will also attract attention, many of which, according to legend, bring good luck. Legends say that ghosts live in the local tower, and a dragon guards them. Is it true or not - try to check it yourself.
Funicular Diana
The funicular is used to go up to the observation tower of the same name, built at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the very three-minute journey in a cable car to the Summit of Friendship - this is the name of this hill - gives tourists a lot of pleasure. After all, the trailer glides over the beautiful forest, gradually gaining height, and allowing you to see the picturesque landscapes. The height of the observation deck of the tower is 35 m. You can climb both the steps and the elevator.
Observation deck "Three Crosses"
Most of the guests of this remarkable place try to visit sightseeing tours and observation decks, including the Three Crosses. All the splendor of the resort opens up from here. The unusual name was given because of the 3 crosses installed on this hill. They symbolize the death of 3 brothers who died for their faith. The city was re-Catholicized after 1620, and memorial crosses were erected in her honor. They were erected back in the 17th century - the city returned under the protectorate of the Catholic Church. The Three Crosses remain the most popular viewing platform, although getting to the high point is not easy.
As you know, the Czech Republic is classified as an atheistic country, although during the Late Middle Ages battles between Catholics and Protestants took place here. Today, the state is home to the minimum number of believers in relation to the entire population. There is a preserved church that became famous for the Hussite wars for the purity of confession. The view that opens is worthy to capture yourself against this background. Excursion routes pass through this place. You can get here on foot from the center following the tourist signs along the forested area.
Diana Observation Tower
The highest point above the center is 562 m above sea level. The total height of the attraction is about 40m. For lovers of walks, it is recommended to get to the top on foot (following the blue signs), as well as a minibus or the funicular of the same name. The hill overlooking the city was equipped for visitors as early as 1804, when the forest was thinned out and benches were installed. These picturesque places were described by Theodor Kerner and Wolfgang Goethe, who at that time had to climb on foot.
In clear weather, the horizon and distant objects are visible from here, including the Spruce Mountains (Fichtelgebirge mountain range). The stone observation tower was repeatedly completed and renamed, not so long ago the post-war name "Diana" was fixed. When the observation point was completed, it became a favorite place for walking. The construction of the observation deck with 150 steps was completed in the summer of 1914.
Since 1981, the site has been listed as a cultural heritage site in the Czech Republic. Many European celebrities have visited these places. Today the best panorama opens from this point. A pedestal with a covered wooden gallery and an observation deck shows the resort town at a glance. These are low mountains, protected forests and river valleys. The observation facility operates on a seasonal schedule. You can get here from the Karlovy Vary platform - from the Grand Hotel Pupp, the gallery can be reached by an elevator.
Deer Jump Observation Deck
The historical place from where the history of the resort began is a point on the Deleniy Jump rock. An equipped observation deck is easy to find west of the resort town. This popular site has been open to visitors since 1804. At the foot of the cliff there is the largest hotel, from where you can take a funicular and see many sights. Not a single tour with a visit to the best Czech resort is complete without visiting the "Reindeer Leap".
This oldest observation deck is literally a legendary place, shrouded in myths and legends, located in a picturesque forest. A rich Viennese merchant, a native of Karlovy Vary, built a platform with a wooden pavilion to immortalize his name. A statue of a chamois, which played an important role in finding healing hot springs, can be seen on the rock. The jumping chamois is one of the symbols of the city. According to legend, the animal fled from the hunters when it was poisoned by the dogs of Emperor Charles.
The dog, following the chamois that jumped from the cliff, hit the hot spring with its paws and attracted the attention of people. Moved by the picturesque forests, the monarch ordered the founding of a city that immortalized Emperor Charles. Today, a small provincial town with thermal mineral springs has grown into one of the best balneological resorts. You can climb 126 steps to the observation deck or take a funicular.
