European spas as potential candidates on the UNESCO world heritage list

The project was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.

ISBN 978-80-87104-79-8

International Consultative Round Table Meetingof Experts Invited to Compare Urban and Architectural Values

of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle Towns and Important Spas in EuropeMay 19.-21., 2011, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

WEST BohEMIAnSpA TRIAnglE

IMPORTANT EUROPEAN SPAS AS POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR SERIAL NOMINATION FOR

INSCRIPTION ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

International Consultative Round Table Meeting of Experts Invited to Compare Urban and Architectural Values of the

West Bohemian Spa Triangle Towns and Important Spas in Europe

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

May 19‐21, 2011

IMPORTANT EUROPEAN SPAS AS POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR SERIAL International Consultative Round Table Meeting NOMINATION FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST May 19‐21, 2011 Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

2

The authors of this publication relied on findings and experience acquired in the course of the following grant projects: Grant Project of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic No. 409/06/1759: Spas and the Balneology in the Czech Republic in the European Context for International Presentation. Research Project of the National Heritage Institute No. 301: Operative Survey and Documentation of Historical Structures. Research Project of the National Heritage Institute No. 402: Expert Studies, Scientific Evaluation, Documenting, and Recording of the Cultural Heritage of the 19th and 20th century. The project was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.

The file documents for discussion at the Round Table Meeting Edition © Lubomír Zeman, Martin Pospíšil Photography © Veronica Pródis, Lubomír Zeman, Karel Kuča, Jan Prudík, Karlovarský kraj Translation: Vladimíra Ráftlová, M.A. Print: The Karlovy Vary Region in cooperation National Heritage Institute Karlovy Vary 2011 ISBN 978‐80‐87104‐79‐8


3

Dear readers,

Objectively, the Czech and Moravian spa industry has always been and still is amongst the most advanced in the world, where the Karlovy Vary has the leading position in this field. Such a great density of mineral spring with healing powers in a relatively small area cannot be found anywhere in the Czech Republic or elsewhere in the world. The geographical triangle of large spa centers – Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně – represents one of the best examples of renowned spa towns of global fame and scale. All of them are exceptionally well preserved urban and architectural complexes with Classicist and Historicist architecture and, as such, are quite unique, both in terms of historical and balneological value.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is a unique and authentic rendition of the spa towns in the period before the middle of the 20th century. The harmonic environment of spa towns in those days was a much appreciated quality by the local population as well as the ever more demanding visitors of spas. Today, the spas in this region form part of the world’s architectural and urban heritage. Protecting this cultural heritage is our common objective.

Thus, in January 2011, a joint declaration was signed by the representatives of the Region, Parliament, and the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, who undertook to pursue the aim of having all of the three towns put on the List of World Heritage Sites.

Registration of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle in the List of World Heritage Sites would thus constitute acknowledgement and recognition of its quality, as well as commitment of all the participating localities that internationally recognized cultural and historical values would be passed onto the next generations.

PaedDr. Josef Novotný Ing. Eva Valjentová President of Karlovy Vary Region Councillor for Culture, Karlovy Vary Region


2

The authors of this publication relied on findings and experience acquired in the course of the following grant projects: Grant Project of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic No. 409/06/1759: Spas and the Balneology in the Czech Republic in the European Context for International Presentation. Research Project of the National Heritage Institute No. 301: Operative Survey and Documentation of Historical Structures. Research Project of the National Heritage Institute No. 402: Expert Studies, Scientific Evaluation, Documenting, and Recording of the Cultural Heritage of the 19th and 20th century. The project was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.

The file documents for discussion at the Round Table Meeting Edition © Lubomír Zeman, Martin Pospíšil Photography © Veronica Pródis, Lubomír Zeman, Karel Kuča, Jan Prudík, Karlovarský kraj Translation: Vladimíra Ráftlová, M.A. Print: The Karlovy Vary Region in cooperation National Heritage Institute Karlovy Vary 2011 ISBN 978‐80‐87104‐79‐8


3

Dear readers,

Objectively, the Czech and Moravian spa industry has always been and still is amongst the most advanced in the world, where the Karlovy Vary has the leading position in this field. Such a great density of mineral spring with healing powers in a relatively small area cannot be found anywhere in the Czech Republic or elsewhere in the world. The geographical triangle of large spa centers – Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně – represents one of the best examples of renowned spa towns of global fame and scale. All of them are exceptionally well preserved urban and architectural complexes with Classicist and Historicist architecture and, as such, are quite unique, both in terms of historical and balneological value.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is a unique and authentic rendition of the spa towns in the period before the middle of the 20th century. The harmonic environment of spa towns in those days was a much appreciated quality by the local population as well as the ever more demanding visitors of spas. Today, the spas in this region form part of the world’s architectural and urban heritage. Protecting this cultural heritage is our common objective.

Thus, in January 2011, a joint declaration was signed by the representatives of the Region, Parliament, and the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, who undertook to pursue the aim of having all of the three towns put on the List of World Heritage Sites.

Registration of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle in the List of World Heritage Sites would thus constitute acknowledgement and recognition of its quality, as well as commitment of all the participating localities that internationally recognized cultural and historical values would be passed onto the next generations.

PaedDr. Josef Novotný Ing. Eva Valjentová President of Karlovy Vary Region Councillor for Culture, Karlovy Vary Region


4

Why UNESCO and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle?

Personally, I see registration of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a historically unique chance for better protection of the exceptional value of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle’s towns and their preservation for future generations, thus also more and better job opportunities thanks to more tourism and overall development of the region. The Karlovy Vary Region, being one of the country’s smallest regions, does not have a very favorable position in terms of statistical figures. Moreover, its transport serviceability and labor market have been deteriorating job due to declining mining activities in the Sokolov mining basin.

I have visited Český Krumlov, a town that currently also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, spoke with the mayor and local businessmen, and last but the least could not miss seeing enormous numbers of tourists admiring the town’s historic sites. The absolute majority of arguments were made in favor of putting Český Krumlov on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Therefore, I have resolved right from the beginning of my parliamentary mandate to second, jointly with the representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region, the pursuit of the Municipality of Karlovy Vary and the Ministry of Culture.

The Declaration, signed by the representatives of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, as well as the Karlovy Vary Region, and the openly declared support of the Ministry of Culture and Jiří Besser, the minister of culture himself, are good and necessary signals indicating that it is worthwhile to try to reach this common target. My attendance at the International Consultation Roundtable of experts invited to compare the architectural and urban values of the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and prominent spa towns in Europe, held in Karlovy Vary, where the process of potential registration was thoroughly discussed all day. I intend to persist in this pursuit in the future.

