Lázně III. / Slatinné Swimming pool

Welcome to Františkova Spa. Right now, at this moment, you're facing one of the most important pillars of local history and spa tradition. Before you move on, stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere surrounding this place. In front of your eyes is the building of the Slatine Spa, an object that is not just a wall and a roof, but a living witness to an era where science, nature and human ambition have merged into a harmonious whole. Feel the nobility that radiates from the facade, and allow this space to consume you with its history.

Let us return together in time, deep into the middle of the nineteenth century. Imagine a time when the spa town was just forming and people began to believe in the healing power of natural resources. This whole story started in 1860. There was an ambitious spa doctor, Dr. Paul Cartellieri. This man had a vision that was extraordinary at the time. After his initial, not entirely successful business attempt, he decided to do something much bigger and more permanent. He decided to use the wealth that the country under Františkové Lazne offers - the strength of salt and mineral waters.

These decisions led to the start of the construction which was intended to change the face of the site. In 1863 to 1864 there was an intensive construction work. The building was designed to provide salty, iron and mineral baths, which were the top methods of treatment at the time. When the spa was officially opened in 1864, their success was immediate. It was already clear in 1865 when the spa had to expand to accommodate an increasing number of visitors seeking health and peace.

Now pay attention to the architecture that is now revealing itself to you. Look at the rhythm of the facade and how the building operates on its whole scale. The whole object is built in the spirit of romantic historism. This style was not chosen by accident. Romantic historism has the task of inciting feelings of grandeur, peace and association with the past, which is absolutely essential for the healing process. The architects Karel and Gustav Wiedermann, who were behind this work, were able to create a building that is both dignified and harmonious. Feel the richness of the forms that are typical of this style. Although the building underwent significant reconstruction in 1966, its original character remains preserved. It's a monument-protected device that allows us to look into the aesthetic ideals of the mid-nineteenth century.

When you look at this object, you can't ignore Dr. Cartellieri's character. He himself was the one who purchased the land and set this project in motion. He was a man who believed in the power of natural resources. His brave business has laid the foundations for what you see today. This building is his legacy. Later, in 1903, the spa became the property of the city, which ensured their stability and further development, making them as important as the spa complex as we know it today.

You might find one fascinating thing that links the past to the present. Although over a century and a half have passed since the opening of the spa, this object still serves its original purpose. It's a rare combination of history and functionality. While the world around us is constantly changing, technology is evolving and architecture is transformed, the Slatine Spa remains true to its essence. They still use the same natural resources that were used here in the 1960s. There is something magical about it - standing in front of a building that has been designed to treat just by salt and mineral water, and knowing that these processes are going on in the same way, in the rhythm of nature that has been defined here from the beginning.

Now that you've learned the roots and soul of this place, I suggest you continue your walk. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of Františková Lázna and pay attention to every other detail offered to you by this historic neighborhood. Every building, every colonnade and every step will guide you through the next chapter of this fascinating story. Thank you for spending this moment with us, and we wish you a pleasant and inspiring journey further.