Svatosh rocks
Among the natural attractions in the vicinity, one cannot fail to mention the relict rock formation, which is millions of years old. These are the Svatosh rocks, they are declared a national treasure of the Czech Republic. Unique geomorphological granite pillars stick out on the slopes of mountains overgrown with coniferous forests. Rare endemic plants have survived here, which are not found anywhere else.
It seems that time has stood still, and herbivorous dinosaurs are about to raise their heads from behind a nearby rock. This unique place is located between the towns of Loket and Karlovy Vary. The waters of the Ohře River have formed a deep canyon, cutting a road in the mountain range of the Slavkov Forest. Picturesque places with single rocks up to 50 m high. Everywhere there are bizarre stone pillars, cones and truncated pyramids, dissected by cracks.
From a distance they are somewhat reminiscent of a solemn procession of petrified giants. Hence the second name of natural education - "frozen wedding". These places are rich in legends, fairy tales and folk tales about Jan Svatoš (Hans Heiling) and the enchanted wedding procession. Some of the rocks are endowed with the names of the wedding guests. The unique rocks are protected by the state, and many writers have visited the protected forest, including Goethe and the Brothers Grimm.
Castle Becov nad Teplou
To visit this attraction, you will have to go to the suburbs. The ancient castle and the town of Becov nad Teplou are 25 km from the resort. The Romanesque castle and fortress form a single architectural ensemble that perfectly fits into the local landscape. The historical and cultural monument is also interesting because there is a one-of-a-kind reliquary of St. Maurus. A unique sarcophagus of jewelry work, its value is comparable only with the treasures of the royal crown.
The fortress was built in the 1st half of the 14th century. However, excavations confirm that the wooden parts of the buildings have an earlier origin. During the construction, a 3-storey chapel was added to the tower. The wall painting in the technique of dry fresco dating from 1360 has survived to this day. The earthquake slightly damaged the walls, but the foundation remained intact.Therefore, it was possible to reconstruct with the addition of residential and auxiliary premises.
Since the XIV century, new owners appeared at the fortress, who decided to start decorating the interiors in the Renaissance style. Today this territory is “Plugovskiye Dom” (by the name of the owner), the lands were bought from the ruined monastery. The reconstruction involved undermining part of the foundation, the building was damaged. Only what was restored in the 1840s, including antique furniture, has survived to this day. From Becov nad Teplou, hiking excursions in the protected mountainous forests can be organized. The local restaurant is famous for its national cuisine and homely atmosphere.
Hotel Imperial
Each resort town has its own pattern, symbolizing the luxurious life on vacation. Literally on the slope of the mountain, the building of the Imperial Hotel huddles, surrounded by a park area. This is a kind of find of European architects - it seems that the building literally floats in the air against the backdrop of wooded mountains. Comfortable 4- and 5-star rooms, a restaurant "Prague", the best service of massage and beauty parlors, highly qualified medical staff - all this is "Imperial".
Today it is the best spa hotel with a balneological bias, which is far from affordable for everyone. Comprehensive treatment at the highest world standards - innovative technologies plus classic restoration of health with water from local sources. Dietitians and rehabilitation therapists develop a personal wellness diet regimen, physical therapy plan and physiotherapy for people with different levels of physical activity.
At various times, the guests of honor of the hotel were composers I.S. Bach and R. Wagner, writers V. Goethe, F. Kafka and A. Tolstoy. Peter the Great and other historical figures stayed here. Today the hotel is open to guests who need to book a room in advance.
Christmas House
The large building is dedicated to a single holiday of the year, this is only possible here. The building is filled with Christmas trees and New Year decorations, festive decor and souvenirs for every taste. The atmosphere of a winter holiday lives here all year round, there is no better place to rent a hall for a birthday or for a romantic meeting.
The inner courtyard is decorated with a Bethlehem staging of the miracle of the birth of Jesus. Tourists arriving on Christmas Eve rush to visit the unique site with their families. Everywhere there are Angels and lambs, colorful Christmas trees and all kinds of decorations, welcoming snowmen and other attributes of Christmas. This is what filled the fabulous interiors of the Doubi castle lying on the banks of the Ohře River.
