What to see in Karlovy Vary. Four-star hotel "Imperial". Museums in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary- incredibly bright and picturesque city, known throughout the world for its life-giving mineral springs, an abundance of flowering parks, atmospheric places for recreation and cultural attractions. Getting into this part, carefully created by its inhabitants, I want to come back here endlessly.
Where to go and what to see on your own in Karlovy Vary in one day
The best time to visit Karlovy Vary is spring - a favorable moment when chestnuts, lindens and acacias bloom in all city parks, and their heady aroma spreads throughout the area and even reaches the outskirts.
Healing thermal springs
The main attraction of Karlovy Vary is healing springs, which gave this city of the Czech Republic a well-deserved popularity. Since the 17th century, wealthy aristocrats, royal families and famous personalities such as Chopin, Beethoven, Schiller and Goethe, as well as Turgenev, Dostoevsky and Goncharov, came to them for treatment.
In total, Karlovy Vary has about 132 mineral springs, but only 12 of them have useful properties. Each of them is carefully hidden under the colonnade to protect from adverse weather conditions, as well as provide a place for walking, drinking mineral water and meeting outdoors.
Acquaintance with thermal springs should begin in this order:
- Mlynska (mill) colonnade- a popular luxury building built in Karlovy Vary by the talented Prague architect Josef Zitek on the site where the mill used to stand. A total of 124 colonnades support the vault, under which you can find 5 vases with mineral springs.
- Market Colonnade- a unique building that attracts visitors with elegant lace decorating the entrance, as well as a bas-relief depicting the history of the formation of the city by Charles IV.
- Geyser colonnade- a building in which the warmest spring (+ 73 ° C) is located, hitting 12 meters up. The building was rebuilt several times, finally leaving it in the form of a glass pavilion.
- castle colonnade- the youngest building built near the old spa tower. The building attracts travelers not so much with a desire to improve their health, but with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the bas-relief of Wenzel Heida.
- garden colonnade- a park building, which is an openwork air structure that creates the impression of lightness and festivity.
In each pavilion you can try mineral water, but you should only do it from special cups with spouts, which are sold right there on the spot. It is such dishes that protect the enamel from destruction during drinking.
Architecture of Karlovy Vary
The main secret of the attractiveness of Karlovy Vary is the architecture of this city - colorful old houses stretching along the Tepla River. Colorful buildings dating from different eras give this place a special charm and a sense of comfort.
Perhaps the best way to get to know the city is to take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets along the colorful shop windows, along the wrought-iron bridges across the river and stop at cafes with homemade food.
The outstanding buildings of Karlovy Vary are quite noticeable:
- City theater- the pearl of the city, built in neo-baroque style, fits perfectly into the architectural style of Karlovy Vary, but its main feature is the curtain, hand-painted by talented artists.
- castle tower- the oldest building in the city, impressive for its whiteness and accuracy. This is the only building that has survived from the burnt castle of Charles IV.
- Peter and Paul Church- a classic example of Orthodox architecture in the style of Moscow and Yaroslavl churches of the 17th century. The building itself was built in the 19th century.
- Church of St. Mary Magdalene- a real masterpiece of baroque art, inside which you can observe painting, sculpture and architecture, which made it a significant cultural value.
Finally, the most interesting architectural landmark of Karlovy Vary is the Grand Hotel Pupp. The peculiarity of this building lies not only in the incredible picturesque place, where it is located, not in the fact that eminent personalities remained to live in it (Peter I, Leo Tolstoy, F. Kafka), but in the fact that this pretentious building, thanks to its luxurious appearance, deserved the main role in the film "Hotel" Grand Budapest".
It seems that now with incredible beauty Grand Hotel Pupp and its sophistication of interior decoration is familiar to the whole world, because the film has earned the most famous awards, and also participated in several nominations.
Museums of Karlovy Vary
Even those who are not fans of museum trips will be pleasantly impressed by visiting Carlsbad expositions.
First of all, you should pay attention to Museum of the Moser factory, which is part of the glass manufactory. The Czech glass produced at this factory is known all over the world for its beauty, and its products for their refinement and sophistication. Crystal products are found everywhere, but earlier only the royal courts of Europe could afford it.
Glassblowing originated in Bohemia, in the Czech region that owns Karlovy Vary. Fine and heavy craftsmanship was excellent for local craftsmen, so a factory was opened here about 150 years ago, and a little later, a glass museum, where you can see how decorative items (vases, wine glasses and glasses) appear without a single flaw.
