Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Karlovy Vary
Colonnades
Park Colonnade
Park Colonnade (1880, Fellner a Helmer)
This colonnade once served as the esplanade of the Blanensky Pavillion, that was demolished in the 1960’s. Fortunately, the colonnade has survived to this date, which was mainly due to its general reconstruction. Three curative springs rise right under the colonnade roof or in its immediate vicinity.
Mill Colonnade
Mill Colonnade (1871 - 1881, Josef Zítek)
Architect Zítek’s original vision of the appearance of this new renaissance building differed from its final look substantially. The renowned architect initially designed the building as a two-storey, much more ostentatious structure. Once finished, the colonnade was not received with the warmest feelings and appreciation. Purportedly, it was not in tune with the nature of the spa city.
Since 1893, when it was extended to the Rock Spring (Skalní pramen), it has been 132 m long. Its roof supported by 124 Corinth-style columns shelter an orchestra pit and five mineral springs. Its premises are decorated with allegoric statues.
Market Colonnade
Market Colonnade (1883, Fellner a Helmer)
The wooden structure inspired by Swiss architecture was meant to arch over mineral springs for a couple of years only. However, when it surmounted the Market Spring and the Charles IV Spring (Tržní and Karla IV.) for more than a hundred years, the local authorities decided to keep it in place and ordered its overall reconstruction.
Chateau Colonnade (1911 - 1913, Friedrich Ohmann)
This colonnade is situated above the Market Colonnade. It has two parts: The Upper Spring Colonnade (Horní pramen) and the Lower Spring Colonnade (Dolní pramen). The interior of the Lower Spring Colonnade is decorated with a relief representing the Spirit of the Springs. The colonnade was shut down for many years. Its reopening took place in 2001 following thorough reconstruction.
Thermal Spring Colonnade
Thermal Spring Colonnade (1969 - 1975, prof. Votruba)
From the 16th century onward, the geyser of hot mineral water used to be covered in by many structures: a baroque building, an empire colonnade, a cast alloy colonnade or a
temporary wooden colonnade. Another and for the time being still existing structure embracing the spring was erect in the late 1906’s.
The space under the colonnade floor hides infrastructure for the drawing, distribution and thermal regulation of thermal water. However, there are also areas where aragonite ‘grows over’ the souvenirs of Karlovy Vary. The old section of the thermal spring underground will soon be open to the public who will be able to go on a guided tour there.
Historical spa buildingsMilitary Spa Institution (1855, Hagenauer)
Since its establishment, this facility has served as a medical institution for the army and its servicemen. The building is situated on the left river bank of the Teplá, at the edge of Dvořák Park. Twenty five years after its commissioning, the Park Colonnade was built alongside.
Spa I
Spa I (1895, Fellner a Helmer)
This breathtaking building is located across from GH Pupp. The wonderful premises of the Emperor’s Baths have been exposed to the years of dilapidation. The partially retained original interiors are accessible during IFF that uses them to hold dance parties and V.I.P. gatherings. During a walk through the spa downtown you can admire the detailed refinement of the building and to commiserate with its pitiable condition.
Spa III
Spa III (1867, Hain a Labitzký)
this new gothic building situated on the left river bank between the Military Spa Institution and the Mill Colonnade, serves more than the purposes of spa treatment. The concert hall of Antonín Dvořák is the place of regular concerts given by the Karlovy Vary Symphonic Orchestra.
www.lazneiii.cz
Spa V
Spa V (1906, Drobny)
This spa facility (formerly called Elizabeth’s Spa) is found in Smetana Park. In the year 2004, the building underwent reconstruction during which the swimming pool was transformed into a swimming complex that is also open to the public. Elizabeth’s Spa is the largest spa house in the Czech Republic.
Name Swimming pool opening hours
Admission fee (entire complex)
Spa V (Elizabeth’s Spa)Smetanovy sady 1145/1, Karlovy Varytel.: +420 353 222 536e-mail: [email protected]: www.spa5.cz
Mon, Wed, Fri* 9:00 - 21:00Tue, Thu* 6:00 - 21:00Sat 9:00 - 21:00Sun 9:00 - 21:00
30min 50 CZK/ prs1 hours - 90 CZK/ prs1½ hour 120 CZK/ prs2 hours 140 CZK/ prs
* lunch break 12:00 - 13:00
hotel Thermal
Thermal (1977)
This spa sanatorium with its own congress center and a swimming pool was erected in the historical city quarter. The ten-storey hotel offers 273 rooms and several restaurants. Every year, the hotel becomes the center of the International Film Festival.
