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!
ReplyDeleteCzechoslovakia has had a chequered history. It must have been a bittersweet return to the home country for your mother-in-law, but lovely that she could see it once more.
DeleteInteresting history of a very attractive place.
ReplyDelete'Taking the waters' was a popular experience in the 18th and 19th centuries and believed to cure all sorts of ills.
DeleteI'm going to find a video of twelve metre high geyser.
ReplyDeleteThe tallest geysers are in Yellowstone - the Steamboat Geyser can expel water to a height of 91 metres. 😳
DeleteWhile I know Prague quite well, I have never been to Karlsbad, as it is called in German. It looks elegant and inviting.
ReplyDeleteIt does look attractive.
DeleteIt does look beautiful. Perhaps I should add it to my travel wish list.
ReplyDeleteDo, and then you can give a first-hand account. 😀
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous city.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looks it.
DeleteIt's beautiful. That would be an interesting place to visit
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it would be.
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteIt looks like a lovely place to visit and relax and perhaps enjoy those spas. I'll add it to our possible holiday destinations, for future reference.
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
ReplyDeletesounds like a wonderful place to visit o the icy morning.. a good warm relaxing spa..yes!!
ReplyDeleteHot water spas are a great attraction.
DeleteI remember being in the Czech building at Expo '67 in Montreal. So much was "snuck out" from the country to show in the building. Beautiful carvings and a multi-projector wall with blocks moving in and out. High tech for then. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThank goodness the Czech Republic no longer has to 'hide.'
DeleteA PBS program showing European Cities has mentioned how after 1989 many places are popular tourist areas. That is mostly their only income today. But crowded with sightseers.
ReplyDeleteIt's the tourists whose money maintains the beauties of the world, but also make it impossible to see!
DeleteA storybook city...
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though it belongs in a fairy tale.
DeleteFascinating! I had not even heard of this city.
ReplyDeleteI had heard of it under its German name, Karlsbad.
DeleteThat image does show a lovely scene.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing the information ... an interesting read.
All the best Jan
😊
DeleteMakes a charming picture postcard
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteThat one hasn't come across my screen yet, though I have had several other beautiful cities.
ReplyDeleteI like the unexpectedness of these screens.
DeleteThat's beautiful and it's one place we have not traveled to.
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