Frantiskovy Lazne

The history of the city

The first historically recorded mention of a settlement on the territory of a modern city was found by scientists in the chronicles of the Slavs dating from the XII century. Since the 15th century, the water of the mineral springs of Frantiskovy Lazne has already been considered curative, and not only the locals used its beneficial properties.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the news about the territory rich in healing mud deposits and natural wells reached the Austrian Emperor Franz I. He was who in 1793 ordered the founding of a village here. In addition to landscaping the imperial settlement, construction of the first mud baths in Europe began. In 1807, the settlement, together with the status of the city, received a new name - Frantiskovy Lazne. Initially, by the way, it was planned to name the new city Francesbad, but locals were already used to calling the city “Franz baths”, so it was decided to use it.

The status of the resort was assigned to the city only in 1865, when the settlement acquired a developed infrastructure, modern hospitals, comfortable mansions and guest yards for those who wish to relax and improve their health. Away, the resort never experienced a shortage, because it was approved by the emperor himself, and therefore quickly became popular among the aristocracy and famous figures of politics and art of the XIX century. Now Frantiskovy Lazne is an international resort with a rich medical base, unique architecture and experienced doctors, hosting thousands of tourists all year round.

Attractions of Frantiskovy Lazne

Frantiskovy Lazne resort was fortunate enough to preserve many buildings and mansions built in the romantic 18th and 19th centuries. Therefore, walking along the Isabella promenade with green alleys, decorated with statues and fountains, blooming flower beds and cozy pavillions on the sides, spacious paths along which carriages used to ride, you can feel like a time traveler. You don’t need to search for historical monuments in the resort of Frantiskovy Lazne, they are at every step: here is a statue of a boy with fish - a symbol of the city, fulfilling wishes, but here is a hotel in which royal blood guests stayed, and a little further you can see the spiers of churches and the roofs of Renaissance mansions. For vacationers who like to compose their tourist route in advance, we note the most iconic attractions of the resort.

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The majestic empire-style temple building towering above the resort’s Central Park is visible from afar. This is the church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the construction of which began in 1815 at the initiative of Emperor Franz I, who visited the resort a few years earlier. Kendler, the then-famous master, worked on the architectural project. Thanks to him, the temple rushed up, the facade arch was supported by powerful columns, stained-glass windows appeared, the apse was decorated with a magnificent image of religious themes, and the altar was made with amazing craftsmanship in wood, on which the figure of Christ is clearly visible. On the bell tower of the temple, by the way, are bells of the 15th century, the ringing of which is distinguished by melody and crystal purity. Passing by holidaymakers, you should definitely look inside the temple to admire the interior decoration.

Church of St. Olga

Tourists who come to the resort by train are immediately greeted by one of the most elegant sights of the city - the church dedicated to St. Olga. This is a five-domed Orthodox church with a high main dome and a bell tower 30 meters high, in which services are still held daily. The construction of the temple began in 1881 and was completed after 8 years at the expense of parishioners. The mayor of the city and the talented architect Gustav Wiederman were responsible for the architectural design. The temple was built of multi-colored bricks for 300 people. The facade is decorated with numerous cornices, columns and platbands made of lighter sandstone, which hints at the "Russian style", beloved by Wiedermann. Unfortunately, the original decoration of the church was lost during the war, but now the church of St. Olga was restored and regained its magnificent appearance.

Evangelical Church of Saints Peter and Paul

The monumental building of the evangelical temple was built in 1875 by the local architect Karl Haberzettle. It took 5 years to build a three-nave church in the Roman style with Gothic elements and a high bell tower. The interior of the church is simple and modest, as the apostles Peter and Paul commanded. The main treasure of the temple is an ancient organ that produces a pure sound. Thanks to him, symphonic music concerts are often held in churches.

Glauber springs pavilion

A colorful and vibrant building surrounded by a park area with rare specimens of flora has a truly exotic look. This is the pavilion of Glauber springs, inside of which three types of healing water strike from under the ground. And one of them – Glauber 4 spring – is a real phenomenon, such a composition of water as it does not have any other springs on the planet. A pavilion was built to keep the waters of these springs clean. This Napoleonic-style honey-colored building with a round dome, an entrance arch supported by columns, and wide windows immediately attracts the eye. In addition, when it was built by the architect Engelhart, elements of the Moorish and Egyptian styles were used. This oriental atmosphere prevailing at the pavilion was further enhanced by palm trees and blooming flower beds planted next to the building. Inside, the pavilion also has an unusual frame: all three halls, each with its own spring, are made in the architectural style characteristic of it only. In the drinking rooms it is always light, sunny and spacious, which is facilitated by high ceilings, a white floor with thin Greek columns and an abundance of windows.