Here you can be photographed and filmed, many exhibits are on sale. If you are lucky enough to spend your winter holidays here, you can take a part of the Karlovy Vary winter holiday with you. For young visitors, there is a magical snowy town with a plying toy train. All decorations are designed by Merkur Toys - beautiful, interesting and unforgettable.
Museum of History and Local Lore
There is a museum of local lore in any large city, the place where you should go in your free time from medical appointments. The resort is famous for its balneological focus, there is not much entertainment here, but if you wish, you can find something informative for every day. Three buildings are allocated for the halls of the museum, the tour usually lasts no more than an hour. During this time, the most complete picture of the region and its history will be formed.
The museum is one of the most visited city attractions. A beautiful place on the banks of the Tepla River opposite the Pupp Grand Hotel. Guests are offered a printout with information on the main exhibits in different languages, so after the trip there will always be an opportunity to delve into the information. The most interesting are antique and medieval sculptures, valuable artifacts of Europe from the Paleolithic times, dishes made of porcelain, colored glass and crystal.
During the visit, you can learn about the nature of local phenomena. For example, where does the water of the local Geyser come from and where some mineral springs disappear for a while. The history of the City Film Festival, the cultural traditions of the spa town, the traditions of brewing and Czech glass production. The Museum of Local Lore has a rich collection of portraits of celebrities who have made a significant contribution to the development of the region. It is interesting to see the model of the city as it was in the 17th century.
Geyser pavilion
A spacious gallery of modern design made of glass and concrete in the tradition of constructivism and functionalism, built in 1975. This was the best thing proposed for the Geyser, spouting a hot spring, which occasionally changes its intensity. The isolated pavilion above the most popular mineral spring has changed its appearance several times.
The pump room, designed in the form of a fountain bowl, has enough height for an emergency situation. This spring has several exits, including the Hot Spring Colonnade. In 1826 it was equipped in the Empire style, half a century later it was replaced with a cast-iron colonnade designed by the same Viennese architects. G. Helmer and F. Fellner did a lot of useful things for the appearance of Karlovy Vary, each project was very successful. Light protection was not enough for the Geyser - the fountain pulsates to a height of 12 m. Therefore, it was decided to replace the gazebos and sheds on thin supports with a building made of glass and concrete.
The geyser periodically explodes, each time bringing destructive changes to the colonnade's appearance. In order to isolate vacationers from powerful emissions and find a worthy use for the stormy waters, on the advice of an authoritative doctor, a large Baroque Geyser Hall was built. This thoughtful decision contributed to the complex arrangement of the territory.
The hot spring pavilion is a new solution by renowned Viennese architects. The gazebo over the Geyser had to be reconstructed over time due to corrosion of the connecting parts, replacing it with a temporary wooden building. The modern version is the idea of Yaroslav Otruba, it was realized in 1975. One of the excursion routes resembles the underground of this object. A geyser gushes out of the ground in the very center of the resort - at Teatralnaya Square.
Imperial Asylum
The first Clinic is located at the Pupp Grand Hotel. The old buildings have practically not survived due to fires. Perhaps thanks to this, all the architectural ensembles of the city look holistic. The last revision was carried out at the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries, unattractive and unsuitable buildings were removed. Instead, stately hotels and comfortable sanatoriums have risen.
The imperial hospital was designed in the tradition of the Renaissance with the addition of elements of antiquity. The building is a bit like a hotel or some kind of European theater. The construction was completed in 1895, during the heyday of Karlovy Vary town planning. The richly decorated façade underlines the purpose of the hospital, prepared for the visit of Emperor Franz Joseph.
Bas-reliefs and porticoes, sculptures and graceful balconies, columns and stucco elements - all visually distinguish the building against the background of magnificent architecture. Today, this place houses a museum, whose exposition tells about the history of Karlovy Vary and the cultural life of the Czech Republic. The visit is available as part of social events, but the building will be redesigned after a major overhaul.
