Karlovy Vary
This attractive scene appeared on my screen recently. It depicts the city of Karlovy Vary in Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It is named after Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor who founded it in the 14th century.
Also known as Carlsbad, it is a well-known spa – the name translates as ‘Charles’ Baths.’ It is one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe,’ as listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
In addition to its fifteen springs, the most extraordinary being a geyser expelling hot water to a height of twelve metres. Karlovy Vary has beautifully preserved architecture from the eighteenth century onwards. A local glassworks is an additional attraction.
It became a fashionable destination for wealthy European aristocrats in the nineteenth century, but its rise in popularity stalled when war was declared in 1914. After 1989, when the Communist régime had been overthrown, it once more became an appealing place for tourists.
My husband was 3.5 when he left Czechoslovakia and di todn't go back until his mum was elderly and wanted to see her home country for the last time. Karlovy Vary was one of her dearest teenage memories and we loved it too!
ReplyDeleteInteresting history of a very attractive place.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to find a video of twelve metre high geyser.
ReplyDelete