Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad as it was formerly known, is an important Spa. The town boomed in the 19th century and many of the attractions date from that period. So even if you are not interested in thermal baths, the town is absolutely worth a visit.

In the second half of the 19th century many metropolitan style buildings were erected - proud bathhouses and hotels, the Town Theatre, the savings bank, the post office, churches.

There are lookout towers, pavilions, and gazebos built in spa woods in the town surroundings. Architectural nature of this historical period is most strongly influenced by a pair of architects, Fellner and Helmer. Contemporary architecture is represented by the building of Thermal Sanatorium and The Hot Spring Colonnade.

Karlovy Vary is also home to an annual international film festival and is the origin of Becherovka, a locally-made liqueur with reported health benefits.

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