The Grand Architecture of the Mill Colonnade

The Mill Colonnade is the largest of its kind in the city. Architect Josef Zítek designed the building in the late 19th century. He is the same man who designed the National Theatre in Prague. The project took ten years to complete, finishing in 1881. It was originally planned to have two floors. However, budget issues limited it to just one level. Today, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Karlovy Vary Colonnades architecture reflects the town's golden era. The stone structure replaced an earlier wooden pavilion. This change ensured the building would last for centuries. It remains a focal point for all visitors today.

10 Must-See Highlights and History of the Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary

To truly appreciate this landmark, you should know its key features. Each part of the building tells a story. From the columns to the springs, there is much to see. Use this list to plan your walk through the colonnade.

• Best overall: Mill Spring
• Best for families: Rusalka Spring
• Best rainy-day: The Great Hall
• Best free: All mineral springs

1. Name: Mill Spring (Mlýnský pramen) Type: Mineral spring Why go: It is the oldest spring in the colonnade and very famous. Best for: Traditional spa experiences. Where: Central section of the colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Teplá river. Tip: This water was once sold in bottles across Europe.
2. Name: 124 Corinthian Columns Type: Architectural sight Why go: These massive stone pillars create a grand, rhythmic perspective. Best for: Photography lovers. Where: Throughout the main hall. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best light.
3. Name: The Twelve Allegorical Statues Type: Sight Why go: Each statue represents a month of the year. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the rooftop terrace. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: View them from the ground or nearby hills. Tip: Look up to see the fine details of the stone carvings.
4. Name: The Orchestra Pit Type: Activity Why go: Musicians often play classical music here for the public. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Middle section of the walkway. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located inside the main structure. Tip: Check the local schedule for afternoon concerts.
5. Name: Rusalka Spring Type: Mineral spring Why go: Named after a famous water nymph, it has a gentle taste. Best for: First-time tasters. Where: Northern end of the hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the colonnade from the south. Tip: This spring is less hot than others nearby.
6. Name: Prince Wenceslas Spring Type: Mineral spring Why go: It is one of the hottest springs in this specific building. Best for: Experiencing high-temperature minerals. Where: Near the Mill Spring. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location inside the colonnade. Tip: Let the water cool slightly before drinking.
7. Name: Libuše Spring Type: Mineral spring Why go: It is named after the mythical founder of Prague. Best for: Cultural enthusiasts. Where: Interior hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walking access. Tip: Read the plaque nearby for historical context.
8. Name: Rock Spring (Skalní pramen) Type: Mineral spring Why go: It used to rise directly from the Teplá river bed. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Southern edge of the structure. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Entrance near the main street. Tip: It is one of the most mineral-rich waters.
9. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Day trip/Nearby sight Why go: See a beautiful wooden Swiss-style structure for comparison. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: 200 meters from the Mill Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk south along the river. Tip: Compare it to the stone style of the Mill Colonnade.
10. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Geyser Type: Nearby sight Why go: It is the most powerful and hottest spring in the city. Best for: Seeing natural wonders. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade nearby. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Five-minute walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: The geyser shoots water up to 12 meters high.

Practical Information for Your Spa Visit

Visiting the colonnades requires a little bit of planning. The Mill Colonnade is open 24 hours a day. However, the springs are most active during the daytime. You should bring a special porcelain cup for drinking. These are sold at many stalls in the city. For more details, visit the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site. Most people spend about an hour here. You can walk from the city center easily. Public transport is also available through the local authority. Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are stone. Always respect the quiet atmosphere of the spa zone. This ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.