Rudolf Chlad Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic


5

Mgr. Petr Kulhánek RNDr. Petr Horký

Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Vice‐Mayor of Marianské Lázně

Ing. František Šnajdauf Vice‐Mayor of Františkovy Lázně


4

Why UNESCO and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle?

Personally, I see registration of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a historically unique chance for better protection of the exceptional value of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle’s towns and their preservation for future generations, thus also more and better job opportunities thanks to more tourism and overall development of the region. The Karlovy Vary Region, being one of the country’s smallest regions, does not have a very favorable position in terms of statistical figures. Moreover, its transport serviceability and labor market have been deteriorating job due to declining mining activities in the Sokolov mining basin.

I have visited Český Krumlov, a town that currently also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, spoke with the mayor and local businessmen, and last but the least could not miss seeing enormous numbers of tourists admiring the town’s historic sites. The absolute majority of arguments were made in favor of putting Český Krumlov on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Therefore, I have resolved right from the beginning of my parliamentary mandate to second, jointly with the representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region, the pursuit of the Municipality of Karlovy Vary and the Ministry of Culture.

The Declaration, signed by the representatives of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, as well as the Karlovy Vary Region, and the openly declared support of the Ministry of Culture and Jiří Besser, the minister of culture himself, are good and necessary signals indicating that it is worthwhile to try to reach this common target. My attendance at the International Consultation Roundtable of experts invited to compare the architectural and urban values of the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and prominent spa towns in Europe, held in Karlovy Vary, where the process of potential registration was thoroughly discussed all day. I intend to persist in this pursuit in the future.

Rudolf Chlad Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic


5

Mgr. Petr Kulhánek RNDr. Petr Horký

Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Vice‐Mayor of Marianské Lázně

Ing. František Šnajdauf Vice‐Mayor of Františkovy Lázně


6

Transnational Serial (transnationale serielle) Nomination of Spa Heritage to UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites Initial situation in the Czech Republic __________________________________________________________ Between 2004–2005 an important regional document entitled The Concept of Historical Conservation

in the Karlovy Vary Region was elaborated (Karel Kuča – Lubomír Zeman: The Karlovy Vary Region’s Heritage Sites – the Concept of Historical Conservation in the Karlovy Vary Region, Karlovy Vary 2006). In addition to setting out the priorities of general care for the region’s heritage fund, one of the

document’s objectives was to define the specifics of the region and the historical sites that deserve to

be promoted nationwide (e.g., by elevating them to the category of national heritage sites), as well as

those that give the region its identity in terms of international significance and should therefore be

considered a matter of priority. In 2006, on the basis of the said Concept, a Draft of Suggested Listings of Parts of the Historical Centres of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně in the National Heritage List for Registration in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, i.e. the so‐called Indicative List in the Czech Republic. In order to ensure the professional objectivity of the proposal, all three towns

were subjected, in the same year, to a detailed Assessment Study of their historical sites using a

specialized methodology.1 The Assessment Study of the heritage value of the town centres was not

limited to the existing protected districts, but it also included adjacent areas, if they contained any

historically valuable features. The Assessment Study showed clearly that the centres of the West

Bohemian spa towns feature an extraordinary concentration of historical sites that undoubtedly meet

the criteria for potential nomination to the List of World Heritage Sites.

The idea of promoting our spa towns on a global scale was supported, in addition to the Karlovy Vary

Region, also by the managements of the individual towns in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Culture

and National Heritage Institute, in which the participating communities expressed their intent to apply

for registration on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Both the Ministry of Culture and the

National Heritage Institute seconded this attempt on the basis of the summarized substantiation of the

unique urban development and architectural quality of the three towns.

Following the typical manner of presenting information about the sites that other countries had put

on the Indicative List, based on the Operational guidelines of the Convention Concerning the Protection

of the World Heritage, introductory documentation was prepared concerning the Spa Triangle of West Bohemia which was then signed and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture and forwarded via diplomatic

channels to the UNESCO World Heritage Center in Paris.

1 KUČA Karel – KUČOVÁ Věra, Principy památkového urbanismu, příloha časopisu Zprávy památkové péče, Issue 60, Praha 2000.

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6

Transnational Serial (transnationale serielle) Nomination of Spa Heritage to UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites Initial situation in the Czech Republic __________________________________________________________ Between 2004–2005 an important regional document entitled The Concept of Historical Conservation

in the Karlovy Vary Region was elaborated (Karel Kuča – Lubomír Zeman: The Karlovy Vary Region’s Heritage Sites – the Concept of Historical Conservation in the Karlovy Vary Region, Karlovy Vary 2006). In addition to setting out the priorities of general care for the region’s heritage fund, one of the

document’s objectives was to define the specifics of the region and the historical sites that deserve to

be promoted nationwide (e.g., by elevating them to the category of national heritage sites), as well as

those that give the region its identity in terms of international significance and should therefore be

considered a matter of priority. In 2006, on the basis of the said Concept, a Draft of Suggested Listings of Parts of the Historical Centres of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně in the National Heritage List for Registration in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, i.e. the so‐called Indicative List in the Czech Republic. In order to ensure the professional objectivity of the proposal, all three towns

were subjected, in the same year, to a detailed Assessment Study of their historical sites using a

specialized methodology.1 The Assessment Study of the heritage value of the town centres was not

limited to the existing protected districts, but it also included adjacent areas, if they contained any

historically valuable features. The Assessment Study showed clearly that the centres of the West

Bohemian spa towns feature an extraordinary concentration of historical sites that undoubtedly meet

the criteria for potential nomination to the List of World Heritage Sites.

The idea of promoting our spa towns on a global scale was supported, in addition to the Karlovy Vary

Region, also by the managements of the individual towns in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Culture

and National Heritage Institute, in which the participating communities expressed their intent to apply

for registration on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Both the Ministry of Culture and the

National Heritage Institute seconded this attempt on the basis of the summarized substantiation of the

unique urban development and architectural quality of the three towns.

Following the typical manner of presenting information about the sites that other countries had put

on the Indicative List, based on the Operational guidelines of the Convention Concerning the Protection

of the World Heritage, introductory documentation was prepared concerning the Spa Triangle of West Bohemia which was then signed and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture and forwarded via diplomatic

channels to the UNESCO World Heritage Center in Paris.