The second very interesting and unusual museum of Karlovy Vary is Becher Museum- the author of the traditional medicinal tincture "Becherovka". During the tour, the history of the origin of the drink, its recipe, healing properties are shared with visitors and they are given a chance to taste several options. In the souvenir shop there is an opportunity to buy this alcoholic souvenir as a keepsake.
Sights of the surroundings of Karlovy Vary with photos and descriptions
Finally, having examined the whole city, it is worth looking into its surroundings, where there are a couple more interesting and, in Czech, picturesque sights.
One of these attractions is lookout tower "Diana", which is located on the very peak of the Doubskaya mountain. No wonder they say that he did not see Karlovy Vary, who did not visit this place in the vicinity of the city. From the observation deck, located at the top of the tower, offers a breathtaking view of the years.
Near the tower "Diana" is located " Butterfly house", where more than a hundred of these exotic creatures live and flutter, as well as a mini-zoo and a cozy restaurant "Elephant". The tower can be reached on foot, climbing uphill along a well-trodden path, or by funicular, which leaves from the station of the Grand Hotel Budapest.
A trip to the quiet and peaceful Karlovy Vary is a real rest for the soul and a healing balm for the body. For Russian tourists this Czech resort has become "native" since tsarist times. From time immemorial, aristocrats and intellectuals rushed here for treatment.
Today Karlovy Vary is a worthy balneological tradition, excellent service of comfortable hotels and, of course, numerous hot springs that can improve health and cure numerous ailments. Local resorts offer various programs wellness for all tastes.
Also, the urban surroundings are of great interest. Here are located medieval castles, picturesque canyons on the wooded slopes of the river and numerous equipped trails to contemplate all this splendor.
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What to see and where to go in Karlovy Vary?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
There are about 70 mineral springs in Karlovy Vary, but only 12 are considered to have healing properties. Each is designed to treat and prevent a specific group of diseases. The water temperature ranges from 30°C to 70°C. Around thermal springs in the XIX-XX centuries, picturesque colonnades were erected, which protected them from the influence of the external environment.
The tower is located on the top of Druzhba Hill. Tourists can get there by funicular, or spend half an hour and walk along the hiking trail. From the observation deck of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the forested green hills that surround Karlovy Vary. In addition to the tower itself, there is a cafe, a restaurant on the hill, as well as benches and comfortable places to relax.
The structure was erected at the end of the 19th century; it is the oldest observation platform in Karlovy Vary. It is interesting that in 1945 the tower was named after I. Stalin, but already in the 60s. renamed. A staircase consisting of 165 steps (42 meters high) leads to the top of the building. Many objects of the Goethe Tower were restored only in 2002 with the active participation of F. Gasp, who wanted to make the appearance of Karlovy Vary more attractive.
An elegant castle built under the reign of Charles IV. The building was originally intended to be used as hunting lodge, but after the construction was completed, the local aristocracy began to arrange holidays, balls and magnificent receptions here. In 1604, the castle was destroyed by fire, but was soon erected new tower. The building of the 17th century has survived to this day. Now there is a restaurant on the territory of the Castle Tower.
Glass building built in the 1970s. XX century according to the project of Ya. Otrub. The colonnade is located near the Vrzhidlo spring, which bursts out of the ground with a powerful hot stream (2 thousand liters of water / min.). Due to the high temperature, it is impossible to stay near the geyser for a long time. In the colonnade, in addition to the hall with the source, there is an extensive hall where souvenirs, dishes and Bohemian glass are sold.
A picturesque colonnade built in the 19th century in the Neo-Renaissance style with elements of an elegant Empire style. It consists of 124 monumental columns supporting the facade with bas-reliefs by V. Lokvents. Inside the Mill Colonnade there are mineral springs "Prince Vatslav", "Melnichny", "Rusalka", "Libuše" and "Rocky". The water temperature in the springs ranges from 45°C to 64°C.
The structure was erected in 1883 of wood and was supposed to last only a few years before the construction of something more imposing. But it lasted over 100 years. At the end of the 20th century, the city authorities decided on a complete reconstruction, and now tourists have the opportunity to admire the restored landmark. Inside there are two sources - "Market" and "Karl IV". Immediately behind the Market Colonnade is the Castle Tower.
The colonnade was erected in 1880 according to the project of G. Gelmer and F. Felner. These two architects made a great contribution to the appearance of Karlovy Vary. In the middle of the 20th century, the pavilion was dismantled and only a frame with columns remained from the building. However, in 2002 historical appearance was restored. Now the Garden Colonnade is a real decoration of the city. Inside are the sources of "Freedom", "Snake" and "Garden".
architectural structure in the Art Nouveau style, built at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of the Viennese architect F. Oman. At the beginning of the 21st century, the colonnade was renovated at the expense of the Zamkovy Lazne hospital, which made many facilities available only to the clients of this institution. Everyone can drink healing water from the spring, but admiring the magnificent interior decoration of the Castle Colonnade is available only to tourists living in the Castle Lazne.