Alois Klein's Gazebo
The resort towns are famous for their sanatoriums and hotels, spa salons and attractive tourist sites. Alois Klein's gazebo is no exception. The green area near the Richmond Park Hotel is one of the most beautiful places on the southern outskirts of the popular European resort.
The southern outskirts were ennobled back in the 18th century, when one of the most delicious mineral springs was discovered. Green spaces around the healing spring eventually became part of the Richmond Park Hotel.The ferruginous spring with a sour taste was named after the Austrian Archduchess Stephanie.
"Stepanka", due to its unique physicochemical composition, is included in the majority of treatment and prophylactic purposes. But at the beginning of the twentieth century, the source dried up, only the pump room and a beautiful building with lace spans under the roof remained. The search for a new source was crowned with success, and Alois Kline's gazebo was renewed. The hydrogeological composition of Karlovy Vary changes when the next Geyser explosion occurs, so any spring can go deep underground forever.
Butterfly House
Not everyone was given the unique opportunity to witness the first flight of an insect, transforming from a caterpillar into a butterfly. For this purpose, tourists and vacationers in sanatoriums come to the Butterfly House. Photography is allowed in the glass gallery, so people tend to come here for a rare video or photo from a romantic ceremony. Reception - the ability to pre-register for a wedding or betrothal ceremony.
The delightful beauty of "fluttering flowers" captivates even those who have never been interested in exotic insects. Representatives of tropical fauna from South America and Central Africa, the Philippines and Thailand, Mexico and Malaysia are gathered under one dome. The most patient will receive a reward at the incubator - the miracle of the birth of one of the largest tropical butterflies from a pupa - with a wingspan of up to 20 cm.
A delightful place is the flight zone, where "newborn" specimens knead their still fragile wings and taste the nectar and fruit. This is a rare opportunity to see representatives of rare species in one place. Some butterflies are very rare in nature due to the deteriorating ecology. Any specimen can land on the hair, arm or shoulder, so always be prepared to take a single shot.
Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the most beautiful working places of worship in the Czech Republic. It is open to visitors every day during the daytime. Everyone can walk in and admire the splendor of its interior and exterior, hand-crafted by the architect Gustav Wiedermann. The domes and domes of the blue and white Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul are visible from many points in the city. It was built in 1893-1898, in the best traditions of Russian-Byzantine churches.
For this, a good place was set aside in the green zone of fashionable urban areas - closer to the western outskirts. The prototype was the Orthodox church in Ostankino. The construction was carried out with generous donations from wealthy vacationers from Serbia and the Russian Empire. The new temple was intended to replace a small church that could not accommodate everyone. The rector of the local Orthodox Church appealed to the city authorities with a request to allocate land for a large church. The initiative was approved by promoting the expansion of the old church on Mariansko-Lazenskaya Street.
The new Orthodox church, built in the form of a Maltese cross, is richly decorated with galleries and porches, gilded domes, ornamental stucco molding and paintings. They come here not only to pray, ordinary tourists come to appreciate the magnificence of the oak iconostasis decorated with majolica. It was specially prepared in 1900 for the International Exhibition in Paris. The icons by the artist Tyurin are painted in oil and have a high artistic value. You can walk to the temple or take buses (route no. 4) and from the Krale Jirzhigo stop and walk a few meters along Peter the Great Street.
Anglican Church of St. Luke
In addition to the Orthodox church and Catholic basilicas, there are several places of worship in the resort town. The building of the Anglican Church of St. Luke is not used for church needs, but is still of great interest as an architectural object. This is a work of the architect Josef Motes, erected in 1877.
The Anglican Temple is located on Castle Hill, opposite the Bristol Hotel. A typical building in a pseudo-Gothic style, modest and at the same time stately. It was built with donations from guests of the resort and city patrons. In the block of West End mansions, it is characterized by features typical of religious buildings (red brick, round dormer windows with stained-glass windows, gabled roof).