1 KUČA Karel – KUČOVÁ Věra, Principy památkového urbanismu, příloha časopisu Zprávy památkové péče, Issue 60, Praha 2000.


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7

importance,

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,

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8

All the cultural property that are on the List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites must be of a globally extraordinary value, i.e., meet at least one of the criteria listed in the Operational Guidlines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (see page 14). Spa localities of equal quality can be found in various countries, mainly in Europe. Some countries can contribute to an even broader spectrum of historical sites that stretch over the territory of several countries. In such a case one can take the opportunity of applying for a so‐called cross‐border nomination filed by two or more countries simultaneously. Historical towns of Europe, clerical heritage of Christianity, period architecture (as opposed to vernacular architecture), all of them are on the List of the World’s Heritage in multifold versions, whereas other types of heritage, especially those that are still associated with living culture and traditional cultural expressions are represented inadequately – like the spa heritage.

The colorful history of the spa industry not only forms part of the general history of medicine,

research in natural sciences, and technical development, but the origins and establishment of certain locations associated with healing form part of general cultural heritage.

The spa industry is a phenomenon that has been part of global civilization for over two and a half

thousand years. The distribution of spa locations around the globe is rather uneven. The oldest spa traditions have been traced to Antiquity – ancient Southern Europe and the Middle East. Spas or baths are known to have also existed in France, Germany, and England as far back as the era of Roman expansionism, and its development is known to have continued during subsequent periods. Typical forms of spas or baths had spread also to Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Russia, and other countries. Quite characteristic is the name used for spas: in English, it is bath (like the famous town of Bath itself), in German ‐ Bad, in Italian ‐ terme, and in French ‐ bains. The generic term used worldwide is spa – after a world‐famous town of the same name, Spa, in Belgium. The center of the spa industry in Central Europe is situated in the strip of calcitic waters between the Massif Central in France, across Germany and the northern part of Bohemia, and up to the former Sudeten part of Poland, with significant concentrations along the Bohemian‐Bavarian‐Saxon borders. Though it is true that the spa tradition in the Czech Republic is younger than that of southern Europe and generally the countries of the Mediterranean region, it is also a fact that its spas did attain considerable fame and respect in the past, both on a European and global scale, and assumed a prominent position in the history of medicine and balneology.


9

Most Important Spas in Europe

_____________________________________________________________________________ Czech Republic

1. Karlovy Vary 2. Mariánské Lázně 3. Františkovy Lázně 4. Teplice v Čechách 5. Lázně Libverda 6. Lázně Poděbrady 7. Lázně Bohdaneč 8. Lázně Luhačovice 9. Velké Losiny, Karlova Studánka 10. Jeseník, Lipová Lázně

Slovak Republic

11. Piešťany 12. Trenčianské Teplice 13. Sliač 14. Vysoké Tatry 15. Bardějovské Kúpele Poland 16. Swieradów Zdrój 17. Szczawno Zdrój 18. Kudowa Zdrój, Duszniki Zdrój 19. Lądek Zdrój 20. Krynica Zdrój 21. Ciechocinek 22. Lazienki

Germany 23. Trier 24. Aachen 25. Bad Ems 26. Wiesbaden 27. Bad Homburg 28. Baden‐Baden 29. Bad Reichenhall 30. Bad Nauheim 31. Bad Brückemau 32. Bad Kissingen 33. Bad Pyrmont 34. Heiligendamm France 35. Plombieres‐les‐ Bains 36. Vitel 37. Contrexéville 38. Vichy 39. Aix‐les‐Bains 40. Évian‐les‐Bains 41. Aix‐en‐Provence 42. Nice 43. Monte‐Carlo 44. Dax 45. Eugénie‐les‐Bains 46. Biarritz 47. Deauville, Trounville

Belgium 48. Spa 49. Oostende

Netherlands 50. Scheveningen Austria 51. Baden bei Wien 52. Bad Ischl 53. Bad Hall 54. Bad Gastein Bad Hofgastein Switzerland 55. Baden 56. Bad Ragaz 57. St. Moritz Italy 58. San Pellegrino Terme 59. Salsomaggiore Terme 60. Abano Terme 61. Porreta Terme 62. Montecatini Terme 63. Bagni di Lucca 64. Bagni di Pisa 65. Pozzuoli 66. Ischia 67. Rimini 68. Cattolica 69. San Menaio 70. Santa Maria di Leuca 71. San Remo

Great Britain 72. Bath 73. Leamington Spa 74. Tunbridge Spa 75. Brighton 76. Hastings, Eastbourne 77. Buxton 78. Harrogate 79. Scarborough

Hungary 80. Budapest 81. Hevíz Croatia 82. Varazdinske Toplice 83. Istarske Toplice 84. Baška, Makarská Romania 85. Vatra Dornei 86. Baia Felix Bulgaria 87. Velingrad Latvia 88. Jurmala Lithuania 89. Palanga, Klaipéda


8

All the cultural property that are on the List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites must be of a globally extraordinary value, i.e., meet at least one of the criteria listed in the Operational Guidlines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (see page 14). Spa localities of equal quality can be found in various countries, mainly in Europe. Some countries can contribute to an even broader spectrum of historical sites that stretch over the territory of several countries. In such a case one can take the opportunity of applying for a so‐called cross‐border nomination filed by two or more countries simultaneously. Historical towns of Europe, clerical heritage of Christianity, period architecture (as opposed to vernacular architecture), all of them are on the List of the World’s Heritage in multifold versions, whereas other types of heritage, especially those that are still associated with living culture and traditional cultural expressions are represented inadequately – like the spa heritage.

The colorful history of the spa industry not only forms part of the general history of medicine,

research in natural sciences, and technical development, but the origins and establishment of certain locations associated with healing form part of general cultural heritage.