New colonnade

The imposing empire building with sphinx statues at the arch, supported by classical columns, is the heart and the main promenade of the resort Frantiskovy Lazne. Surrounded by an avenue of chestnuts, mosaic tiled squares, openwork arbors, colorful flower beds and palm trees planted in tubs, the pavilion looks simply magical. It is an ideal place for relaxation, socializing and treatment in Frantiskovy Lazne. In addition, the New Colonnade is surrounded by souvenir shops, cozy shops and small snack bars with pastry shops serving fragrant hot chocolate with Czech waffles.

Louise pavilion

Walking around the resort’s historical center, you can stumble upon an elegant Empire-style pavilion with a tented roof and wooden openwork columns in the park. This is the so-called Louise pavilion, erected in 1827 over the spring of the same name. He got his name in honor of the daughter of the emperor - Princess Maria Louise.

Natalia pavilion

The thermal spring, named after the Queen of Serbia, is framed by an openwork colonnade. Natalia Pavilion is located in the eastern part of the resort, surrounded by a park and green lawns. This is a great place to relax and walk in the fresh air. The colonnade is made in the neoclassical style, the domed roof of a green hue is in perfect harmony with the snow-white columns and the warm yellow shade of the walls. The pavilion is very spacious and full of light until late in the evening thanks to the numerous high windows. Visitors of the Natalia pavilion can take walks in the gallery and take a drinking course of healing water at any time of the year and in any weather.

Meadow colonnade

Another pavilion, made in the resort's classic architectural style and light shade. The colonnade is surrounded by a shady and cozy alley. Inside the building are two thermal healing springs - Meadow and Salt. In fact, the first pavilion over these springs appeared in 1822. Vintage photographs of this laced building with exquisite wooden columns can be viewed at the local museum. Unfortunately, this historic monument was destroyed during a severe hurricane. In its place in 1839 a classic brick building was erected, which has survived to our time in its original appearance. Now in the Meadow pavilion, various cultural events and concerts are often held.

Hotel "Three Lilies"

The hotel, whose name is associated with the novels of Alexander Duma, really has a story closely connected with the faces of the monarch's blood. This legendary building on Narodniy Prospekt is not only considered one of the oldest in the resort and has survived almost in its original appearance, but also hosted eminent guests at one time. In the "Three Lilies" the dukes of Saxony, European aristocrats, Prince Metternich and even the famous poet Johann Goethe stayed. But the architecture of this magnificent building deserves the attention of tourists. It was erected in 1793 by the architect Mayer and belonged to the then mayor of the city of Loimanov. The back side of the hotel was connected to the mud clinic so that guests could immediately attend the treatment procedures. The facade of the building is decorated with Renaissance molding, inside the atrium is painted with frescoes by the artist Boimir Hutt.

Salingburg Tower

Near the Frantiskovy Lazne resort there are medieval ruins of the castle with towers and twisted stairs. In fact, the Salingburg Lookout Tower is not a historical site, it was built to adorn the nature of the resort and to create additional interest for tourists. Nevertheless, the fortress is of high quality and has a wonderful appearance, which looks especially good in the photographs.

Seeberg Castle

Seeberg Castle, also often referred to simply as Ostrog, is located a few kilometers from the Frantiskovy Lazne resort. The castle has survived in good condition and is open for excursions. The castle complex consists of the palace itself, the castle temple, barn rooms, made in the same style with the main building, and outbuildings. Surrounded by dense forest and green lawns on a hill, the white walls of the castle with dark roofs look very picturesque. It is particularly striking that even household sheds look like small turrets and do not stand out from the general palace ensemble!

It is known that the foundation of the Seeberg castle was laid by the Czech king in the XI century. In historical sources, the Seeberg fortress is mentioned only from the XIII century. In the XIV century, the fortress was donated by the then ruler Sigismund Luxembourg to his faithful ally, chancellor and Czech aristocrat - Count Caspar Shlikov, who turned the fortress into a building more like a modern castle. Over the past centuries, the castle burned down during the wars with the Swedes, was in the possession of the families of the brothers Conrod and Joshta, Veit Dietrich, and finally, another chancellor, John Gratving, who did not leave any heirs. Therefore, in the XVIII century, Seeberg Castle passed into the possession of the city authorities. Now it houses a museum, the exposition of which tells about the life of the nobility in the Czech Republic. Among the exhibits are samples of antique furniture, art, traditional clothing, and an outdoor exhibition is organized to illustrate the life of Czech peasants. For tourists, the castle kitchen with medieval kitchenware and the huge knight's hall, which, incidentally, can be rented for any celebration, are also of great interest.