Temple of the 18th-19th centuries, designed by K. Dientzenhofer. First church in gothic style appeared on this site in the 15th century, it belonged to the Order of the Crusaders. Later, the building was rebuilt in a more fashionable and progressive Renaissance style at that time. Subsequently, the temple was repeatedly destroyed during wars and fires, as a result, by the 18th century the building was almost destroyed. The restoration was completed by 1861.
The current Orthodox church, built in the 19th century according to the project of D. Ukhtomsky. It was the first Orthodox church on the territory of the Austrian Empire. Due to the war, the church was closed in 1916, services resumed only in the middle of the 20th century. A complete renovation took place in the 1980s. Since then, the building has been maintained in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the local authorities.
The famous drink "Becherovka" in the Czech Republic is revered and loved, sometimes it is even called the "thirteenth source" of Karlovy Vary. It is used as a medicine and an ingredient in many cocktails. The company for the production of "Becherovka" was founded by a local pharmacist Jan Becher. The museum named after him was opened in Karlovy Vary in 1992. During the tour, visitors can taste a drink with different flavors, learn about its history and buy souvenirs.
IN museum complex three buildings are included, since a smaller number was not enough to accommodate an extensive exposition. Archaeological finds, objects of art and everyday life, documents, geological exhibits related to the history of Karlovy Vary are exhibited here. The museum was founded in 1865 on the initiative of the Austrian doctor and expert in the field of balneology J.V. von Loeschner.
The Moser glassworks was built in Karlovy Vary in 1875. He is engaged in the production of products from Bohemian glass - a famous brand that has become famous throughout the world due to its high quality. In the factory museum, you can see an exposition made up of the most valuable and rare specimens produced at different times on Moser. You can also get acquainted with all stages of glass production.
The museum exhibits contemporary works of art created by Czech sculptors and artists in the second half of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition contains about 150 works in the style of cubism, expressionism and fauvism. Temporary exhibitions are often held on the territory of the gallery, as well as performances and concerts. The building was built in 1912 in neoclassical style.
The theater building was built in the 19th century according to the design of G. Gelmer and F. Felner. Previously, there was a wooden building in its place, which collapsed during a fire in 1787. The inspirer to raise funds for the construction of the theater was one of the founders of balneology in Karlovy Vary - D. Becher. The wonderful enchanting opera by W. A. Mozart "The Marriage of Figaro" was played as a premiere performance.
Heated swimming pool, open at any time of the year, which is located on the territory of the hotel "Termal". The water in it is not medicinal, but the most ordinary, so everyone can swim. The pool has a fitness club, sauna, solarium and massage room. The length of the pool from side to side is 50 meters, the depth is up to 4.5 meters. From the pool opens great view on the buildings of the surrounding hotels and on the surrounding hills.
The sanatorium is located in a building from the beginning of the 18th century, which is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Karlovy Vary. The guests of the Pupp Hotel were famous musicians, royalty, representatives of aristocratic families, cultural figures and others. famous people. Every year, the hotel hosts an international film festival, which attracts world-class stars.
A four-star hotel built in the classical style at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel is surrounded by a magnificent park with its own theater stage. The interior of the "Imperial" is dominated by discreet luxury and calm notes of Art Nouveau style. There is also a cinema, a concert hall and spacious auditoriums for seminars. The hotel's resort restaurant serves national and international cuisine, and you can also choose from 9 diet menu options.
The castle is located near Karlovy Vary. There is controversy over the date of its foundation, but experts point to the 13th century. The building is a harsh medieval fortress with thick walls and narrow loopholes. Presumably, Loket was built as a border fort, which demarcated the German and Czech possessions. The castle rises on the bank of the Ohře river.
An architectural structure of the 16th century, erected during the reign of Vladislav II. The castle changed owners many times. The greatest flourishing occurred in the period 1695 - 1733. The castle park was created under the influence of the traditions of Italian landscape design. special attention deserves a church built in the 18th century according to the project of Giovanni Rossa. The last owner of Valech was Count Larisch-Mennich, then the property was transferred to the state.
A Czech baroque castle located on a rocky bank of the Teplá River. It is believed that the building was erected in the XIII century. Over the next two centuries, the castle was owned by different families, until it was captured by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. Major reconstructions were carried out in the second half of the 17th century and in the 19th century. Bečov nad Teploi became state property in 1945.
