Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, sometimes known in English as Carlsbad, is a spa city situated in Bohemia, the western part of the Czech Republic, on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá. Carlsbad is named after Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded the city in 1370. It is historically famous for its hot springs (13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River).

In the 19th century, it became a popular tourist destination, especially for international celebrities visiting for spa treatment.

The city is also known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the popular Czech liqueur Karlovarská Becherovka.

The city has been used as the location for a number of film-shoots, including the 2006 films Last Holiday and box-office hit Casino Royale, both of which used the city's Grandhotel Pupp in different guises.

History

On 14 August 1370, Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor gave city privileges to the place that subsequently was named after him, according to legend after he had acclaimed the healing power of the hot springs. However, earlier settlements could be found in the outskirts of today's city.

Due to publications by doctors like David Becher and Josef von Löschner, the city developed into a famous spa resort and was visited by many members of European aristocracy.

In 1938, the Sudetenland – including Carlsbad – became part of Germany. Until their expulsion in 1945 the majority of the population of the city spoke German.

Before that, the Carlsbad Decrees of 1819 had associated the city with anti-liberal censorship within the German Confederation.

Population

1930 - 54,652
1939 - 53,339
1947 - 31,322
1991 - 56,291 (3 March)
2001 - 53,857 (1 March)
2003 - 52,359 (1 January)