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Karlovy Vary.

In the Czech Republic many towns are famous for their unique stories and exciting attractions. Carlsbad, or Karlovy Vary, is perhaps the most famous. It's not only a fabulous spa resort with healing springs, but a collection of beautiful architectural monuments.

In 14^th century here one of the residences of Charles IV was situated here, king of Czechia and monarch of Roman Empire. This is the king whose name was given to cities, districts, to the first university in Central Europe, the bridge in Prague and many other objects related to this powerful historical figure.

The town history is also connected with this king. According to the ancient legend, Charles was chasing a deer with his dogs. Between Ohre and Teplá rivers one of the dogs got into a thermal spring and got scalded. Approaching the spring which was later called Vrídla (geyser), the king was awed with this natural wonder. With his doctors present he alleged that the water has healing properties and can cure serious ilnesses.

Thermal springs were known to the local people long before this. Ancient Slavs referred to this place as Vary, being a derivative of the word "to boil". It was Charles IV who found the healing spring and ordered to found a settlement which got the status of a town in 1348. The town later got its name after the king.

The town had its ups and downs. It suffered heavily during a 1582 flood and was almost completely destroyed by the fires in 1604 and 1759. Due to the support from the citizens the town grew even bigger and more beautiful. Karlovy Vary became famous as a spa resort since 7-8^th centuries. New springs were built, scientists and doctors discover new ways of using valuable mineral water. Among those who visited the resort there is even Peter I, the king of Russia who left plenty of legends and rumors behind.

Between the 18^th and 19^th centuries Karlovy Vary started getting its today image of a town with colonnades above the springs, wide boulevards and refined hotel buildings, rich cultural and social life which is no world famous. On the whole, despite the notorious 1890 flood, decades of the 19^th and the beginning of the 20^th centuries are considered to be Carslbad's golden age. Among the architectural masterpieces of the times one can mention the Anglican church of St. Luke, the synagogue and the Russian orthodox St. Peter and Paul cathedral built 1897.

Today it's the most popular resort in the Czech Republic. It is especially favored by Russians. Coming to Karlovy Vary you not just enjoy the unique nature and get healthier but have plenty of fun, too. There are dozens of bars, cafes and restaurants here, offering Czech cuisine, as well as shops, fitness centers and open air pools, warm even in winter. The locals speak good Russian.

Arm yourself with a map right away not to get lost.

Apart from its glory as a resort, Karlovy Vary is famous for the annual film festival which was held for 41^st time in 2006. This summer event attracts lots of film industry stars. If you come to the town in summer, you may as well see a couple of new movies.

In general, the town looks and feels great all the year round. In summer the cool parks are lovely, in autumn it's warm and the purple trees look terrific, in winter the long lines of snowy hills are remarkable and in spring the nature awakens and paints the town with its budding vegetation.

Come and see everything for yourself!

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