The spa industry is a phenomenon that has been part of global civilization for over two and a half

thousand years. The distribution of spa locations around the globe is rather uneven. The oldest spa traditions have been traced to Antiquity – ancient Southern Europe and the Middle East. Spas or baths are known to have also existed in France, Germany, and England as far back as the era of Roman expansionism, and its development is known to have continued during subsequent periods. Typical forms of spas or baths had spread also to Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Russia, and other countries. Quite characteristic is the name used for spas: in English, it is bath (like the famous town of Bath itself), in German ‐ Bad, in Italian ‐ terme, and in French ‐ bains. The generic term used worldwide is spa – after a world‐famous town of the same name, Spa, in Belgium. The center of the spa industry in Central Europe is situated in the strip of calcitic waters between the Massif Central in France, across Germany and the northern part of Bohemia, and up to the former Sudeten part of Poland, with significant concentrations along the Bohemian‐Bavarian‐Saxon borders. Though it is true that the spa tradition in the Czech Republic is younger than that of southern Europe and generally the countries of the Mediterranean region, it is also a fact that its spas did attain considerable fame and respect in the past, both on a European and global scale, and assumed a prominent position in the history of medicine and balneology.


9

Most Important Spas in Europe

_____________________________________________________________________________ Czech Republic

1. Karlovy Vary 2. Mariánské Lázně 3. Františkovy Lázně 4. Teplice v Čechách 5. Lázně Libverda 6. Lázně Poděbrady 7. Lázně Bohdaneč 8. Lázně Luhačovice 9. Velké Losiny, Karlova Studánka 10. Jeseník, Lipová Lázně

Slovak Republic

11. Piešťany 12. Trenčianské Teplice 13. Sliač 14. Vysoké Tatry 15. Bardějovské Kúpele Poland 16. Swieradów Zdrój 17. Szczawno Zdrój 18. Kudowa Zdrój, Duszniki Zdrój 19. Lądek Zdrój 20. Krynica Zdrój 21. Ciechocinek 22. Lazienki

Germany 23. Trier 24. Aachen 25. Bad Ems 26. Wiesbaden 27. Bad Homburg 28. Baden‐Baden 29. Bad Reichenhall 30. Bad Nauheim 31. Bad Brückemau 32. Bad Kissingen 33. Bad Pyrmont 34. Heiligendamm France 35. Plombieres‐les‐ Bains 36. Vitel 37. Contrexéville 38. Vichy 39. Aix‐les‐Bains 40. Évian‐les‐Bains 41. Aix‐en‐Provence 42. Nice 43. Monte‐Carlo 44. Dax 45. Eugénie‐les‐Bains 46. Biarritz 47. Deauville, Trounville

Belgium 48. Spa 49. Oostende

Netherlands 50. Scheveningen Austria 51. Baden bei Wien 52. Bad Ischl 53. Bad Hall 54. Bad Gastein Bad Hofgastein Switzerland 55. Baden 56. Bad Ragaz 57. St. Moritz Italy 58. San Pellegrino Terme 59. Salsomaggiore Terme 60. Abano Terme 61. Porreta Terme 62. Montecatini Terme 63. Bagni di Lucca 64. Bagni di Pisa 65. Pozzuoli 66. Ischia 67. Rimini 68. Cattolica 69. San Menaio 70. Santa Maria di Leuca 71. San Remo

Great Britain 72. Bath 73. Leamington Spa 74. Tunbridge Spa 75. Brighton 76. Hastings, Eastbourne 77. Buxton 78. Harrogate 79. Scarborough

Hungary 80. Budapest 81. Hevíz Croatia 82. Varazdinske Toplice 83. Istarske Toplice 84. Baška, Makarská Romania 85. Vatra Dornei 86. Baia Felix Bulgaria 87. Velingrad Latvia 88. Jurmala Lithuania 89. Palanga, Klaipéda


10

The Czech lands took part in the historical development of the spa industry with considerable zest. Thanks to unusually abundant and widely occurring mineral springs, there were numerous initiatives for many centuries in the form of offering bath treatments, and whenever these initiatives met with success, some of the resorts reached worldwide fame. Development of spas and the spa industry in the Czech lands always went hand‐in‐hand with the development of other European spas, both in the areas of technology (collecting and processing water from mineral springs) and balneology (medical application of mineral springs), as well as in the areas of building, architecture, and urban development (appearance, style, and planning of spa resorts). The most prominent examples of world‐renowned spas worldwide, are a group of spas in West

Bohemia. The spas in western Bohemia are situated in a unique geographical location that forms an imaginary triangle, whose points are formed by the famous towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně. These three major spa towns are complemented with smaller spas located along practically the whole perimeter of Slavkovský (formerly Imperial) Forest, which has the character of a highland plateau mildly sloping down on the northern side. The mineral properties of the springs that come to the surface of the earth in this region are quite unique and are unparalleled anywhere in the world. The triangle of the spa towns with their well‐preserved urban and architectural elements reflects the international trend of preference for Classicist and Historicist revival architecture when building spa centers. In addition, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is globally unique in that the towns in it have retained the authentic appearance that spa resorts had before the mid‐20th century.

The triangle of the West‐Bohemian spa towns therefore is one of the most prominent spa

locations not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the context of Europe as a whole.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and other spa sites in the Karlovy Vary Region


11

The UNESCO Committee’s recommendation to conduct an all‐European comparative study of spa

locations that could aspire for registration to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites, as part transnational serial nominations, recognized the Czech Republic as a de facto superpower in balneology, taking into consideration the country’s hitherto successful and approved nominations for the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites. The extensive comparative study from the viewpoint of the Czech Republic has been completed. The

research entitled “Spas and Balneology in the Czech Republic in the Context of the Development of the World’s Balneology” (Lubomír Zeman & Assoc. 2006–2009) involved assessment of West‐Bohemian spa towns also in the context of other globally known spa towns in Central and Western Europe. The conclusions of the analysis demonstrate poignantly that the spa towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle belong amongst the world’s unique architectural and urban heritage of human civilization, which justifies nomination of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage.

One of the outputs of the comparative study should be a joint transnational nomination of

European spa towns. Simultaneously with the evaluation of the comparative analysis of the world’s spa heritage, selected were individual spa centers, sets of spa buildings, as well as individual important spa objects, for the purposes of possible application for registration in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage. Following consultations with specialists in spa heritage across Europe, the most suitable appears to be association of individual localities into an overall cross‐border serial nomination (candidature transnationale sérielle).

The basic prerequisites and aspects of these opportunities were published in two publications that

the Karlovy Vary Region issued in 2008, in collaboration with the National Heritage Institute, co‐authored by Lubomír Zeman ‐ Karel Kuča ‐ Věra Kučová: The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle. The West‐Bohemian Spas selected for nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites (West Bohemian Spa Triangle. Selected Spas of West Bohemia to be Nominated for Inscription on the World Heritage List) and Lubomír Zeman: West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle West‐Bohemian Spas in the context of the European spa heritage. The possibility of cross‐border cooperation in the endeavor for registration in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage was presented to the broad public in the Czech Republic at the Spa Conference in Karlovy Vary on October 8‐9, 2009, where mutual relevant links amongst the most prominent spa towns of Western and Central Europe were discussed with various foreign specialists.


