The Mill Colonnade was originally intended to be two stories high, but funding shortages during construction forced the city to settle for the current single-story design.
Architect Josef Zítek, who designed the structure, was also the architect behind the National Theatre in Prague.
The Prince Wenceslas Spring is physically split into two points, historically known as I and II, differing slightly in temperature.
The original design faced significant criticism from local residents and spa guests at the time of its unveiling in the late 19th century.
The colonnade features a symbolic stone plaque commemorating the history of the springs and the town's development.
The Mill Colonnade is a Neo-Renaissance structure designed by architect Josef Zítek and constructed between 1871 and 1881. It spans 132 meters in length and features 124 Corinthian columns supporting a roofed promenade. The structure houses five distinct hot springs, including the Mill Spring, the Rusalka Spring, the Prince Wenceslas Spring, the Libuše Spring, and the Rock Spring. Each spring point provides mineral water at varying temperatures, ranging from approximately 47 to 65 degrees Celsius. The colonnade is adorned with twelve sandstone allegorical statues representing the months of the year, positioned along the attic balustrade. It serves as a central hub for the spa circuit in Karlovy Vary, allowing visitors to consume mineral water while walking protected from the elements. The building is a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
At the southern end of the colonnade, looking back to capture the rhythm of the repeated columns against the hillside backdrop.
Purchase a ceramic spa cup, known as a lázeňský pohárek, from a nearby vendor to drink the mineral water properly.
Check the temperature placards at each spring before drinking, as some are significantly hotter than others.
Walk the full length of the colonnade to see the varying architectural details and access all five spring points.
Do not consume large quantities of the mineral water if you have specific dietary restrictions, as it is highly mineralized and may cause digestive discomfort.
Maintain a slow, walking pace while sipping water; do not block the taps for others.
