Karlovy Vary: A Historic Spa Town of Elegance and Healing

Karlovy Vary, located in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, is a renowned spa town famous for its hot springs and elegant architecture. Established in the 14th century by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, the town was named after him. According to legend, Charles discovered the healing properties of the region’s mineral springs while hunting. This discovery led to Karlovy Vary becoming a prominent spa destination for European nobility and intellectuals. The town’s reputation flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, drawing famous visitors such as Goethe, Beethoven, and Tsar Peter the Great.

The town is home to 13 main springs, with the Vřídlo (Hot Spring) being the most famous, spouting water at 73°C. Visitors traditionally sip the spring water using porcelain spa cups, a custom deeply rooted in the town’s culture. Karlovy Vary is also known for producing Becherovka, a unique herbal liqueur, and Moser glass, a symbol of fine craftsmanship.

Karlovy Vary hosts the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Europe. The town’s streets, lined with Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau buildings, provide a picturesque backdrop reflecting its historical charm and cultural elegance.