A picturesque city park, which was created at the end of the 19th century. Trees over 200 years old grow on its territory. The gardens were named after the Czech composer A. Dvořák; the maestro's monument adorns one of the alleys of the park. It should be noted that visitors are allowed not only to walk gracefully along the paths and sit on the benches, but also to walk on the lawns, which makes the park attractive to most residents and guests of Karlovy Vary.
A picturesque canyon in the Ohře river valley, where you can admire natural beauties around Karlovy Vary. This natural object is included in the list of specially protected in the territory Czech Republic. Many legends are associated with the Svatoshki rocks. At one time, they inspired the brothers Grimm, Goethe, Kerner and Spiess to create poetic literary works.
A low rock, on top of which a statue of a chamois was placed in 1851. The metal sculpture was created by August Kiss. Unfortunately, in 1984 the figure was destroyed by vandals. Two years later, the sculptor J. Kotek created a bronze copy, which now crowns the top of the hill. "Reindeer lope" is one of the symbols of Karlovy Vary. Near the statue there is an observation deck, very popular with tourists.
A piece of the Czech Republic, beloved by the Russian heart, saturated with cultural and natural attractions, can also have the most beneficial effect on shaky health.
Karlovy Vary is one of those places where you want to return endlessly or, simply, not to leave. Let's take a closer look at why these places are so good, and at the same time see where you can go from Karlovy Vary on your own in case you learn everything here.
A bit of history
The capital of the Czech province of Bohemia, Karlovy Vary, in the old days called Karlsbad, initially became popular due to the thermal springs discovered in these places. According to legend, almost a thousand years ago, King Charles IV, while hunting, rescuing his dog from hot water, suddenly felt relief from the pains that had long tormented him, and ordered to build a castle here. Subsequently, the Karlsbad springs served as a place of pilgrimage for all kinds of nobility and bohemia, also striving for healing and royal pastime in amazingly beautiful places.
Such popularity, especially in the 19th century, contributed to the development of the city as an international resort.
Bus and walking tour to Karlovy Vary with a visit to the Krusovice brewery.
Graceful colonnades covering the outlets of thermal springs with mineral water, beautiful landscapes green resort from the observation tower - you will enjoy the local atmosphere.
Cost: €30 per person. Duration: 10 hours.
Schedule: daily - start at 8:30.
Springs - the main attraction of Karlovy Vary
The main highlight and attraction of Karlovy Vary, of course, are thermal springs. The water in them has a healing effect on all systems of the body system, improves digestion and metabolism. Moreover, they have such a powerful reputation that even the feeling of being involved in the resort process in these places creates a medicinal effect. People, exhausted by civilization, come to life in these places literally before our eyes.
“Of course, the main thing in Karlovy Vary is water! On the first day of our visit, we had an appointment with Dr. Somewhere I read that everyone who comes at least once to Karlovy Vary becomes addicted to this place forever! Now I am convinced that this is indeed the case! Everyone probably has their own reason for this. As for me, I will answer with a hackneyed phrase that sounds from the TV screen: “To live without digestive problems is a pleasure!” If you do not break the diet, then remission after visiting Karlovy Vary comes for a long time. I also felt a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular, my blood pressure now does not rise above 140/90.
Geyser colonnade
Currently, there are only twelve springs in Karlovy Vary, but their performance is enough for everyone. The largest and hottest (its temperature is 72 ° C) - Geyser, or Vřídlo in Czech, is able to independently provide all the existing Karlovy Vary baths with healing water, and also has uniquely beneficial drinking properties. In the middle of the last century, a special colonnade was built for him - the Geysernaya, where daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. you can observe eruptions of hot water to a height of 12 meters, as well as drink it, cooled to 40 degrees, from the pump rooms. The geyser is located opposite the Castle Tower, admission is free.
The geyser colonnade designed by Professor J. Votruba was built in 1975. A powerful geyser beats inside the building, the twelve-meter jet of which evokes violent emotions of tourists. There are also several fountains and five pump rooms, from which you can draw water for drinking at different temperatures. Shops with Karlovy Vary souvenirs - here - you can't do without them.
The same twelve-meter fountain of mineral water. Everyone who has been to Karlovy Vary should have a photo against its background.
mill colonnade
The colonnade of amazing elegance - the Mill (Mlýnská kolonáda) - was built two centuries ago for five springs at once: the Mill itself with very useful radon water, the Mermaid, the Rocky, Libuse and Prince Vaclav's springs. The colonnade was designed for comfortable walks in any weather. It is equipped with an orchestra pit for a symphony orchestra and with a length of 132 meters it seems endless.
