Since the late 19th century, people have traveled far and wide for the supposed healing waters of the Mill Colonnade. This beautiful neo-Renaissance pillared hall is home to six hot springs and is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. Sample the spring water, admire the colonnade’s lovely architecture and watch a concert on the orchestra stage.
The Mill Colonnade was built between 1871 and 1881 and was designed by architect Josef Zítek, who was also responsible for designing Prague’s National Theatre. The long structure spans 433 feet (132 metres) long and is 43 feet (13 metres) wide. Like Karlovy Vary’s other colonnades, it was designed as a place for spa patients to relax while receiving their curative treatments. Five springs flow between the colonnade’s 124 Corinthian columns, while the sixth comes out in front of the colonnade, opposite the orchestra stage.
Look up at the 12 sculptures decorating the attic gable. Each of these sandstone carvings represents a different month of the year. Walk through the colonnade’s long gallery to find the seeps where the mineral waters flow out from.
The water temperatures range from 127 F to 149 F (53C to 65C). Pick up a porcelain drinking cup from one of the nearby stalls if you feel like sampling the waters. Try the waters of the Mill Spring, which have been used for spa treatments since the 16th century. Other water sources include the Rock Spring, which has been here since the middle of the 19th century and Libuše Spring, formed by the joining of four small springs.
Check out the allegorical stone reliefs found by the orchestra stage. These depict important events in the town’s history. Occasionally, free concerts are held here during the warmer months.
Mill Colonnade is situated in the town’s central spa district, along the River Teplá. The colonnade is always open and admission is free. It can be reached on foot from the city centre or by bus from the Tržnice (Market) terminal.
