Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, was founded in 1370 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. Charles IV built the town near hot springs whose waters were said to have healing properties. The town has since become one of the most famous spa towns in Europe, attracting visitors worldwide for its picturesque landscape and therapeutic waters.

In 1707, a massive fire raged through Karlovy Vary, destroying much of the town. Fires were common in European towns during this time, but this particular inferno consumed nearly all of Karlovy Vary's wooden buildings. The town was subsequently rebuilt in a Baroque style that has largely shaped its historical aesthetics.

The Karlovy Vary Museum was established in 1818 to collect and preserve artifacts related to the region's history and culture. It houses a vast collection of artifacts that provide insights into the town's spa culture and the historical development of the region, serving as a valuable resource for historians and visitors alike.

The Grandhotel Pupp, which opened in 1868, is one of Karlovy Vary's most luxurious and historic hotels. It has hosted soirees and guests from various aspects of society, including royalty, intellectuals, and artists. Its opulent architecture and grand interiors have been featured in several films and have made it a symbol of luxury in the town.

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in the world and the most prestigious in Central and Eastern Europe, had its first iteration in 1874. It was part of the artistic avant-garde movement that sought to showcase international cinema. The festival attracted filmmakers and artists from across the globe.

The Mill Colonnade, an iconic symbol of Karlovy Vary, was officially inaugurated in 1895. Designed by architect Josef Zítek, it features 124 columns and five mineral springs. Serving as a covered promenade for spa visitors, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Karlovy Vary and an architectural masterpiece of the 19th century.

Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I, Karlovy Vary became part of the newly founded republic of Czechoslovakia in 1918. This incorporation was part of a major national reorganization in Central Europe, reshaping borders and establishing new national identities after the war.

After World War II, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival was revived in 1946. It quickly established itself as one of the major international film festivals, promoting post-war reconstruction efforts through culture. This revival marked an important cultural renaissance for Czechoslovakia in the newly established Eastern Bloc.

With the fall of communism in 1989 and the subsequent dissolution of Czechoslovakia, Karlovy Vary underwent significant restoration starting in 1991. The town aimed to restore its historic architecture and spa facilities, attracting international visitors once more. The renovation efforts were crucial to reviving its cultural and economic stature.

In 2013, Karlovy Vary, along with other European spa towns, was nominated to join the UNESCO World Heritage List. The listing was intended to protect the cultural and architectural heritage of these historical spa towns, recognizing their importance and unique contribution to European history of health and wellness tourism.