10

The Czech lands took part in the historical development of the spa industry with considerable zest. Thanks to unusually abundant and widely occurring mineral springs, there were numerous initiatives for many centuries in the form of offering bath treatments, and whenever these initiatives met with success, some of the resorts reached worldwide fame. Development of spas and the spa industry in the Czech lands always went hand‐in‐hand with the development of other European spas, both in the areas of technology (collecting and processing water from mineral springs) and balneology (medical application of mineral springs), as well as in the areas of building, architecture, and urban development (appearance, style, and planning of spa resorts). The most prominent examples of world‐renowned spas worldwide, are a group of spas in West

Bohemia. The spas in western Bohemia are situated in a unique geographical location that forms an imaginary triangle, whose points are formed by the famous towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně. These three major spa towns are complemented with smaller spas located along practically the whole perimeter of Slavkovský (formerly Imperial) Forest, which has the character of a highland plateau mildly sloping down on the northern side. The mineral properties of the springs that come to the surface of the earth in this region are quite unique and are unparalleled anywhere in the world. The triangle of the spa towns with their well‐preserved urban and architectural elements reflects the international trend of preference for Classicist and Historicist revival architecture when building spa centers. In addition, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is globally unique in that the towns in it have retained the authentic appearance that spa resorts had before the mid‐20th century.

The triangle of the West‐Bohemian spa towns therefore is one of the most prominent spa

locations not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the context of Europe as a whole.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and other spa sites in the Karlovy Vary Region


11

The UNESCO Committee’s recommendation to conduct an all‐European comparative study of spa

locations that could aspire for registration to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites, as part transnational serial nominations, recognized the Czech Republic as a de facto superpower in balneology, taking into consideration the country’s hitherto successful and approved nominations for the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites. The extensive comparative study from the viewpoint of the Czech Republic has been completed. The

research entitled “Spas and Balneology in the Czech Republic in the Context of the Development of the World’s Balneology” (Lubomír Zeman & Assoc. 2006–2009) involved assessment of West‐Bohemian spa towns also in the context of other globally known spa towns in Central and Western Europe. The conclusions of the analysis demonstrate poignantly that the spa towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle belong amongst the world’s unique architectural and urban heritage of human civilization, which justifies nomination of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage.

One of the outputs of the comparative study should be a joint transnational nomination of

European spa towns. Simultaneously with the evaluation of the comparative analysis of the world’s spa heritage, selected were individual spa centers, sets of spa buildings, as well as individual important spa objects, for the purposes of possible application for registration in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage. Following consultations with specialists in spa heritage across Europe, the most suitable appears to be association of individual localities into an overall cross‐border serial nomination (candidature transnationale sérielle).

The basic prerequisites and aspects of these opportunities were published in two publications that

the Karlovy Vary Region issued in 2008, in collaboration with the National Heritage Institute, co‐authored by Lubomír Zeman ‐ Karel Kuča ‐ Věra Kučová: The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle. The West‐Bohemian Spas selected for nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites (West Bohemian Spa Triangle. Selected Spas of West Bohemia to be Nominated for Inscription on the World Heritage List) and Lubomír Zeman: West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle West‐Bohemian Spas in the context of the European spa heritage. The possibility of cross‐border cooperation in the endeavor for registration in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage was presented to the broad public in the Czech Republic at the Spa Conference in Karlovy Vary on October 8‐9, 2009, where mutual relevant links amongst the most prominent spa towns of Western and Central Europe were discussed with various foreign specialists.


12

SPAS AND BALNEOLOGY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT

OF THE WORLD’S BALNEOLOGY (Lubomír Zeman & Assoc. 2006–2009)


13

The discussions at the Carlsbad Grandhotel Pupp continued with at an international conference entitled “European Spa Towns and World‐famous Spas in the 19th Century”, organized in November 25‐27, 2010, by the town of Baden‐Baden.3 Discussions of European specialists focused on various details of the individual aspects of possible transnational cooperation. A comparative study was issued on this occasion, authored by Andreas Förderer and entitled: Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts (European Health Resorts and Fashionable Spas of the 19 thcentury), Baden‐Baden 2010, which were mainly focused on highlighting the social importance of spas in the 19th Century.

Yet another initiative seeking integration of major European spa towns came from EHTTA (European Historical Thermal Towns Association). Founded in December 2009, the Association aims, inter alia, to set up the conditions for lining out the way for European spas, so that all the important spas of Europe would be mutually interconnected. Under the patronage of the European Commission, the Association should form a network of European cultural ways that have successfully functioned for decades. At the Association’s conference, organized in November 2010 at the French spa town of Vichy, it became apparent however that not all spas have a clear idea of the conditions applicable to the candidates to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites. In order to be able to fulfill the conditions of the Treaty on the World’s Heritage Protection, including clarification of their position in the own country (registration in the national indicative /tentative list).

The Spa route in north – west Czech Republic 3 Internationale Fachtagung Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts, Baden‐Baden, 25. – 27. November 2010.


12

SPAS AND BALNEOLOGY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT

OF THE WORLD’S BALNEOLOGY (Lubomír Zeman & Assoc. 2006–2009)


13

The discussions at the Carlsbad Grandhotel Pupp continued with at an international conference entitled “European Spa Towns and World‐famous Spas in the 19th Century”, organized in November 25‐27, 2010, by the town of Baden‐Baden.3 Discussions of European specialists focused on various details of the individual aspects of possible transnational cooperation. A comparative study was issued on this occasion, authored by Andreas Förderer and entitled: Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts (European Health Resorts and Fashionable Spas of the 19 thcentury), Baden‐Baden 2010, which were mainly focused on highlighting the social importance of spas in the 19th Century.

Yet another initiative seeking integration of major European spa towns came from EHTTA (European Historical Thermal Towns Association). Founded in December 2009, the Association aims, inter alia, to set up the conditions for lining out the way for European spas, so that all the important spas of Europe would be mutually interconnected. Under the patronage of the European Commission, the Association should form a network of European cultural ways that have successfully functioned for decades. At the Association’s conference, organized in November 2010 at the French spa town of Vichy, it became apparent however that not all spas have a clear idea of the conditions applicable to the candidates to the UNESCO List of the World’s Cultural Heritage Sites. In order to be able to fulfill the conditions of the Treaty on the World’s Heritage Protection, including clarification of their position in the own country (registration in the national indicative /tentative list).