www.thermal.cz
Spa Hotel Imperial
Spa Hotel Imperial (1912)
This hotel is one of the city’s dominants. It was built before World War I and served mainly the rich international clientele. Even after World War II, its accommodation services were sought after by foreigners, most of them, however, coming from the then Soviet Union. Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the hotel has been gaining popularity with many notable Czechs and foreigners who have become its frequent visitors. The hotel provides comprehensive spa treatment and wellness, a large number of beautiful rooms, restaurants, and a variety of sports activities.
www.imperialgroup.kv.cz
Grand hotel Pupp (1781)
The world-acclaimed hotel was built in Karlovy Vary thanks to the entrepreneurship of confectioner J. G. Pupp. He purchased two social halls (Saxon Hall and Czech Hall) situated on the site of the contemporary grand hotel. Pupp was determined to reconstruct the halls in a fashion creating a spectacular whole. His legacy was further developed by his children and grandchildren. Nearly one hundred yrs later, specifically in 1893, the hotel complex was completed.
www.pupp.cz
parkhotel Richmond
Richmond (1927)
The classicist sanatorium was erected in the place of a former Schönbrun cafe. The hotel is surrounded by a vast park with a number of statues and monuments, including a statue of a deer, L. V. Beethoven monument or Mickiewicz monument. A true rarity of this place is its Japanese Garden.
If you are heading for the Japanese Garden to watch bonsais or Japanese cherry trees, you will be disappointed. The garden is made of stones only. The whole scenery symbolizes water and is meant to provide a meditation retreat. The garden was design by Masumi Schmidt-Muraki a Japanese living in Germany.
www.richmond.eu
Park Colonnade
Park Colonnade (1880, Fellner a Helmer)
This colonnade once served as the esplanade of the Blanensky Pavillion, that was demolished in the 1960’s. Fortunately, the colonnade has survived to this date, which was mainly due to its general reconstruction. Three curative springs rise right under the colonnade roof or in its immediate vicinity.
Mill Colonnade
Mill Colonnade (1871 - 1881, Josef Zítek)
Architect Zítek’s original vision of the appearance of this new renaissance building differed from its final look substantially. The renowned architect initially designed the building as a two-storey, much more ostentatious structure. Once finished, the colonnade was not received with the warmest feelings and appreciation. Purportedly, it was not in tune with the nature of the spa city.
Since 1893, when it was extended to the Rock Spring (Skalní pramen), it has been 132 m long. Its roof supported by 124 Corinth-style columns shelter an orchestra pit and five mineral springs. Its premises are decorated with allegoric statues.
Market Colonnade
Market Colonnade (1883, Fellner a Helmer)
The wooden structure inspired by Swiss architecture was meant to arch over mineral springs for a couple of years only. However, when it surmounted the Market Spring and the Charles IV Spring (Tržní and Karla IV.) for more than a hundred years, the local authorities decided to keep it in place and ordered its overall reconstruction.
Chateau Colonnade (1911 - 1913, Friedrich Ohmann)
This colonnade is situated above the Market Colonnade. It has two parts: The Upper Spring Colonnade (Horní pramen) and the Lower Spring Colonnade (Dolní pramen). The interior of the Lower Spring Colonnade is decorated with a relief representing the Spirit of the Springs. The colonnade was shut down for many years. Its reopening took place in 2001 following thorough reconstruction.
Thermal Spring Colonnade
Thermal Spring Colonnade (1969 - 1975, prof. Votruba)
From the 16th century onward, the geyser of hot mineral water used to be covered in by many structures: a baroque building, an empire colonnade, a cast alloy colonnade or a temporary wooden colonnade. Another and for the time being still existing structure embracing the spring was erect in the late 1906’s.
The space under the colonnade floor hides infrastructure for the drawing, distribution and thermal regulation of thermal water. However, there are also areas where aragonite ‘grows over’ the souvenirs of Karlovy Vary. The old section of the thermal spring underground will soon be open to the public who will be able to go on a guided tour there.
More historical buildings
Chateau Gate
Chateau Gate
It towers above the Chateau Colonnade. Its original gothic design was from about 1358; the gate was built upon an order of Charles IV. However, it was destroyed by devastating fire in 1604. Only its tower was reconstructed in a baroque style and renowned spa visitors were welcomed from its platform.
Post Office Manor House
Post Office Manor House (1791)
The building was designed in a classicist style. However, it bears many signs of romanticism, which mainly applies to its interiors. During its existence, the Post Office Manor House had several more or less known people every single one of whom wanted to develop the building some more. Originally, the house was a stable for post office horses. Yet it did not take long and it became a favorite meeting place for the spa elite. The Manor House was - and still is - a place were celebrations, gatherings, social functions and concerts are arranged regularly.
