Hotel Thermal Hotel
Spa Hotel Thermal, situated in the heart of Karlovy Vary, is a historical monument serving as a congress hotel and center of the International Film Festival. The architects Vera and Vladimír Machonin designed this brutalist complex, which lasted nine years and was completed in 1977. The building offers views of the spa part of the city and hosts one of the largest congress centers in western Bohemia.
Hotel Thermal was created between 1967 and 1976. Some 30 houses, mostly Art Nouveau houses from the 19th century, had to be demolished before the construction started. The most important demolished buildings included the house of Alice, Mattoni Villa, Hotel Pošta and Komenská School. The cornerstone of the new building was laid in 1968, but the implementation extended due to financial difficulties and technical problems with groundwater.
The architecture of the hotel defines brutalism, which reflects the influence of Le Corbusier and British architects. Steel parts of the construction were made in Vítkovice. The main part of the building is a 16-storey concrete building with a height of 65 metres, which has a capacity of 533 beds in 273 rooms. The complex includes a congress centre, restaurant, cafe, casino, business arcade and parking.
Since 1990, Thermal has been owned by the Ministry of Finance. In the past, it was considered to be privatized or even demolished, but these plans were abandoned. The reconstruction started at the turn of 2019 and 2020 in order to preserve the original appearance and adapt the building to modern requirements, although it is criticised for lack of sensitivity.
Hotel Thermal has been hosting the International Film Festival since its first year in 1947. Festival cinema is located right in the hotel and serves as the main facilities for various events, including ceremonies and the transmission of Crystal Globes.
Today Spa Hotel Thermal represents not only an important cultural centre, but also an attractive destination for visitors to Karlovy Vary. Its historical significance and architectural uniqueness make it an essential part of the city's face. Visiting this place offers an opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Karlovy Vary, making it not only a monument but also a living witness to the past.
Historical milestones
- 1967
- Construction of the Thermal Hotel
- 1968
- Laying of building base stone
- 1976
- Completion of the construction of the Thermal Hotel
- 1977
- Opening of the Thermal hotel for the public
- 1990
- Taking ownership by the Ministry of Finance
Architectural development
The complex was built between 1967 and 1976. The construction took place in the style of brutalism, with about 30 houses being demolished, including Art Nouveau buildings from the 19th century. The reconstruction of the hotel started in 2019 in order to maintain its original appearance and adapt it to modern requirements.
Historical events
- 1968
- The laying of the foundation stone of a new building.
- 1977
Owners
Ministry of Finance (since 1990)
Points of interest
- Hotel Thermal is a historical monument serving as a congress hotel and center of the International Film Festival. - Architects Vera and Vladimír Machonin designed a brutal complex that lasted nine years and was completed in 1977. - Some 30 houses, mostly Art Nouveau houses from the 19th century, had to be demolished before the construction started. - Hotel Thermal hosts the International Film Festival since its first year in 1947. - Since 1990 the hotel has been owned by the Ministry of Finance and the reconstruction started at the turn of 2019 and 2020.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the historical monument Hotel Thermal in Karlovy Vary! You're standing in front of an impressive building whose stubborn lines and massive structure speak of a strong architectural sense. This hotel boasts a unique brutalist design which is an excellent example of modern Czech architecture.
Let's look at the history of this place. The construction of the Thermal Hotel was started in 1967, and the following year, at a time of political change, the building's foundation stone was laid. The construction lasted nine years and was completed in 1976. The opening of the hotel to the public followed a year later, in 1977. After the fall of communism, ownership of the hotel became the hands of the Ministry of Finance in 1990.
The architects Vera and Vladimír Machonin were responsible for this ambitious project. Look up at the facade of the building where you can see the distinctive elements of brutalism characteristic of their work. This style is known for its rough concrete shapes and massive appearance, which contributes to the uniqueness of the whole.
Hotel Thermal is not only an architectural monument; He also served as an important centre of cultural life. It was built as a congress hotel and led the International Film Festival, which attracted many visitors from around the world.
The interesting thing is that several buildings in the city centre had to be demolished to build this complex. This project therefore not only brought new architecture, but also transformed the face of Karlovy Vary.
Now that you've learned about the history and importance of this monument, you could look at the surrounding spa area of the city. The hotel offers an interesting view of this place, where it is happening today.