From the reviews of tourists:
“You have to walk in this city. Silently. The colonnade is no exception, a meditative walking place. It seems to be nothing special, but you come back to it and come back. ”
You can drink life-giving water at any time of the day or night.
mill colonnade created by the architect Josef Zítek. Two floors. One hundred twenty-four columns. Twelve statues on the roof. And immediately five mineral springs under the roof.
Market Colonnade
A visit to the Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) pavilion will leave a pleasant impression - under it there are two sources at once - the Market and Charles IV, which is named after you know who. With its beauty and unique acoustics, the colonnade has been delighting guests of the city even in its wooden form since 1883. Subsequently, they were rebuilt, but even now it completely copies the historical original. The source of Charles is decorated with a bas-relief depicting an episode of the king's hunt, dedicated to the discovery of these places. Free admission.
Tržní kolonáda in all its glory - all so carved…
She is in a painting by an unknown artist.
Pramen of Charles the Fourth - somewhere not far from him, the Czech king found an unexpected cure.
Thermal outdoor pool
Healing hot water can not only be drunk, it is also useful to bathe in it. The most convenient way to do this is in the open-air mineral water pool near the Termal Hotel. This pool is filled by a third with water from the Vřídlo spring and has a year-round temperature of about 30 °C. Entrance is available - the cost of visiting an adult is 100 kroons, family passes are sold at a discount. By the way, you can also swim in the numerous pools at boarding houses.
To correctly find the way to this pool, you need to perform a few simple steps. 1. Dial warm mineral water into a disposable cup. 2. Follow the blue arrows marked "Bazén" slightly uphill. 3. Every thirty-five steps, stop and drink some water in small sips. 4. Follow the arrows again. So you will come directly to the pool. Be careful - there is a strict aunt in the locker room of the pool!
This is the pool with geyser water near the Thermal Hotel. Who swims here? - you ask. - Of course, for the most part, Russians, and every tenth is famous and well-known, and every fifth is simply famous. Well, maybe not all Russians, there are also Jews, what is there ... They take care of their health, as they say ...
Museums in Karlovy Vary
Becherovka is both a museum and a source too
A story about Karlovy Vary springs would not be complete without mentioning how the most famous Czech national product, Becherovka liqueur, is called here. Invented at the beginning of the 19th century by the pharmacist Jan Becher, herbal tincture turned out to be so tasty and healthy that its existence gained worldwide fame, and its production became industrial scale.
Now you can get acquainted with this history in the rather interesting Jan Becher Museum, on T. G. Masaryka Street, as well as with the conditions of modern production of this strong drink, taste and buy liquor at the lowest price in the Czech Republic. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the ticket price is 100 kroons.
It is impossible not to pay attention to another famous local product - obtained by evaporating mineral water and preserving all beneficial features. In the event that there is a desire to take the healing properties of Karlovy Vary with you, then it is Karlovy Vary salt dissolved in water that will allow you to plunge into your favorite environment even after returning from the resort. She, by the way, helps to lose weight and is the most popular and useful here.
Karlovy Vary Regional Museum
In addition to the Becher Museum, the Karlovy Vary Museum is of considerable interest, dedicated to the history of the founding of these places, which allows you to compare the ancient architecture with real modern views of the city in a very thorough way. The exposition of the museum contains rare objects of labor of local artisans, as well as vintage photo, thanks to which it is possible to maintain the amazing old flavor of the city. The museum is open until five o'clock in the evening, from Wednesday to Sunday, entrance - 60 crowns.
Museum of Bohemian glass "Moser"
But even more interesting for many is the Moser Museum of Bohemian Glass, located next to the factory of the same name.
From the reviews of tourists:
“I don't like glass and products made from it. But the museum realized that my beliefs may well be wrong. Moser products are beauty incarnate, a real inspiration from glass.”
The visit includes a demonstration of photographs and documentaries about Czech glassmakers and their art. A visit to this museum is a great opportunity to discover the impossible. It also works until 5 pm, entrance - 80 kroons. Together with a visit to the factory - 180.
Architectural monuments
The city itself, in fact, is a museum of architecture under open sky and it would be very appropriate to devote time free from procedures to excursions or just walks. Neat buildings will remind lovers of fairy tales bast gingerbread, all the colors of the rainbow putting together a fantastic mosaic of these places.
Among the most impressive are castle tower, the only surviving from the fire-destroyed palace of King Charles, which is the most old building cities. From the height of the tower it is nice to look around the surroundings, as well as visit a restaurant soaked in the Middle Ages. Near the tower are the main sources that we told you about, the Geyser and Market colonnades.
Church of Peter and Paul. Orthodox. Be sure to visit - it shines not only with domes, inside - rich decoration and a bas-relief of Peter the Great.