National House (1901, Fellner a Helmer)
This is another interesting building of Karlovy Vary that, however, has only been dilapidating over long years. Hopefully, its reconstruction should soon be commenced. The Art Nouveau hotel building used to be the seat of a world-famous vaudeville.
Metropolitan Theater (1886, Fellner a Helmer)
Two architects, Messrs. Fellner and Helmer, dressed the theater in a new baroque robe. If you find it beautiful outside, you will be astonished with its interiors. Their splendor is topped with a painted curtain representing an allegory of arts by F. Matschem.
Market Place (1913)
The building from the early 20th century is situated in the very center of the city. Its premises have been occupied with a supermarket for several years.
Felix Zawojski House (1900)
This utterly Art Nouveau structure is found opposite the Market Colonnade.
Three Moors House (1910, F. Ohmann)
This house erected in Stara Louka was the home of J. W. Goethe during many of his stays in Karlovy Vary.
Czech Savings Company (1906, O. Stainl)
The Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century is currently under reconstruction. Its name clearly implies what purpose it has been designed for.
Main Post Office (1900 - 1904, Friedrich Setz)
This building creates an important milestone between the commercial and spa quarter of Karlovy Vary. At its era it was one of the most modern, progressive postal facilities in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. At the third floor level there are four allegoric statues representing a telegraph, railroad transport, shipping, and post office. The post office building is a registered national landmark.
Museums and galleriesJan Becher Museum
This museum - like the production plant - is located in a historical building scented with the local unique liqueur ‘Becherovka’. Becherovka is one of the best known products of Karlovy Vary. During a museum tour you will learn basics on the history, manufacturing, or storage of the liqueur. You will also see historical objects and a short instructional film. Becherovka can be bought in a local outlet store attached to the museum or enjoyed in the museum’s bar. Museum tours are organized for individuals and groups. A guided tour in English is also available.
Name Opening hours Admission feeJan Becher MuseumT.G.M. 57, Karlovy Varyreservations:phone: +420 353 170 177fax: +420 353 229 421e-mail: [email protected]: www.becherovka.cz
Mon - Sun9:00 - 17:00
Adults 100,- CZKChildren/students 50,- CZK
Art Gallery
Art Gallery
The gallery presents a permanent exhibition of the most significant and most valuable works of art collected here since 1953. The gallery displays paintings and statues by Czech authors. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the gallery also organizes short-term exhibitions, concerts and theater performances. Another project that has been going on since 2000 is a public educational program (mainly designed for the schools of Karlovy Vary).
Name Opening hours Admission fee
Art Gallery, Karlovy VaryGoethova stezka 6, KVphone: 353 224 387fax: 353 224 388e-mail: [email protected]: www.galeriekvary.cz
Tu - Sun 9:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00Gallery holds regular cultural and educational programs for the public that may request changes in the operating hours.
Depends on a projectEvery first Wednesday of the month all of the gallery’s exhibitions can be seen free of charge.
The Karlovy Vary Regional Museum and the Museum of Karlovy
The exposition of the Regional Museum is scattered over several towns and communities in the region. In Karlovy Vary, it is located in three buildings.
The Golden Key House - This originally baroque building was reconstructed in the 19th and the 20th century. Once a boarding house, it became the property of the Becher Family. Even later, this house witnessed the visits Karel Marx himself paid to Dr. Fleckles. Today, the first floor premises hosts exhibitions and the second floor presents a permanent exhibition of painting by Vienna’s artist Wilhelm Gause.
The permanent exhibition of the Regional Museum can be seen in the building of former district administration authority in New Meadow (Nova louka). The exhibition features the history of the region, emphasizing the development and history of balneology as well as the natural riches of the region. The exposition also includes several valuable books taken over from a Latin school library in Jáchymov.
The third building of the The Karlovy Vary Regional Museum stores, besides books on the history of art, historical balneological publications and treatises on the Karlovy Vary therapeutic treatment. Most of them were written by renowned authors. For instance, the library administers treatises by Dr. David Becher.
Name Opening hours Admission feeThe Golden Key HouseLázeňská 21/3, Karlovy Varyphone: +420 353 223 888web: www.kvmuz.cz
Wed - Sun 9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00(lectures and exhibitions)
Adults 20,- CZKChildren 10,- CZKFamily 25,- CZK
Former building of the district administration authorityNová louka 23, Karlovy Varytel.: +420 353 226 252
Wed - Sun9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:00(permanent exposition, exhibitions)
Adults 30,- /15,- CZK*Children 15,-/10,- CZK*Family 55,- CZK
Museum library Study room for the professional publicZámecký vrch 22, Karlovy Varyphone: +420 353 224 433
Research project dayMon 8:00 - 18:00 Wed 8:00 - 16:00 If you want to research materials in the library, please report your visit on the phone.
