Understanding Market Colonnade Architecture and Legend

The Market Colonnade is a masterpiece of Swiss-style architecture. It was built in 1883 by architects Fellner and Helmer. They used white-painted wood to create a lace-like appearance. This structure was originally meant to be temporary. However, its beauty led the city to preserve it for over a century.

The Market Colonnade architecture and legend are closely linked to King Charles IV. According to local lore, the King discovered the first spring here. He was hunting a deer when the animal fell into a hot pool. The King then tried the water and felt its healing powers. This event led to the founding of the city.

Inside the colonnade, you can see a bronze relief. This artwork depicts the famous discovery of the springs. The site is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. It represents the great spa towns of Europe. Visiting this spot is essential for any history lover.

12 Essential Sights in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary offers a unique mix of nature and history. You can walk between grand colonnades and lush parks. Most sights are within walking distance in the pedestrian zone. Plan for at least two days to see everything properly.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Market Colonnade for its history and beauty.
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Diana Observation Tower for the funicular ride.
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy-Day - Jan Becher Museum for indoor tasting tours.
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Tasting water from the public mineral springs.

1. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: To see the intricate wood carvings and the Charles IV Spring. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Left bank of the Teplá River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Look for the relief above the spring showing the city's founding.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 columns. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Near the center of the spa district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Read more about the Mill Colonnade history and springs before your visit.
3. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Sight Why go: To see the massive geyser shooting water 12 meters high. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Opposite the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (tours of the underground cost extra). Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Check the Hot Spring Colonnade Vřídlo geyser schedule for underground tours.
4. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: Famous for its delicate cast-iron structure in Dvořák Park. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: Near the northern end of the spa zone. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river downstream from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: The Park Colonnade Dvořák Park guide helps you find the Snake Spring.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Provides the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Active travelers and families. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Use the Diana observation tower funicular guide for transport. Tip: There is a mini-zoo and a butterfly house at the top.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian crystal is made. Best for: Craftsmanship fans. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street, outskirts of town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a local bus from the center. Tip: Book a Moser glassworks museum and tour in advance.
7. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the secret recipe of Becherovka liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Short walk from the main bus station. Tip: The tour includes a tasting session of different herbal blends.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: An iconic luxury hotel featured in James Bond films. Best for: Fans of cinema and grand architecture. Where: At the southern end of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk along the river to the end of the promenade. Tip: Visit the hotel cafe for a famous Pupp cake.
9. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: Stunning golden domes and colorful Byzantine-style architecture. Best for: Religious history and art. Where: In the Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Respect the dress code when entering the church.
10. Name: Imperial Baths (Císařské lázně) Type: Museum Why go: The most luxurious bathhouse ever built in the city. Best for: Interior design lovers. Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: Follow an Imperial Baths Císařské lázně tour to see the Zander Hall.
11. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: Home to the famous chamois statue overlooking the town. Best for: Hikers. Where: Forested hills above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Steep hike or take the Diana funicular to the middle station. Tip: This is the best spot for sunset photos.
12. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque church located near the Hot Spring. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Directly above the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right in the heart of the spa district. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the unique ossuary.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Colonnades

Drinking the mineral water is a traditional ritual. You should use a special porcelain spa cup. These cups have a spout that helps you sip slowly. You can buy them at almost any souvenir stall near the Market Colonnade.

The water temperature varies at each spring. Some are warm, while others are very hot. Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts. Many locals believe the water helps with digestion and metabolism.

Most colonnades are open 24 hours a day. However, the shops and museums nearby have standard hours. Visit early in the morning for the best photos. The light on the Market Colonnade architecture is beautiful at sunrise.