The Spa route in north – west Czech Republic 3 Internationale Fachtagung Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts, Baden‐Baden, 25. – 27. November 2010.


14

It has become evident that the group of spa towns and localities to be considered for the transnational serial nomination should be thematically differentiated. The basic premise thereby should be the criterion that each locality must be exceptional within the world’s cultural heritage and meet the general criteria outlined by the transnational Committee for the world’s heritage. The locations selected for registration in the List of the World’s Heritage Sites are picked on the basis of certain features and characteristics that prove to be the best examples of their kind, while having an excellent universal value. The basic prerequisite to the success of any nomination is the ability to prove the existence of certain virtues corresponding to one of several general criteria:

Selection criteria:

i. to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; ii. to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a

cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town‐planning or landscape design;

iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;

iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

v. to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land‐use, or sea‐use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);

vii. to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;

viii. to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on‐going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;

ix. to be outstanding examples representing significant on‐going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;

x. to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in‐situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.4

Spa towns in the category of “cultural heritage” are subject to criteria “i” through “vi”. Due to the importance of spas in the context with the cultural heritage of many countries, it is only logical that these countries seek recognition as the world’s heritage sites, based on the prestigious status, as well as interaction in the form of mutual expert consultations and experience exchange. The Karlovy Vary Region, being the carrier and promoter of the idea of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, jointly with the National Heritage Institute, acting as the expert organization that methodically coordinates the nominations of cultural heritage sites in the Czech Republic, therefore organize discussion Round Table for leading European specialists, where the important aspects of the nominees can be discussed in detail.

4 http://whc.unesco.org


15

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS AND THEIR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AS A STARTING POINT OF A PROSPECTIVE SERIAL NOMINATION OF EUROPEAN SPA HERITAGE

CRITERIA AND MAIN COMMON ATTRIBUTES OF POSSIBLE NOMINATED PROPERTIES

__________________________________________________

Mgr. Lubomír Zeman


14

It has become evident that the group of spa towns and localities to be considered for the transnational serial nomination should be thematically differentiated. The basic premise thereby should be the criterion that each locality must be exceptional within the world’s cultural heritage and meet the general criteria outlined by the transnational Committee for the world’s heritage. The locations selected for registration in the List of the World’s Heritage Sites are picked on the basis of certain features and characteristics that prove to be the best examples of their kind, while having an excellent universal value. The basic prerequisite to the success of any nomination is the ability to prove the existence of certain virtues corresponding to one of several general criteria:

Selection criteria:

i. to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; ii. to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a

cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town‐planning or landscape design;

iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;

iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

v. to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land‐use, or sea‐use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);

vii. to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;

viii. to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on‐going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;

ix. to be outstanding examples representing significant on‐going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;

x. to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in‐situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.4

Spa towns in the category of “cultural heritage” are subject to criteria “i” through “vi”. Due to the importance of spas in the context with the cultural heritage of many countries, it is only logical that these countries seek recognition as the world’s heritage sites, based on the prestigious status, as well as interaction in the form of mutual expert consultations and experience exchange. The Karlovy Vary Region, being the carrier and promoter of the idea of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, jointly with the National Heritage Institute, acting as the expert organization that methodically coordinates the nominations of cultural heritage sites in the Czech Republic, therefore organize discussion Round Table for leading European specialists, where the important aspects of the nominees can be discussed in detail.

4 http://whc.unesco.org


15

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS AND THEIR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AS A STARTING POINT OF A PROSPECTIVE SERIAL NOMINATION OF EUROPEAN SPA HERITAGE

CRITERIA AND MAIN COMMON ATTRIBUTES OF POSSIBLE NOMINATED PROPERTIES

__________________________________________________

Mgr. Lubomír Zeman


16

For the purposes of such discussions, we present in the following chapter all the important aspects that we consider necessary to be elaborated and clarified by all the individual parties involved. It should be unambiguously specified which spa regions and which individual localities within them would become part of the future serial nomination.

A. General criteria

a. Historical aspects => Definition of historic era presented by the candidacy

ancient spas medieval spas baroque and classical spas spas in the 19th century spas in the 20th century

The origins of spas and balneology can be seen in the antique era, where their forms range from Greek asclepiads to massive Roman thermal baths. The territory of the former Roman Empire still contains numerous remains of long bygone public baths (Rome, Pompeii, Baiae, Trevir, Baden‐Baden, Bath, Bulla Regia, and Timgad, to name a few). These baths are closely related to other structures that had over the centuries become standard elements of spa architecture (balnearium, nympheum, stoa, colonnade, vaporarium, valetudinarium, lavatrine, latrine, etc.). Also, basic differentiation of spa operations into caldariums, tepidariums or frigidarium dates back to the Roman era. This heritage of bygone famous antique and later‐date Byzantine spas had an effect – after disintegration of the Roman Empire – on the Arabic world, where they became known typically as Turkish baths, which were also diversified by basic type like Roman baths. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the subsequent Carolingian and Ottonian Renaissance tied onto the traditions of the late‐antique era, e.g., in Aachen. Roman baths, especially the thermal ones, were followed by various religious orders that established their own monastery baths (Bath, Teplice, Wildbad, etc.). Old Roman tradition of healing baths was brought from the Islamic world back to Europe mainly by participants of the Christian crusades. Especially the gentry and later also urban population were increasingly interested in bathing, so that by the 12th and 13th centuries there were baths built in nearly every medieval town and often even in villages, in the form of special structure designed for body cleansing generally called “lazebna”. Along with these public baths, a new custom appeared that was to become a tradition of thermal baths in certain spa locations (Karlovy Vary, Plombiéres, Puteoli, Pyrmont). With the beginning of the New Ages and Renaissance, natural healing waters became the focus of the attention of various specialists, which further contributed to a major development of existing spa locations. This led to a boom of aristocracy‐favored spas (Kuks, Jánské Lázně, Kissingen, Wilhelmsbad). After the Thirty‐Years‐War, there came a fashion of drinking waters, which changed the hierarchy of European spas. Locations hitherto well‐known for their thermal baths, such as Baden, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, and others, could no longer upkeep their leading position, as the popularity of European spas shifted towards localities with mineral water springs as sources of healing waters (Spa, Vichy, Pyrmont, Karlovy Vary, i.e., Carlsbad).


