Mariánské Lázně is the second largest Czech spa, which is very rich in mineral springs. There are forty springs within the area and one hundred in the immediate vicinity. The land consisting of today's spa belonged to the Premonstrate Monastery of Teplá, whose abbot K. K. Reitenberger launched the construction of the original baths early in the 19
th century, as envisioned by the monastery doctor J. J Nehr. According to the grandiose designs of the architect V. Skalník, terrain transformations were carried out, and parks were created. Today these, together with the numerous springs, represent the essential features of the town. In 1866, Mariánské Lázně was declared a city and by the beginning of the 20
th century ranked among the most important spa centers in
Europe.
The pseudo-Baroque cast-iron
Colonnade from 1889 is the main promenade of the spa and an important architectural monument. The water from the Cross, Caroline's and Rudolph's Springs is piped to the Colonnade for the drinking cures. The
Singing Fountain, located in front of the Colonnade, also captures the attention of visitors. The
Ferdinand's,
Forest and
Ambrose's Springs are among the best known springs in Mariánské Lázně.
The spa pavilions were mostly built in the classicist and neo-Renaissance style, while most of the buildings in the spa district of the town bear the imprints of the Art Nouveau style.
The Church of the Assumption rises next to the Colonnade.
The Russian Church of St. Vladimir and
the Anglican Church are located behind the
Main Avenue, in the western part of the town.
Curiosity: The Singing Fountain in front of the main colonnade performs every odd hour to the accompaniment of music, and at 9 and 10 p.m. with a light show.
Translated: Jana Vejříková