In the relaxing town of Marianske Lazne, the famous spa colonnade is a gorgeous piece of Neo-Baroque architecture. It’s also the most prominent landmark in one of the Czech Republic’s three UNESCO protected spa towns.
A combination of art, symmetry and intricate design make it one of the most dazzling places you’ll see in the Karlovy Vary Region. I guess that’s what made it such a highly sought-after place in the past.
Also known as Maxim Gorky’s Colonnade, it’s seen the likes of Mark Twain, Frederic Chopin, Thomas Edison, and more walk amongst its impressive columns. In fact, King Edward VII of England was a regular guest during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLONNADE
The cast-iron structure was designed by a pair of Viennese architects and constructed by a local builder named Johann Koenig. However, massive reconstruction efforts have taken place since then. During WWII the main colonnade was even threatened to be disassembled and used for weapons manufacturing.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen, but it didn’t stop the building from needing a bit of modernization. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, the Marianske Lazne Colonnade added multiple wooden pieces, including a cassette ceiling and decorated walls. A series of frescoes were even painted by the academic painter Josef Vyletal.
All in all, the additions made for a picturesque sight in the incredibly long colonnade.
THE SINGING FOUNTAIN
It would be hard not to mention the ever captivating water fountain. Why would a nice, but ordinary fountain be so entrancing you ask?
That would be its daily program of lovely, albeit dramatic music!
Every odd hour from 7 am to 10 pm the pool of water springs to life and dances to pieces of music by world renowned artists. It’s musicians like Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, so don’t expect any current day pop stars or Instagram famous songs.
It matches the overall feel and calming atmosphere of Marianske Lazne better this way though. If you want to check out some more info about the schedule and artists look here.
How to get to Marianske Lazne by train?
From Karlovy Vary and Pilsen: There are trains that go directly from Karlovy Vary and Pilsen to Marianske Lazne a few times a day. There’s a schedule for the trains on the Czech Railway site and another for both trains and buses here. I’ve found that they are constantly doing work on the train lines in the Czech Republic. Don’t be alarmed if you stop in a little town and a bus is waiting to take you the rest of the way. This is what happened on my last visit, and it’s quite normal for the country. Everybody is super friendly, so if you do get confused at any stage of your journey, just ask around for help.
From Prague: The trains from Prague to Marianske Lazne are few and far between. If you want to get there you might have to stop in either Pilsen or Karlovy Vary first. It will add about an hour to your trip.
The Marianske Lazne Colonnade is one of the most aesthetically pleasing buildings I’ve ever seen. When you find yourself traveling in “spa country” make sure not to skip over the architectural gem!
