The therapeutical power of
Marianske Lazne springs was used way back in the 14
th century by Czech settlers in the village of Usovice. The springs were first called the Usovice springs, later the Tepla springs, after the monastery to which they belonged. In 1808 the Tepla monastery rounded the locality of Marianske Lazne which began developing after 1813 when K. K. Reitenberger was elected Abbot of Tepla monastery.
The locality was declared a public spa planned and built around the vast informal park laid out.
by park architect Vaclav Skalnik. In 1866 the locality was elevated to a town and with that its development recorded a new high. The excellent urban layout of Marianske Lazne linked the architecture of buildings and parks with the surrounding landscape in a unique and harmonious entity. All this with
the curative power of the mineral springs and the appropriate climatic environment have contributed to the fact that the town is often described in the world as the pearl of European spas.
The historic centre of the town stretches along the cast-iron colonnade and the Cross Spring (Krizovy pramen) with the rotunda. In their vicinity is the so-called singing fountain with hundreds of jets whose
water play is accompanied by music on the odd hour and which is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Most spa and public houses were built in the second half of the 19
th century.
Marianske Lazne has
51 springs which differ by their chemical composition (6 various types). All of them do, however, contain a great amount of free carbon dioxide and all are cool. The best known springs are the Rudolf Spring, the Cross Spring (Krizovy), Ferdinand Spring, the Forest (Lesni) Spring, the Ambrose (Ambrozuv) Spring and Excelsior.
The therapeutical indications are extremely varied with regard to the great variety of local therapeutical sources. Ranking first are kidney disorders and diseases of the urinal discharge system, disorders of the metabolism, diseases of the upper respiratory tract and skin diseases. Specialized institutions are oriented to the rehabilitation of nervous disorders and post-traumatic states.
Marianske Lazne is a paradise for lovers of walking tours, tennis, golf and other summer and winter sports.
Faithful guiding all visitors to Marianske Lazne is music which emanates from the spa colonnade and from the concert halls. The music tradition is upheld by
the International Music Festival and
the Frederick Chopin Festive Days.