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:

Wikipedia

Miscellaneous historic sites in Czech Republic

User Reviews

Alexander Jansen (3 years ago)
Lovely place to walk in summer listen to classical music and look at sculptures this time of metal, other times of sand.

Nicholas (3 years ago)
Great experience and takes you back in time.Come back at night for a totally different experience.

Sabina Gruden (3 years ago)
The most beautiful town with a lot of places just to sit, relax, enjoy the moment and drink mineral water.

Norbert Szél (3 years ago)
I am not sure why this place (or the colonnades in Karlovy Vary) are so special. Sure, it is some nice architecture to look at, but otherwise they mostly seem to have no function. If you are hanging around, they are a good reference point to find downtown, but to me they did not offer much else.

Paula Hlavacek (3 years ago)
Absolutely stunning destination to visit and capture some photos! Great photo spot is on the bright! Go in the morning early afternoon for best lighting.

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