From the history of the spa industry
The Czech Republic is a country that has contributed significantly to the development and global importance of spa tourism. The greatest spa boom in the Czech Republic occurred between the 18th and 20th centuries. Many spa towns took on a completely new appearance, which is so typical of Czech spas today. A number of neoclassical, Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau buildings were constructed, primarily spa centres and hotels. Parks were established, and colonnades, gazebos and pavilions were built around the hot springs, contributing to the overall peaceful atmosphere that encouraged relaxation. At the same time, spa towns became important centres of social and cultural life and were given the name "salons of Europe".
During their heyday, Czech spas attracted prominent political and cultural figures from all over the world. As early as the beginning of the 18th century, Tsar Peter the Great's visit to Karlovy Vary contributed to the development of spa tourism in Bohemia. The West Bohemian spa triangle, which includes Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně and Mariánské Lázně, became particularly popular among the elite. The cream of the ruling aristocracy gathered at the spas, where political and business negotiations were held and balls, concerts and theatre performances organised.
Among the most prominent guests of Czech spas were the German poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Italian violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. Czech spas were also visited by King Edward VII of England and the Americans Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, and Mark Twain, author of the popular Adventures of Tom Sawyer.