You Are Here Ornament – Karlovy Vary
Three years after the release of the full-sized mug, You Are Here Ornament – Karlovy Vary is making its appearance in stores.
Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a spa town nestled in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. Founded in 1370 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the city’s name translates to “Charles’ Boiling Water,” referencing its famous hot springs. Legend has it that Charles IV discovered the springs while on a hunting expedition, leading to the town’s establishment.
Throughout its history, Karlovy Vary has been a favored destination for European nobility, artists, and intellectuals. Notable visitors have included Beethoven, Chopin, Goethe, and numerous heads of state, contributing to the town’s reputation as a cultural and wellness hub.
The town is built around 13 main hot springs, with the Vřídlo (Sprudel) being the most famous, shooting water to a height of 40 feet. The mineral-rich waters, ranging from 80°F to 160°F, are believed to have various healing properties. Visitors can sample the waters from special drinking fountains throughout the town.
Here are some landmarks of the city that we can see in the design of the ornament:
– Perched atop Friendship Hill, the Diana Observation Tower provides panoramic views of Karlovy Vary and the surrounding Ore Mountains. Built in 1914 as part of a restaurant complex, the tower is accessible via a funicular railway that has been in operation since 1912. At 115 feet tall, the tower offers visitors a unique perspective on the spa town’s layout and architectural beauty.
– Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) is a charming wooden structure built in the Swiss style, dating back to 1883. Designed by Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer, it houses the Charles IV Spring and the Lower Castle Spring. Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, the colonnade has withstood the test of time and remains a beloved feature of Karlovy Vary’s spa district.
– The impressive Baroque Church of St. Mary Magdalene, completed in 1737, stands as one of the most significant architectural landmarks in Karlovy Vary. Designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, the church features a richly decorated interior with frescoes by Elias Dollhopf and a magnificent organ. The church’s twin towers dominate the city skyline and offer a striking example of High Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic.
The film reel and the clapperboard that we see on the back of the ornament are references to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Established in 1946, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Europe. Held annually in early July, the festival attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, screening over 200 films each year. The festival has played a significant role in promoting Czech and Eastern European cinema, while also serving as a platform for independent and arthouse films from across the globe.