Festivals and events in Frantiskovy Lazne

In February, a resort ball is held in the city, to which everyone is invited. The opening of the holiday season is celebrated festively and on a large scale with festivities in May. At the same time, a traditional competition called “Elegance of Historic Cars” takes place. From July to September, the city hosts music contests and festivals, for example, a festival dedicated to the music of the Austrian composer Johann Strauss, and the contest “Musical Summer”. Also in the parks and near the colonnades, evening concerts of live music are regularly held and performers of classical compositions gather. In spa hotels hotels of Frantiskovy Lazne, which have their own banquet room, entertainment events for guests are held constantly without reference to the cultural program of the resort. The festivities of the resort end with enchanting New Year and Christmas celebrations. During this period, fairs are held in Frantiskovy Lazne, where you can not only have fun and make new acquaintances, but also purchase gifts.

What to bring from Frantiskovy Lazne

Looking for interesting and useful souvenirs to please family and friends, returning from a vacation in Frantiskovy Lazne, you can resort to the following ideas.

Bottles with mineral water. In Frantiskovy Lazne, tourists are offered to bring home bottled medicinal water from springs that retains their beneficial properties for several months. It is recommended to purchase mineral water, taking into account the advice of a doctor. If you don’t want to go to the doctor, then you can purchase healing water for general purposes, normalizing the functioning of the digestive system and strengthening immunity.

Cosmetics with healing mud. Spa mud, saturated with useful trace elements, is effectively used in a variety of cosmetics. Czech cosmetics with natural environmentally friendly components based on mineral water will be an excellent choice for skin and hair care.

Art objects. In the souvenir shops of the resort you can find paintings by local artists with a panoramic view of the city and picturesque views of historical monuments. Also in demand among tourists are symbolic figurines, prefabricated models of antique cars or knights in full armor to decorate the study, as well as elegant writing instruments for the table.

Jewelry with pomegranate. In Frantiskovy Lazne, as well as throughout the Czech Republic, jewelry with garnets is very popular. Gold and silver pendants or earrings with such a bright and beautiful semiprecious stone will be a great gift.

Sweets. Czech desserts and sweets are loved by tourists from all over the world. Here you can taste the most delicious strudel with fruit flavors, a spicy laborer with cinnamon and nuts, hearty and fragrant dumplings with berries, savory dumplings with cream and cream, not to mention air cakes and sweet crispy waffles. To prolong the pleasure of tasting Czech sweets, you can bring home gift sets with your favorite desserts, sweets, waffles and cookies.

Crystal products. At the resort you can buy original Bohemian crystal products: sets of glasses, vases, chandeliers, statuettes and much more. Such a thing will be an expensive and enjoyable gift, as well as a magnificent home decoration. It is worth noting that buying Bohemian crystal in other countries is financially unprofitable, here you can find kits at an affordable cost.

Gift alcohol kits. In addition to traditional Czech beer with a set of glasses and "Becherovka", you can bring local sweet liquor “Dr. Adler” excellent taste and even in beautiful packaging. Still worth paying attention to "Slivovitsa" and absinthe complete with glasses of excellent Czech qualities.

Useful tips for tourists

To avoid confusion and annoying doubts during your holidays, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• The Frantiskovy Lazne resort is year-round, but it is best to go on vacation from May to September. At this time, the largest number of cultural events and fairs take place, vacationers from all over the world come and there is dry, warm weather, ideal for traveling around the surroundings and visiting ancient castles.
• Frantiskovy Lazne has beaches equipped for swimming, so you should bring a bathing suit, sunbathing equipment, a hat and sunglasses.
• Going to the resort, you can not stock up on books to read during the holidays. There are bookstores with Russian literature in the city. Frantiskovy Lazne also boasts a library with an extensive collection of literature, both classical and the latest book novelties.
• Upon arrival in the city, it makes sense to immediately purchase a single ticket for the entire stay in order to use public transport at reduced prices and not to queue for tickets. You can buy such a single ticket at a newsagent, in a print shop, take it at the information center of the station or at the hotel reception.