An interesting tourist site that looks like a fortification or a mini-fortress. This is how the Anglican Church looks from below, if you go up to the building along Zamecky Vrch Street. Nearby, the room is somewhat reminiscent of an old castle; there are several burials in the backyard. If you look inside - new impressions, there is an exposition of wax figures.
This church was built to replace the old building that belonged to the Anglican community - on Zahradní údolí street. The first parishioners were received back in 1877. After many years of work, the church was closed for restoration, the community gradually moved out, and after the Second World War it was no longer used as a religious building. Today tourists come here to take pictures with the wax figures in the background.
Exhibition of wax figures
Karlovy Vary is a famous European resort that has been visited by many celebrities at different times. Some of them were immortalized in the form of wax figures and installed in the building of the former Anglican Church. This building is a real pearl of the resort. But no less interesting is the exhibition itself, arranged in the best traditions of expositions of wax figures of the Tussaud family.
Among the first statues are representatives of royal families, world-famous politicians, celebrities of show business and eminent guests. It is worth recalling that European monarchs and members of their families improved their health on the waters of the resort at different times. Among the world famous musical elite, L. van Beethoven, N. Paganini, R. Wagner and F. Chopin admired the beauty of the local nature. Many European classics, Russian writers and poets - K.N. Batyushkov, N.V. Gogol, I.S. Turgenev and others.
Among the rulers of our state, the healing waters of the resort were highly appreciated by M.S. Gorbachov, A.N. Kosygin and L.I. Brezhnev. The unique history of the city is reflected in the faces of the wax figures. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to take pictures with their idols, other surprises, including "magic" mirrors. This place will remain in the memory of tourists for a long time.
Villa "Luttsov"
One of the unique architectural objects, Villa Luttsov, is located on a rather steep mountainside. The whole city is located in a picturesque crevice of rocky mountains, which gives a special charm to the resort. A delightful landscape opens from the mountain slope, so it is worth climbing here at least for the sake of an inexpressible experience. The snow-white villa changed owners several times, now it belongs to a private person. Therefore, most guests only have to admire from afar. This is the best private building, although the city impresses with its overall architectural design.
The greatest delight among young visitors is a pedestal with a small statue of a cat. The Empire style villa blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Built in 1854 for Baron August von Lützow, it is one of the first luxury villas in Carlsbad. In those days, it was distinguished by a magnificent manicured garden with a romantic spirit, where the sculptures of August Kiss were erected.
They were transported by order from Berlin. The creation of the city architect Johann Knoll is closed for daily visits. But the owners generously open the villa to the public several times a year. Everything here impresses with its aristocratic luxury and delicate artistic taste.It is worth a visit to this exquisite object on the mountainside.
Castle tower
The name means a tall building, reminiscent of the plots of fairy tales.Excavations have shown that there was also a later ancient castle, which did not exist before the whole city experienced a period of prosperity. The tower was built around 1358, during the reign of Charles IV, when it was planned to leave the hunting grounds in these places. The European aristocracy gathered here for lavish banquets and balls.
A fire in 1604 destroyed most of the castle's area, but the monarch ordered the restoration of the tower and the adjacent premises. The building, erected on the same site, has been pleasing tourists since the 17th century. Today the tower on the Castle Hill is a cozy Gothic-style restaurant. Wonderful views of the city that has risen in the vicinity of the Castle Tower add to the overall impression.
From the windows you can clearly see the center, square, openwork colonnade, restaurant, sanatoriums and hotels. For a long time, the tower was used for notification - the troubadours from these windows announced the visit of carriages with crowned heads to the city. Today, in one of the restaurant's halls, you can order a feast in the best traditions of the Middle Ages. You can wear a fluffy dress or a hat with feathers, but you cannot bring back an entire era.