* permanent exposition/exhibitions
Glasswork Museum
exposition ofMoser glassworks
The individual expositions located on the premises of the Karlovy Vary production shop lead you through the history of a world-known glass making company. Visitors can learn more about the development of the glass factory and its products from the very beginning to our present day. The museum is interconnected with its outlet store. The exposition has 6 thematic parts:
Moser glassworks and its history Moser molten glass Decorative glass and glasses by Moser in the course of history
Moser - the glass of the kings - Moser glassware with coat of arms and initials Moser Giant Goblets Club Moser Glass making symposiums
Name Opening hours Admission feeMOSER GLASS MUSEUMKpt. Jaroše 46/19, Karlovy Varyphone: +420 800 166 737,phone: +420 353 449 [email protected]
Mon - Fri 8:00 - 17:30Sat 9:00 - 15:00 free
Ecclesiastical buildings
St. Mary Magdalene church
St. Mary Magdalene church(1737, Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer)
The baroque church replaced a former gothic church. Do not miss the opportunity to see a valuable alter painting during your tour. Church services are held here every day.
In the underground of the church there is a unique funeral chapel with the remains that were removed from a cancelled cemetery. The building of a charnel house was considered in the past. This idea, however, has never come true. Tours in the baroque crypt are arranged by the Information Center.
St. Peter and PaulOrthodox Church
St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church(1898, Wiedemann)
The construction of this orthodox church was inspired by a church nearby Moscow. This distinct building can hardly be overlooked. It is seated among mostly Art Nouveau villas in Krále Jiřího Street. The abundant decorations of the church were partially sponsored by the wealthy patients of Russian origin who seek treatment in Karlovy Vary. One of the decorations is a relief representing Russian Tsar Peter the Great.
St. Andrew Church at the cemetery (1500)
The church was erected in a gothic style and reconstructed in 1841. Several renowned personalities such as dr. David Becher, dr. Jean de Carro, architekt F. Gilly and many others are buried at the former cemetery.
St. Peter and Paul Evangelic Church (1856, Zeissig)
The local evangelic church was built at the turn of the 19th century in a new Romanesque style. It is found near the Emperor’s Baths.
St. Lucas Anglican Church
St. Lucas Anglican Church (1877, Dr. Mothes)
The church was built on Chateau Hill according to a pseudogothic design. Its construction was financially supported by spa guests from England.
St. Urban Church (13th century)
The oldest preserved structure in the city is found in a district called Rybáře. Its beginning dates back to about the second half of the 13th century when a settlement process started.
Romanesque church of St. Linhart (13th century)
The ruins of this roman structure lie near a forest café Linhart. The first mention of the church comes from as early as 1246.
St. Anna Church, Sedlec
St. Anna Church, Sedlec (1738, Jan Schmid)
Pilgrimage Baroque Church built in the years 1738 – 45 by the builder Jan Schmid on the place of Gothic Church from the year 1290.
The Church has been dedicated to St. Anna Samotřetí, its big dimensions are astonishing, when it is known that in the year 1850 Sedlec had only 250 inhabitants. The purpose of the builder and architect was to build a dimensional pilgrimage church that would accommodate all processes, which used to come to Sedlec at St. Anna.
Floor plan of the church forms a rectangle, it is single-nave with rich stucco decoration, which is impressive especially in the arch of the chancel. Ceiling fresco decoration was made by El Dollhopf from the years 1740 – 1750. On the eastern side of the church body, here is arising a tower decorated with pillars in the wall and triple moulding above them. From the architectural perspective, view to the church is disturbed by rather low-lying dome with a lantern. Around the church there used to be old walled churchyard cancelled in the year 1836. Behind it there is a pillar of Virgin Marry of Sorrows from the year 1716.
Outlook Towers and BelvederesOutlook tower Diana (547m a.s.l.)
Outlook tower Diana
The outlook tower from the year 1914 stands on Friendship Height (Výšina přátelství) above Grand Hotel Pupp. It can be reached on foot, following forest paths, or by a cable car. One cable car trip is about 3 minutes long.
Month Operating hoursFebruary, March 9:15 - 16:45April, May 9:15 - 17:45June to September 9:15 - 18:45October 9:15 - 17:45November, December 9:15 - 16:45
The gallery of the tower situated 25 m above ground can be reached by a lift or by stretching your legs on 150 steps. You can explore how far your eye can see daily, except January. Weather permitting, a view of up to 70 km opens before you.
