Parkhotel Richmond Hotel building

Welcome to Karlovy Vary. Right now you are standing on the right bank of the Tepla River and you have one of the most important spa facilities in this city. Feel this moment, feel the calm that brings the closeness of flowing water and thick green. Before your eyes is a building that is a symbol of the elegance and rich history of the whole region. Look at her face, her lines, and try to imagine how many treasures and joyous moments these walls have experienced over the last century. This building is not just a simple place for accommodation, it is a living witness to the time when the spa culture flourished on the largest possible scale.

Now let's go back to the past together to understand how this place came to be. The whole story of this place began in the middle of the nineteenth century, namely in the 1950s a thousand eight hundred fifty. At that time, however, this large building, which you see now, was not here yet. In this place, only a small cafe used to work, which served as a place for guests to rest and social contact. It was a simple service, but it had its weight back then. Over time, however, the need for spa life increased. Around the year one thousand eight hundred sixty, there was a major break. The entire object has been expanded and rebuilt. It was at that time that he acquired his present form and became an important part of the spa area. This change was motivated by an increasing interest in Karlovy Vary and the need to provide visitors with luxurious and spacious facilities.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself that surrounds you. Notice how the building looks harmonious and peaceful. Her style is classical, which means she places great emphasis on symmetry, balance and purity of lines. If you look at the facade, you can see the effort for order and elegance that was so typical of this epa. This architecture is not supposed to be loud, but it is meant to create a sense of stability and grandeur. It's a style that perfectly matches the surrounding nature. The area you're in is incredibly rich in green matter. You have an extensive garden space that is divided into different styles. One part of the garden is created in the spirit of British nature, where natural shapes, mild terrain drops and a feeling of uncontrolled but beautiful growth dominate. The second part is Japanese-style. This garden is much more meditative, focused on detail, stones and quiet shapes that encourage inner reflection. This combination of two different worlds underlines the unique character of the whole place.

But this object is not just about stones and plants. It is also a place that has been associated with great artistic and cultural figures. Imagine the atmosphere of the year one thousand nine hundred eleven. This was the year where one of the most important exhibitions in the history of this place took place here. It belonged to a painter named Oskar Kokoschka. His work here acted as a link between the traditional spa world and modern art. There were people in these areas who shaped the culture and thought at the time. These included Walter Serner or Alois Klein. These people here shared ideas, discussed art and experienced their moments of life in an environment that was absolutely ideal for the intellectual elite of the time. Now, when you look at the building, try to imagine the discussions, the views and the energy that was floating here in the past.

If you're looking for something a little different, something that will impress you with your persistence, focus on the surrounding area. There's a little pavilion just outside of you hiding a little miracle. There's a spring in it called Stephen. It's a fascinating place where you can feel the power of the earth right under your feet. The water from this spring is 15 degrees Celsius. It is a refreshing and clean gift of nature that has been emerging here for many years and which gives the whole place a sense of constant renewal and life.

Now I want to invite you to take a walk further. Explore these gardens, perceive the smell of plants and listen to the sound of the Tepla River that flows just beside you. Let yourself drift through the atmosphere of this historic place and enjoy every moment that this wonderful environment offers you. Thank you for spending this moment with me, and I wish you a beautiful and inspiring journey through Karlovy Vary.