Karlovy Vary, Czech RepublicSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlovy_Vary_downtown_3..jpg
Author: Dudva
Karlovy Vary (German:
Karlsbad) is a spa resort city in Bohemia, in the western part of the Czech Republic. It covers 59 sq km (23 sq mi) and has a population of 54,000 people (2011 estimate).
Karlovy Vary was founded in the 14th century, on a site which has been inhabited since earlier times. Karlovy Vary means "Charles's Bath". It was named after the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV (Czech: Karel IV). Since its earliest days, it was famous for its hot springs which are acclaimed for having therapeutic properties.
Another view of Karlovy VarySource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlovy_Vary_(Karlsbad)_-_Kurgebiet.JPG
Author: Franzfoto

The spa area of Karlovy Vary follows the canalized Teplá river, in a forested valley. Along the river are old buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visiting Karlovy Vary
You can reach Karlovy Vary by bus and by train. There are regular buses from Prague. It takes two hours and costs 150 Kc. There are also trains. The train journey takes 3 hours 15 minutes.
Russian Orthodox Church of St Peter and St Paul, Karlovy VarySource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlovy_Vary,_pravoslavn%C3%BD_kostel_svat%C3%BDch_Petra_a_Pavla,_v%C4%9B%C5%BEe.jpg
Author: SJu
Places of Interest in Karlovy Vary
- Church of St Mary Magdalene
This is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Bohemia. It was constructed in 1732 and has an altar from 1752 with the image of Mary Magdalene.
- Church of St Peter and St Paul
Built in 1893, this is one of the biggest Russian Orthodox churches in the world.
- Diana Viewpoint
Viewpoint at the top of Friendship Hill, reached by a funicular from the Grand Hotel Pupp, one of the grandest hotels in Karlovy Vary.
- Imperial Baths
This was once the most opulent building in Karlovy Vary. It was built in 1892. It has a Neo-Renaissance façade and decorations in the Art Nouveau style.
- Karlovarské Museum
Local museum displaying items from the region such as glass and porcelain collection as well as handicrafts.
- Karlovy Vary Theater
Late 19th century theater designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. The magnificent interior is graced by several grand paintings.
- Market Colonnade
Wooden colonnade built in 1883. It occupies the site of the former town hall.
- Mill Spring Colonnade
This colonnade built in 1871 is the largest in Karlovy Vary. It is 132 m (430 ft) long and 13 m (43 ft) wide, with 124 columns.
- Park Spring Colonnade
Colonnade of wrought iron on the west bank of the Teplá river.
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