The surroundings of the outlook tower are intertwined with several forest paths, for instance the Friendship Trail (Cesta přátelství), Marx’s Path (Marxova pěšina), Rusel Trail (Ruselova cesta), Fibich path (Fibichova stezka), and many others. Go for a hike in
the forest; a path can take you, for instance to a place called Deer Jump located a little more than 1 km from the tower; or to Charles IV belvedere found on the opposite side.
Goethe’s Belvedere (638 m a.s.l.)
This is another structure whose design is signed by the architects Fellner and Helmer (1889). A view of the surrounding grounds can be enjoyed by those who climb 165 steps taking them 34 m high.
The outlook tower can be accessed by public transport bus No. 8 when you have to get off at the stop Hůrky (the bus leaves in about hourly intervals) and then continue on foot. You can also tide your bike or drive your car on Gogol’s path. The outlook tower has the opening hours from 11:00 until 20:00 in summer, in winter, the tower is closed 3 - 4 earlier.
If you want to continue hiking, stay on Gogol’s path. After completing about 2 km you will reach Three Crosses. On your way there, you will pass - which is usually the case in the forests around Karlovy Vary - several alcoves and half-pace places.
Charles IV Belvedere (514 m a.s.l.)
Charles IV Belvedere
The wonderful pseudo-gothic tower was built in 1877. The only thing you have to do before looking around is to conquer 79 steps. Access to the tower is unlimited.
The outlook tower can be reached by a cable car from GH Pupp. Get off at the Deer Jump station (or you can walk there from the Diana outlook tower) and set out, following the yellow-marked path leading your way to the Post Office Manor House.
You will see several direction indicators and maps, alcoves and half-pace areas.
Doubská mountain (609 m a.s.l.) + St. Linhart
St. Linhart
This outlook tower was built in 1905. After some time of dilapidation (which is an unfortunate ill-practice habit here in Bohemia) it was sold in 1995. The new owner reconstructed the building and establishment hotel Aberg in it. The outlook gallery is part of a hotel suite, and can be accessed (a fee of 40 CZK) provided that the suit is not occupied.
The outlook tower is best accessible by car coming from the road in the direction of Plzeň and Březova. After driving about 400 m behind a viaduct leave the main road and continue towards a holidayer restaurant Svatý Linhart. Leave your car there and walk the remaining 1200 meters following Tuhnicka path.
You can also go by train (getting off at the train station in Karlovy Vary - Březová) from where you hike on Sova’s path towards St. Linhart and then continue on Tuhnicka path.
Another possibility is to take public transport bus bus No. 6 and go to the stop Svatošská from where you will return some 130 m, turn right to the street K Linhartu until reaching its end where you will pick up Doubska path from which you will turn to Tuhnicka path. From the Svatý Linhart Restaurant you will follow the same path as described above.
Deer Jump
If you are interested in seeing the city from a different perspective, this is the right place for you. The statue of a chamois standing on a rock, his eyes set on the city, belongs to Karlovy Vary as much as mineral water, spa wafers and the Becher liqueur.
statue of a chamois
This place can be reached by cable car leaving from GH Pupp. Get off at the Deer Jump station or you can ride uphill to the Diana outlook tower and walk back some 500 m. You will pas a sanatorium called Myslivna (Gamekeeper’s Lodge), followed by a restaurant named U Myslivny (Gamekeeper’s Lodge) and finally by restaurant called Jelení skok (Deer Jump). From there you can walk downhill on a serpentine path to the statue of a chamois and farther below the Deer Jump belvedere. Do not be confused about the identical name of the three places. You will know you have reached the right one when you can see a chamois. From its statues you can keep on walking down the steps and then take a path that sways to the right back to GH Pupp. The path is provided with tourist marks, direction indicators and orientation maps.
Three Crosses
Three Crosses
The crosses were erected here to symbolize the accomplished re-catholicization of the town and its environs (following the year 1620). However, a legend tells us that the crosses stand for the death of three brothers who died by violent death.
Take public transport bus No. 2, 8, 11 or 13 and go to the stop Panorama. Walk another 100 meters until reaching U Tří křížů Street and keep on walking to the Panorama gazebo and then to Turgeněv path. At the first road-fork behind the gazebo turn left, walk to a crossroad with Gogol path (about 400 meter’s walk) and turn right. After passing the Three Crosses lodge (U Tří křížů) you will be heading for the Three Crosses (Three Crosses). A return hike is a little more than 2 km long. If you decide to stay on Gogol path and keep on hiking, you will get to Goethe’s Belvedere.
