Mill Colonnade, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

The Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) is a large colonnade containing several hot springs in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The structure is one of the traditional symbols of the town.

The Neo-Renaissance structure has a nave, two aisles and measures 132 m long by 13 m wide. There are 124 Corinthian columns. Twelve statues representing the twelve months of the year sit above the portico. There is a raised orchestra space for the spa orchestra which plays regular, free concerts.

Architect Josef Zítek, who also designed the National Theatre and Rudolfinum in Prague, designed the structure, which was built between 1871-1881. The original design called for a two level colonnade, but a lack of funds restricted it to one level. Construction proceeded very slowly and costs grew higher. The structure was initially reviled by critics and compared to a bed of carrots or a bowling alley; at the time it was finished, many believed it had blemished the center of town.

The Mill Colonnade was extended in 1893 to include the Rock Spring. The structure was restored in 1982, and stone reliefs portraying historic moments in Karlovy Vary history were added to the orchestra space in 1995-1996. By 1949, the adjacent portion of the Tepla River was bridged over in front of the Mill Colonnade, creating a plaza.

References:

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Miscellaneous historic sites in Czech Republic

User Reviews

GEORGE BRNA (12 months ago)
Unique hot water with healing power! Need to try everything and find your the best spring on the walk.

Honey Gum (14 months ago)
What you carry in your mind is what you see in the world around you, and that's what you attract to yourself.

Starh Lady (14 months ago)
This town is beautiful and a must visit. It has an italian feeling and quite easy to walk and view its beauty.

Art Anime (15 months ago)
It is worth going early in the morning, when there are few tourists.?

Bryan Huang (2 years ago)
historical hot spring area. you could try to buy special cup for drink the spring water. not taste but you should try it!

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