The Císařské lázně — or Imperial Baths — in Karlovy Vary is one of the most breathtaking spa buildings in Central Europe: a Neo-Renaissance palace built in 1895 that once stood at the very heart of the city's glittering cure culture. After a sweeping renovation completed in June 2023, it is more magnificent than ever and well worth a visit even if you never take a dip.

The building sits on Mariánskolázeňská Street beside the gentle Teplá river, at the southern edge of Karlovy Vary's famous colonnaded spa district. Designed by the celebrated Viennese studio Fellner and Helmer in the style of French Neo-Renaissance, the facade dazzles with towers, ornate reliefs and grand arched windows. Step inside and you will find the Zander Hall on the upper floor, its walls covered in paintings depicting celebrated guests of the spa — Queen Maria Theresa, Goethe and Bohuslaw Hasenstein of Lobkowicz among them. Hidden within the historic atrium is a striking modern concert and event hall clad in red steel, designed by architect Petr Hájek, resting on six legs so it never touches the original walls. The atmosphere blends imperial grandeur with a lively contemporary cultural scene.

• Karlovy Vary town centre — the building is at Mariánskolázeňská 306/2, a 10–15 minute walk from the main Mlýnská kolonáda colonnade.
• By public transport — Karlovy Vary is well connected by bus and train from Prague and Pilsen; local buses stop close to the spa district.

• Listed as a Czech National Cultural Monument since 2010.
• Major renovation ran from December 2019 to June 2023, costing 1.4 billion Czech crowns.
• The building hosts cultural events, concerts and conferences in its new multifunctional hall.
• A permanent exhibition on the upper floor covers the history of the spa and its famous visitors.

Look above the main entrance and you will spot the names of Karlovy Vary's most distinguished physicians carved in stone — but you will not find Jean de Carro, the Swiss-born doctor who championed the spa across Western Europe. The German-speaking town council apparently held his French tongue against him; his bust only found a place on the grand staircase in 1968.