It will also be interesting to visit two functioning Karlovy Vary churches: Peter and Paul Church And Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Both temples are bright classic examples of Orthodox and Catholic religious construction, the church is much older than the Peter and Paul Cathedral and is a more significant cultural value.
From the reviews:
“I like to visit the church, especially when organ concerts. Just take warm clothes with you, as it can be chilly to sit and listen.”
Entrance to both temples is free.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Beautiful. In front of him, by the way, is the top of the Geyser Colonnade.
On a high hill above the city is another lookout tower- "Diana", which can be reached using funicular departing from the Grandhotel, or on foot along the forest paths.
Observation tower "Diana" - first you need to climb the hill of Friendship, and then 150 steps to the top of the structure (there is an elevator for the lazy). And that's where you'll be fine...
Built a hundred years ago, the tower allows you to admire the magnificent panorama from a height of 547 meters above sea level.
From the reviews of tourists:
“Mountains and crystal air are also clearly visible from there. The air is so delicious that you want to cut it and eat it! I didn't want to leave…”
Entrance to the tower is free. The funicular ride costs 40 CZK one way.
Nearby attractions or places to go from Karlovy Vary
If during previous visits all the attractions of the resort have been carefully studied, then you can organize self-guided tour in attractive surroundings by renting a car.
All this architectural complex- And gothic castle in the background, and a Renaissance building in the foreground - and is called Bečov nad Teplou.
Heading south, worth a visit Bečov nad Teplou, ancient defensive castle. It has remarkable frescoes. east tower And Chapel of the Virgin Mary where is stored Reliquary of St. Mark. It was recently found again, almost by accident, hidden during the retreat of the Nazis in the wine cellar of the dungeon, and it is better to listen to the amazing story associated with this on an excursion.
In the north, in the bend the Ohře river, located Loket castle. The majestic gray colossus in ancient times was the residence of kings, later, literally until recently, served as a prison. On the territory of the castle, you can visit several interesting museums and dine in medieval interiors.
From the reviews of tourists:
“We went to the torture chamber. Very naturalistic, with the screams of those being tortured, with “live” figures of executioners, with severed heads, with victims buried up to their chests, with torture instruments ... "
If time permits, then it is worth organizing a longer trip for the whole day - to or to - really worth it.
instead of output. There is clearly no reason to come to Karlovy Vary for two days. In this short time, it will not be possible to heal well, and this land cannot be seen and understood. With an abundance of sights and simply pleasant places to visit, this resort deserves close study and a long productive stay, and our ancestors appreciated this a long time ago and fell in love with Karlovy Vary. We wish you the same, the most enthusiastic impressions.
And an extraordinarily beautiful, bewitching city. Buildings in Karlovy Vary are similar in architectural style and constitute a single architectural ensemble, but, despite this, each building of this fabulous city unique. Located on different height on the mountain slopes, the houses look like an illustration for a children's book - bright, colorful, with amazing roofs and well-kept gardens. Almost any of them can be considered a landmark of Karlovy Vary.
Since Karlovy Vary owes its worldwide fame to its mineral springs, let's first of all consider those sights of Karlovy Vary, which are the architectural design of places where healing waters come to the surface.
So, the first attraction of Karlovy Vary is the Mlynskaya (Mill) colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda, No. 1 on). This is perhaps the most popular place in Karlovy Vary. Built on the site of the city's mill under the direction of the famous Prague architect Josef Zitek, who also designed the world-famous National Theater in Prague, the colonnade did not please the residents of Karlovy Vary. The townspeople felt that the building did not fit with the architecture of the city, and awarded it a host of derogatory names, including "Kingling Alley" and "Carrot Patch".
Initially, it was assumed that the building of the colonnade would be three-story, but for a number of reasons only the first floor was built. Later, at the end of the 19th century, the Mlynskaya colonnade was rebuilt and another source was added to it.
Today, the length of this landmark of Karlovy Vary is 132 meters, 124 columns support the roof with a terrace decorated with 12 sculptures representing the months of the year, and five mineral springs are displayed in marble vases.
Address: Lázeňská, 18/2. GPS coordinates: 50.2252194N, 12.8818250E
The white wooden Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda, No. 2 on), built at the end of the 19th century, was conceived as a temporary building. However, this landmark of Karlovy Vary is still standing. Of course, in the 20th century, the city authorities completely reconstructed it. Like many other buildings in Karlovy Vary, the Market Colonnade was built by the Viennese architects F. Felner and G. Gelmer. The colonnade is interesting because of the bas-relief over the spring of Charles IV with the depicted and surprisingly elegant wooden lace decorating the colonnade.