Orthodox chapel of St. Nicholas
There are not so many religious buildings of small forms, but all of them are of certain interest for devout visitors to the resort. In the area of the Aberg observation tower, there is a small Orthodox chapel of St. Nicholas - this is on the Doubska mountain. The object has been officially opened since autumn 2000. A beautiful wooden building with an icon of St. Nicholas impresses with the integrity of the composition. The architect clearly made sure that he wanted to climb to this place again. The entire area is lovingly fenced with flowers in mobile containers.
A small chapel was built by N.G. Stepanov, and Vladyka Metropolitan Dorotheus consecrated the foundation or cornerstone of the forthcoming building. Construction timber was harvested in Russia, each log was carefully processed and numbered. The assembly was carried out directly in Karlovy Vary. The solemn consecration took place with the participation of the Archbishop of the Czech Republic and Vladyka Christopher on November 16, 2000. The object is accessible only for external inspection. The chapel and observation point among the luxurious greenery is worth visiting for tourists and Orthodox vacationers.
Cisarzhské Lazne
A representative 2-storey building in the pseudo-Renaissance style - a modern sanatorium. It was built at the time of the general flourishing of urban planning, 1893 - 1895. This is a project of the famous architects from Vienna F. Fellner and G. Helmer. The territory of the city brewery was allocated for construction - the southern outskirts of the resort resort. Architectural splendor, combining French Renaissance and Baroque stucco, complemented by 20th century Art Nouveau décor.
Once it was the best sanatorium of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city expanded, areas affected by fires were built up, new hotels and hospitals appeared. The horseshoe-shaped building of Cisarzhské Lazne, reminiscent of a theater, was used for a practical purpose - the Zander halls with exercise equipment for therapeutic gymnastics according to the Swedish method.
The underground passage leading to the peat storage was closed, the building was redesigned. In anticipation of restoration, it gradually fell into decay. Today Cisaržské Lázně is a museum, whose exhibitions tell about the development of the Karlovy Vary region. The foyer was decorated with statues and paintings; the building is listed as a Cultural Monument of National Significance.
People's House
The resort town itself is very beautiful, but there are several buildings that stand out from the general row for their splendor and memorable history. One of them is the People's House on Franz Josef Street in the northern part. Pivatization and long-term operation of the building without major repairs led to partial dilapidation. Reconstruction is being completed here today.
The Art Nouveau house-hotel was completed in 1901, the work was carried out under the supervision of the head of the construction department, engineer E. Orth. This is the brainchild of the architectural geniuses F. Before the reconstruction, for some time there was a popular variety show "Orpheum", known outside the Czech Republic.
For a long time, the hotel served as a social and cultural center, among shopping districts and hotels, overcrowded with guests. For some time, a rifle corps was quartered here. In this room there were 4 restaurants, several summer cafes, a concert stage and a ballroom. Many touring artists performed at its venues. Today it is the Grand Hotel Ambassador Národní Dum.
City market
People go to the Czech Republic not only for sightseeing, but also for shopping. Not far from the station there is a building of the former city market, which is worth a walk from the center. It was built in 1912-1913 to streamline the sale of consumer goods. Before that, trading platforms were scattered, which is inconvenient for townspeople and vacationers. By the decision of the city authorities, the construction of a new market was started, located closer to the pump rooms with healing springs.
An important condition is sanitary supervision of the quality of products brought from the slaughterhouse and other places. The city architect F. Drobny proposed a project for the city market, it was built of glass and concrete. In addition to trade pavilions, offices, warehouses, laboratories and refrigerators are provided. In the early 90s of the twentieth century, this architectural monument was redesigned as a supermarket, today it is a modern supermarket.
The Czech Republic has always been famous for memorable souvenirs that vacationers brought after a productive treatment with mineral waters. They can be purchased at specialized outlets and at the Bourza flea market. Excellent shopping at moderate European prices - this is what attracts many connoisseurs of recreation in provincial cities of Europe. For shoes it is better to go to the Bat'a shop (a large selection of quality models at reasonable prices). Famous Czech beer and Becherovka, popular brands and crafts - all this is offered by the Czech Republic.