17

During the era of the Baroque and Classicism, older spa locations underwent renovations (Bath, Aachen, Wildbad, Pyrmont, Brückenau, Baden near Vienna, Karlovy Vary, Teplice, Františkovy Lázně, Mariánské Lázně, Karlova Studánka). Complete boom of spas could be seen in the 19th century. For numerous spa locations, this was the “golden era”. The main spa centers grew up in large fashionable, globally famous spa centers (Karlovy Vary, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, Vichy, Aix‐les‐Bains, Biaritz, Bayonne, San Sebastian). The relaxed period usually called as Belle Époque, at the break of the 19th and 20th centuries, brought a new boom of the magnificent Neo‐Baroque and Art Nouveau style in many spa locations (Vichy, Contrexéville, Bad Nauheim, Bad Kissingen, Bad Elster, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Teplice, Jáchymov, Poděbrady, Luhačovice, Jeseník), which however came to an abrupt halt due to the outbreak of W.W.I. Many of the afore‐named spas have never managed to renew their disrupted development. Despite that, some spas experienced a revival just before the 1950’s, during a period known as “new Classicism” that favored modernized classicist‐style (e.g., Montecatini Terme, Salsomaggiore Terme, Bad Pyrmont, Lázně Poděbrady, Lázně Luhačovice). Simultaneously, in the 1930‐1940’s, other spa centers gave in to the influence of Bauhaus, Constructivism, and Functionalism (Bad Wildbad, Bad Elster, Piešťany, Bechyně, Teplice nad Bečvou), followed by Luhačovice in the 1950’s. The above overview leads onto a question as to whether it is constructive and appropriate to limit the time focus of the serial nomination of spa heritage merely to the 19th century.

Františkovy Lázně and Montecatini Terme


16

For the purposes of such discussions, we present in the following chapter all the important aspects that we consider necessary to be elaborated and clarified by all the individual parties involved. It should be unambiguously specified which spa regions and which individual localities within them would become part of the future serial nomination.

A. General criteria

a. Historical aspects => Definition of historic era presented by the candidacy

ancient spas medieval spas baroque and classical spas spas in the 19th century spas in the 20th century

The origins of spas and balneology can be seen in the antique era, where their forms range from Greek asclepiads to massive Roman thermal baths. The territory of the former Roman Empire still contains numerous remains of long bygone public baths (Rome, Pompeii, Baiae, Trevir, Baden‐Baden, Bath, Bulla Regia, and Timgad, to name a few). These baths are closely related to other structures that had over the centuries become standard elements of spa architecture (balnearium, nympheum, stoa, colonnade, vaporarium, valetudinarium, lavatrine, latrine, etc.). Also, basic differentiation of spa operations into caldariums, tepidariums or frigidarium dates back to the Roman era. This heritage of bygone famous antique and later‐date Byzantine spas had an effect – after disintegration of the Roman Empire – on the Arabic world, where they became known typically as Turkish baths, which were also diversified by basic type like Roman baths. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the subsequent Carolingian and Ottonian Renaissance tied onto the traditions of the late‐antique era, e.g., in Aachen. Roman baths, especially the thermal ones, were followed by various religious orders that established their own monastery baths (Bath, Teplice, Wildbad, etc.). Old Roman tradition of healing baths was brought from the Islamic world back to Europe mainly by participants of the Christian crusades. Especially the gentry and later also urban population were increasingly interested in bathing, so that by the 12th and 13th centuries there were baths built in nearly every medieval town and often even in villages, in the form of special structure designed for body cleansing generally called “lazebna”. Along with these public baths, a new custom appeared that was to become a tradition of thermal baths in certain spa locations (Karlovy Vary, Plombiéres, Puteoli, Pyrmont). With the beginning of the New Ages and Renaissance, natural healing waters became the focus of the attention of various specialists, which further contributed to a major development of existing spa locations. This led to a boom of aristocracy‐favored spas (Kuks, Jánské Lázně, Kissingen, Wilhelmsbad). After the Thirty‐Years‐War, there came a fashion of drinking waters, which changed the hierarchy of European spas. Locations hitherto well‐known for their thermal baths, such as Baden, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, and others, could no longer upkeep their leading position, as the popularity of European spas shifted towards localities with mineral water springs as sources of healing waters (Spa, Vichy, Pyrmont, Karlovy Vary, i.e., Carlsbad).


17

During the era of the Baroque and Classicism, older spa locations underwent renovations (Bath, Aachen, Wildbad, Pyrmont, Brückenau, Baden near Vienna, Karlovy Vary, Teplice, Františkovy Lázně, Mariánské Lázně, Karlova Studánka). Complete boom of spas could be seen in the 19th century. For numerous spa locations, this was the “golden era”. The main spa centers grew up in large fashionable, globally famous spa centers (Karlovy Vary, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, Vichy, Aix‐les‐Bains, Biaritz, Bayonne, San Sebastian). The relaxed period usually called as Belle Époque, at the break of the 19th and 20th centuries, brought a new boom of the magnificent Neo‐Baroque and Art Nouveau style in many spa locations (Vichy, Contrexéville, Bad Nauheim, Bad Kissingen, Bad Elster, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Teplice, Jáchymov, Poděbrady, Luhačovice, Jeseník), which however came to an abrupt halt due to the outbreak of W.W.I. Many of the afore‐named spas have never managed to renew their disrupted development. Despite that, some spas experienced a revival just before the 1950’s, during a period known as “new Classicism” that favored modernized classicist‐style (e.g., Montecatini Terme, Salsomaggiore Terme, Bad Pyrmont, Lázně Poděbrady, Lázně Luhačovice). Simultaneously, in the 1930‐1940’s, other spa centers gave in to the influence of Bauhaus, Constructivism, and Functionalism (Bad Wildbad, Bad Elster, Piešťany, Bechyně, Teplice nad Bečvou), followed by Luhačovice in the 1950’s. The above overview leads onto a question as to whether it is constructive and appropriate to limit the time focus of the serial nomination of spa heritage merely to the 19th century.