Address: Tržiště 4-6. GPS coordinates: 50.2235239N, 12.8832200E
Geyser colonnade
The geyser colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda, No. 3 on) is a landmark of Karlovy Vary, where you will find the most famous source of this spa town. A geyser is a mineral spring, the temperature of which is +73°C, spouting from the ground to a height of about 12 meters.
Initially, the gazebo at the geyser was wooden, then cast iron, and only in the second half of the 20th century was the modern building of the Geyser Colonnade built. The geyser itself is located in the glass pavilion of the colonnade, and in the walking hall of the colonnade you can taste water of different temperatures from individual fountains.
Address: Divadelni náměsti, 2036/2. GPS coordinates: 50.2230539N, 12.8836331E
The next attraction of Karlovy Vary will definitely interest art lovers. This is the Church of St. Mary Magdalene (Kostel svaté Máří Magdaleny, No. 4 on), located a hundred meters from the Geyser Colonnade. The church was built in the 18th century on the site of a Gothic church of the 15th century and a cemetery. The masterpieces of art in the temple include painting, sculpture, architecture and the work of jewelers. Here you can admire the paintings and statues, and go down into the dungeon to see the funerary chapel.
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene often hosts concerts of organ music, and since 2010 this landmark of Karlovy Vary has the status of a National cultural monument Czech Republic.
Address: náměstí Svobody, 1. GPS coordinates: 50.2227278N, 12.8844483E
Orthodox church Saints Peter and Paul (Kostel svaté Petra a Pavla, No. 5 on) is also a landmark of Karlovy Vary. It was erected at the end of the 19th century in the style of Moscow and Yaroslavl churches of the 17th century. Approaching the temple, you will see a traditional porch, a covered gallery, a vestibule and a bell tower. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is crowned with gilded domes. Inside, the temple is decorated with stained-glass windows, stucco and painting, there is a large oak iconostasis and, of course, beautiful icons.
Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Inspection of this Karlovy Vary landmark is included in most tourist routes, since the Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the best examples ancient architecture cities.
Address: Krale Jiřího 1039/2B. GPS coordinates: 50.2246875N, 12.8749211E
Column of the Holy Trinity (left)
Other noteworthy sights of Karlovy Vary include the Holy Trinity Column (Trojičný sloup), or the Plague Column (No. 6 on). Similar structures were installed throughout Europe after the plague epidemic swept through, and they personified the gratitude of people to God for getting rid of the plague.
However, the meaning of the Plague Column in Karlovy Vary is somewhat different - the plague that raged in Europe miraculously bypassed the resort city, and the people erected this monument in gratitude for God's great favor. The compositional dominant of this landmark of Karlovy Vary is the coronation of the Virgin Mary.
Address : Trzistě. GPS coordinates: 50.2231169N, 12.8827539E
In the very center of the city there is another attraction of Karlovy Vary - small, cozy and very beautiful park- Dvorakovy Gardens (Dvorakovy Sady, No. 7 on). The park, founded at the end of the 19th century, is named after the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, who, judging by historical documents, was a frequent guest in Karlovy Vary. Centuries-old trees grow in the Dvorak Gardens, there are small lake and, of course, a monument to the great composer. This park is very popular with both citizens and tourists: here you can walk on the lawns, have picnics, play tennis.
Address: Mlynské nábřeží. GPS coordinates: 50.2276800N, 12.8780800E
One of the main attractions of Karlovy Vary, of course, is the Diana observation tower (Rozhledna Diana, No. 8 on). From the observation deck of the 40-meter tower, standing at a height of 560 meters on the Peak of Friendship, a breathtaking view of the city opens up, Karlovy Vary is visible at a glance. The Diana Tower can be reached in three minutes by funicular, the station of which is located at the famous Pupp Hotel, or you can walk along well-groomed paths with signs. An elevator will take you to the observation deck of the tower, but if you want, you can overcome 150 steps of a spiral staircase. They say: “You have not seen Karlovy Vary if you have not been to the Diana Tower.
A stone's throw from this landmark of Karlovy Vary, in the Butterfly House, you can admire hundreds of beautiful exotic butterflies fluttering in tropical garden, go to the Mini Zoo and have dinner in a cozy restaurant "Diana".
Address: Vrch přátelství 1. GPS coordinates: 50.2190000N, 12.8723747E
Location map of attractions in Karlovy Vary
Describing the sights of Karlovy Vary, one cannot but mention the thermal springs - the main feature of the resort, founded in the XIV century by Charles IV. Water from Karlovy Vary mineral springs is used for medicinal drinking and bathing. There are many other attractions in the city that are included in the tourist map of Karlovy Vary. Japanese garden stones, the church of St. Mary Magdalene, the city theater, the church of St. Peter and Paul, the Old Castle and other local attractions will be great photo opportunities.
