Karlovy Vary

There are very few places like the Karlovy Vary region in the world. Places, which can boast a rich historical tradition, live by the stormy present and have a promising future ahead of them. Prominent rulers of the Czech lands, famous statesmen, actors, musicians and thousands of other visitors walked the roads of the spa area. All of them were brought here by a single cause – a desire to improve their health, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the spa town and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Legend of the royal healing

The Karlovy Vary region is one of the areas rich in mineral springs of various temperatures, tastes and medicinal properties. According to legend, one of the first patients was the Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV himself whose name was given to the town of Karlovy Vary.

Archaeological findings show though that the beneficent power of the local springs was known to the local people long before that. The Emperor's praise launched a new stage, however. Physicians became interested in the springs and their research has confirmed the beneficial effect of drinking the water as well as of the bathing treatments. Karlovy Vary and the Kyselka spa have started to gain worldwide fame.

The guest list of Karlovy Vary boasts for example the names of Tsar Peter the Great, Johan Sebastian Bach, Giacomo Casanova or Antonín Dvořák.

Spa heads to the world

The fame of the local mineral springs gave rise to a new kind of business, however. Their water was initially sent to customers in earthenware jars. The name of the local native Heinrich Mattoni stands out most prominently among those who devoted their lives to the development of this industry. The factory in Kyselka prospered and Mattoni's name soon became another symbol of the region.