Thank you for your visit to Hotel Thermal and we hope this guide inspired you to explore this fascinating location further. If you are interested in other historical monuments of Karlovy Vary, feel free to look at some of them. When we meet!
Tips for visitors
For the best visual experience of unique architecture visit the place on bright days when the sun best highlights the shapes of the building. For the best photos we recommend looking for angles from surrounding green areas that highlight the raw style of the construction.
Transport to the spa zone is possible by public transport and by own vehicles.
When visiting, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on spa trails. It is ideal for families with children to prepare things for outdoor activities as the surroundings offer plenty of room for movement.
In short walks you can visit colonnades with healing springs or walk in sets of Antonín Dvořák, which are right within reach.
If you are looking for peace, the best time to visit is outside the main season of the film festival where there are fewer people around and the atmosphere is quieter.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
The building is in use (offices, a school, shops and the like). The interior is generally accessible only during operating hours and tours are not usually offered; we have not verified the details. You can see the exterior from the street. According to the heritage register restoration is under way, so access may be restricted.
Where is the monument?
Location: Karlovy Vary, Karlovarský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1201407537).
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
Lázeňská zóna Karlových Varů
Sady Antonína Dvořáka
Kolonády s léčivými prameny
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route from Karlovy Vary
1.Hotel Thermal - Type: Spa hotel - Why is worth a visit: Hotel Thermal is a centre of relaxation and healing services, offering comfort combined with universal access to spa resources. It's the perfect start or end of your day in Karlovy Vary.
2. set of Antonín Dvořák - Type: Park - Why is it worth visiting: These sets are a beautiful green sanctuary named after the famous Czech composer. They are an ideal place to relax and walk in a quiet atmosphere, offering a view of historical spa buildings.
3. Colonnades with healing springs - Type: Spa colonnades - Why is it worth visiting: Colonnades are not only an architectural monument but also a centre of spa activities. Here you can try swimming in well-known healing springs, which is an essential part of Karlovy Vary's health regime.
4. Karlovy Vary Spa Zone - Type: Spa area - Why is it worth a visit: This zone is the heart of Karlovy Vary treatment, offering a wide range of baths and therapies. It's a place where you can explore various forms of medical services, from hydrotherapy to mineral bathing.
This route will guide you through the most important spa sites in Karlovy Vary, offering a combination of relaxation and healing.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period Hotel Thermal in Karlovy Vary is transformed into a flowering hiding place where nature comes to life and garden flowers celebrate new life. The sunny days offer ideal conditions for walking through gardens, filled with the fragrance of flowering roses and lilies. The atmosphere is calm and friendly, making the visit comfortable even for families with children. It is recommended to visit the hotel in early afternoons when the temperature is mild and the crowds are less. Clothes should be according to weather conditions - during a colder day it is advisable to wear a light coat or jacket.
Summer: Summer in Karlovy Vary offers sunny days and a warm atmosphere that makes Hotel Thermal an ideal place for afternoon relaxation. Nature is here in its full bloom, allowing long walks around the park and enjoying swimming in the field spa. The largest crowds appear during the summer season, so it is advisable to visit the hotel earlier on the day to enjoy a quieter time in gardens and baths. Clothes should be light and light, with sun protection - hat and cream against UV heat are necessary.
Autumn: In autumn, Hotel Thermal in Karlovy Vary is transformed into a place full of coloured leaves that bring a unique experience. The sunny days are warm and suitable for walking around the park or enjoying tea on the outside sofa. The atmosphere is quieter, allowing you to enjoy the hotel without obstacles to large crowds. The recommended time for visiting is in the early afternoon or in the evening when the temperature remains pleasant. Clothes should be according to weather - light jackets and leather for colder days are suitable.
Winter: The winter season in Karlovy Vary brings frosty temperatures, but also an impressive view of the hotel set in a snow handkerchief. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, which allows you to enjoy the hotel at a mild pace. Although the outdoor spa is not open, you can watch the winter swimming in Vladliště. The opening time is shorter and it is recommended to visit the hotel in the first hours after the opening so that it is possible to enjoy a quieter time. Hot clothing with helmet or hat and protective scarves is essential for comfort during the visit.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Sources and literature
Photos: cs:ŠJů / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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