Perhaps Karlovy Vary has been considered the most popular resort town for many years. Why is it so famous? The fact is that there are health resorts of healing mineral springs, to improve health, where people come from all over the world. The city is famous not only for this. It has a lot of unique architectural sights, ancient castles, mansions and, of course, magnificent nature.
Those who are used to traveling on their own and sightseeing without a guide and tour groups can rent a car in the Czech Republic at a rental office and not depend on anyone. Renting a car in Karlovy Vary will cost an average of 14 euros per day, in Prague from 13 euros per day.
And you can start your tour of the city from Orthodox Cathedral of Peter and Paul. White and blue tones add solemnity to the beautiful building, which makes it very similar to many Russian cathedrals of the 17th century. It is pleasant to admire the covered gallery, several turrets and a carved porch. The room inside the cathedral is also striking. The colorful stained-glass windows depict scenes from the lives of saints and, of course, the oak iconostasis. There are always many people here.
Not far from Karlovy Vary, right on top of a mountain peak, Loket Castle rises. The whole complex is named so because Ohře River, near which it is located, looks like an elbow. For the first time, this castle was known from chronicles dating back to 1234. No matter how historians tried to find out who the author of the castle was, his name remained unknown. And the castle itself served faithfully for a long time as an excellent fortification. Today, wedding ceremonies and national holidays are held in the castle.
Not far from Market Colonnade, in the historical part of Karlovy Vary, there is a unique tower. This is part of the once luxurious castle of Charles IV, which was destroyed in 1604. The tower was restored as a reminder of past historical events and as an observation post. Today, from the observation deck, tourists admire the beauties of the city or go down to the restaurant to taste national cuisine.Noteworthy is the peak with an observation deck, which is popularly called the "Deer Leap". And nearby, there is a rock with a sculpture of a beautiful chamois. This peak itself is called Petra Peak and it is a symbol of Karlovy Vary.As you know, in Karlovy Vary, there are several colonnades.
Under one of them - Geysernaya, there is a place where the selection, distribution and thermoregulation of mineral water takes place. A hiking trail was opened in the underground in 2008. Tourists will be able to see with their own eyes how the famous souvenirs are “overgrown” with aragonite. There is also a large collection of minerals and many more interesting things.
It is worth paying attention to the building of Church of St. Mary Magdalene, built in 1737 by architect Kilian Dientzenhofer. Externally, the church is quite strict with high vaults, light walls, greenish towers and a roof. Everything in moderation, no frills. The interior decoration of the church is not admired for its luxury. The wood carving and painting are striking. But, the main attraction of the temple is an organ with excellent acoustics. Many people come here to listen to music and relax their souls.
Not far from Bristol Hotel, at the foot of Castle Hill, there is a small church in the Gothic style. The church is very similar to typical English chapels: at one time it was built by British rich people, who constantly gave it away in Karlovy Vary. The architect of the temple was the architect from Leipzig Oscar Moter. He, based on sketches from nature of English churches, created a project for the temple, which combines all the features of Anglican chapels. But, today the building houses Wax Museum.
In Karlovy Vary there is an operating and currently famous Moser glass-blowing factory. The plant is 150 years old, but it is constantly increasing its capacity and updating. After all, works from Moser are unique and are the pride of collections in many countries. According to the employees of the Moser Museum, today there are more than a thousand of the most interesting specimens in it. In the store, you can buy any work from glass masters as a souvenir. Tourists will be able to get acquainted with the production of glass masterpieces.
Well, the most important attraction of Karlovy Vary are the mineral springs themselves. People come to boarding houses to improve their health, relax, and have a great time. The surroundings of the resort are picturesque forests and magnificent valleys. Climb to the observation deck, which abound here, admire the beauty of the places. Be sure to visit the famous gardens of Dvorak and Smetana.