Like mineral water The famous Vrzhidlo spring is a fountain of the tourist life of the city, the soul of which are the colonnades - a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of travelers. It is rare that anyone will deny themselves the pleasure of visiting the main attraction of Karlovy Vary - the Mill Colonnade, dating back to 1881. This is the largest colonnade in the Neo-Renaissance style, which includes a network of thermal springs, the list of which includes: Mill Spring, Libushin, Prince Wenceslas Spring, Rocky Spring, Mermaid Spring. The colonnade itself evokes associations with an old temple, rich in sculptures dedicated to scenes from Czech mythology. The interesting sculptural composition"12 months".
It is impossible to lose sight of the church buildings of Karlovy Vary: the Church of St. Mary Magdalene - an example of high baroque, erected in 1737, the Greek Catholic Church of St. Andrew, which acquired its current appearance in 1841, the Anglican Church of St. Bows in the style of pseudo-Gothic, built in 1877 on the Castle Hill, the ruins of the church of St. Lengart, dating back to the 13th century, the church of St. Urbana, second half of the 13th century. The architectural dominant of the city, which was born in 1897, is considered to be the religious landmark of Karlovy Vary - Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, made in the Russian-Byzantine style and rebuilt at the expense of Russians who come to the fertile land for recreational purposes. Under its vaults, there are a lot of paintings and icons brought by guests from Russia, and two icons donated by Nicholas II are carefully stored.
The sights of Karlovy Vary are generous with interesting monuments: the so-called "Plague Pillar" or the Pillar of the Holy Trinity, built in honor of the victory over a terrible epidemic, mountain of three crosses, erected in memory of brothers-advocates of the Catholic faith, monuments to Ludwig van Beethoven, Adam Mickiewicz. to the local architectural masterpieces it is quite possible to attribute the building of the Post Office (1791), as well as the city theater, designed at the end of the 19th century.
The castles of Karlovy Vary allow you to find yourself in history. So, the Middle Ages blows from the picturesque castle Loket, the former administrative center the area of the same name and the hunting residence of the Luxembourg kings. Severe interiors, narrow streets, a torture chamber with sophisticated gizmos, a lot of beliefs associated with the dungeon - everything has a historical stamp. Traveling back hundreds of years, seeing unique collections of porcelain, weapons and rare books, feeling the place that Goethe loved so much is worth a lot. The fortified city of Bechov, founded in the 13th century, has a rich past. The most valuable here are the chapel of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary, decorated with frescoes of the biblical theme of the XIV century, and the casket with the relics of St. Mark.
Admire the city and its surroundings will help lookout towers- peculiar sights of Karlovy Vary: the observation tower "Diana" - the most famous, surrounded by the landscape of the Ore Mountains; Doubskaya Gora Tower with the Aberg Hotel; Observation deck named after Goethe, offering to overcome 165 steps; tower named after Charles IV, located at an altitude of 514 m above sea level; the observation platform "Deer Jump" with an unexpected angle on the city and another attraction of Karlovy Vary - a statue of a chamois looking at the city. You can climb the observation towers by funicular or walk along the forest paths.
Connoisseurs of Czech crystal have a direct road to the famous Moser glassworks- Birthplace of Bohemian glass. An interesting Moser Museum operates on the territory of the plant, demonstrating rare exhibits, shedding light on the history of the enterprise, involving in the process of blowing glasses. In the souvenir shop you can always buy unsurpassed crystal products. The Jan Becher Museum is also quite curious, especially for connoisseurs of fine liqueurs, because it is dedicated to the famous Becherovka herbal liqueur, which is produced only in Karlovy Vary. This wonderful drink with the aroma of lemon balm and cinnamon is jokingly called the thirteenth healing spring. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch a documentary film about the liquor, learn about the prerequisites for its production, taste the liquor from special porcelain glasses, and, if desired, buy a bottle or two at the manufacturer's price.
Of the natural attractions of Karlovy Vary, organically woven into the face of the city, parks, alleys and palisades, beautiful at any time of the year, are especially fascinating. locals and tourists choose Smetana Gardens for walking, a park with a lake - Small Versailles, Dvorak Gardens, Charles IV Gardens, a Rock Garden, the latter is literally created for meditation.
Karlovy Vary is attractive not only for tourists who want to improve their health. Here it is so easy to get close to Czech art in the local art gallery, to look into the cafe "Elephant", not to resist the temptation to see the waffle platter in the Oplatky confectionery shop. Sights of Karlovy Vary - a step to the heart atmospheric city- the pride of not only the Czech Republic, but the whole of Europe.