Františkovy Lázně and Montecatini Terme


18

b. Functional aspects => Functional definition of the candidacy according to the spa typology

spas with natural curative resources (e.g. mineral springs, peloids, gases) climatic spas (sea, mountain, high mountain) relaxation spas (public baths, steam baths, saunas)

Spa as a mode of curing is based primarily on the effect of natural healing sources. Such spas are differentiated into several groups. Generally, the most important ones are mineral water spas, while others are practically overlooked or ignored. Nevertheless, climatic spas that use classical balneological procedures (Gastein, Davos, High Tatras) do have their substantiation. The oldest peat‐moos spa is Františkovy Lázně (1793) and the global pioneer in this mode of healing is the Moravian spa of Jeseník (1822), whereas the first radon spa was opened in Jáchymov (1906).

As for seaside spas, where thalassoterapy based on sea salt or salt water is practiced, including sea mud, sea‐weed, and seaside climate, was used mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries, as traditional forms of therapeutic facilities were built (Brighton, Heiligendamm, Lauterbach, Rimini). Thalassotherapeutic spas combine several classical procedures: such as bathing in saltwater pools, saltwater bubble baths, massages in saltwater, shower massages, mud packs, sea‐weed packs, and saltwater inhalation. The structures, as well as their use and fame are similar as those of the spas towns with mineral healing springs, and it is not possible to exclude them a priori from the proposed group of important spa towns.

Rimini ‐ Hydroterapie, Stabilimento 1876


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18

b. Functional aspects => Functional definition of the candidacy according to the spa typology

spas with natural curative resources (e.g. mineral springs, peloids, gases) climatic spas (sea, mountain, high mountain) relaxation spas (public baths, steam baths, saunas)

Spa as a mode of curing is based primarily on the effect of natural healing sources. Such spas are differentiated into several groups. Generally, the most important ones are mineral water spas, while others are practically overlooked or ignored. Nevertheless, climatic spas that use classical balneological procedures (Gastein, Davos, High Tatras) do have their substantiation. The oldest peat‐moos spa is Františkovy Lázně (1793) and the global pioneer in this mode of healing is the Moravian spa of Jeseník (1822), whereas the first radon spa was opened in Jáchymov (1906).

As for seaside spas, where thalassoterapy based on sea salt or salt water is practiced, including sea mud, sea‐weed, and seaside climate, was used mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries, as traditional forms of therapeutic facilities were built (Brighton, Heiligendamm, Lauterbach, Rimini). Thalassotherapeutic spas combine several classical procedures: such as bathing in saltwater pools, saltwater bubble baths, massages in saltwater, shower massages, mud packs, sea‐weed packs, and saltwater inhalation. The structures, as well as their use and fame are similar as those of the spas towns with mineral healing springs, and it is not possible to exclude them a priori from the proposed group of important spa towns.

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20

Bath Houses – “Kurhauses”

The solutions for running spa operations in the West‐Bohemian spas were based on models and principles applied in separate bath houses containing rooms for performing healing procedures. Such structures were generally known everywhere, as well as here, under the German term Kurhaus.

From the mid‐1850’s, the appearance of large bath houses was modeled after ancient thermal houses with a private courtyard in the middle, the interior oriented towards the courtyard portal’s corridor, giving access to individual rooms partitioned from the main room by anterooms with bathtubs adjacent to the main portal. Older bath house dispositions used have two wings, whereas from the second half of the 19th century three‐wing disposition became popular, with a central corridor and bath cabins along both sides. Identical dispositional solutions of this kind were applied especially in Germany and Austria, and in modified versions due to environmental conditions in charming France and classical Italy. Similar solutions may even be found in English and Italian seaside spas. These dispositional layouts were also applied in the Kurhaus (current Bath House III) in Karlovy Vary, New Bath House in Karlovy Vary, as well as Mariánské Lázně, and in the spa buildings of Františkovy Lázně. The Imperial Baths in Františkovy Lázně (1878‐1880) with their circular pool closing off the structure’s axial disposition are practically identical to Josef Durm’s design for Vierordtbad in Karlsruhe (1871‐1873). This particular disposition ties onto classical Antique schemes, especially Roman baths, e.g., Caracalla Baths, which feature a large pool in the rear wing, or a circular frigidarium – also known as Caldarium ‐ in Pompeii ‐ and in Forum Spa and Stabia Spa. The pool is surrounded by cabins with shower baths in a semicircular layout, such as is typical in France – e.g., at the “établissement thermal” in Luxeuil (1842‐1843).

A very interesting disposition deriving from this basic principle can be found at the Imperial Baths in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895). The disposition of Karlovy Vary’s Imperial Baths is quite unique. The turf (peat) was prepared and mixed in a visually detached pavilion and transported directly in bathtubs to the main structure’s courtyard by means of a connecting corridor. The inner circumference of the courtyard was surrounded by steel‐frame gallery. Using a hydraulic elevator, the tubs were pulled up to the concrete floor level and rolled along the gallery to the final place in the individual bathrooms.

Karlsruhe – Vierordtbad (1871‐1873) and Františkovy Lázně – Imperial Baths (1878‐1880)


21

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895), section

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895), the Moor pavilion, section


20

Bath Houses – “Kurhauses”

The solutions for running spa operations in the West‐Bohemian spas were based on models and principles applied in separate bath houses containing rooms for performing healing procedures. Such structures were generally known everywhere, as well as here, under the German term Kurhaus.

From the mid‐1850’s, the appearance of large bath houses was modeled after ancient thermal houses with a private courtyard in the middle, the interior oriented towards the courtyard portal’s corridor, giving access to individual rooms partitioned from the main room by anterooms with bathtubs adjacent to the main portal. Older bath house dispositions used have two wings, whereas from the second half of the 19th century three‐wing disposition became popular, with a central corridor and bath cabins along both sides. Identical dispositional solutions of this kind were applied especially in Germany and Austria, and in modified versions due to environmental conditions in charming France and classical Italy. Similar solutions may even be found in English and Italian seaside spas. These dispositional layouts were also applied in the Kurhaus (current Bath House III) in Karlovy Vary, New Bath House in Karlovy Vary, as well as Mariánské Lázně, and in the spa buildings of Františkovy Lázně. The Imperial Baths in Františkovy Lázně (1878‐1880) with their circular pool closing off the structure’s axial disposition are practically identical to Josef Durm’s design for Vierordtbad in Karlsruhe (1871‐1873). This particular disposition ties onto classical Antique schemes, especially Roman baths, e.g., Caracalla Baths, which feature a large pool in the rear wing, or a circular frigidarium – also known as Caldarium ‐ in Pompeii ‐ and in Forum Spa and Stabia Spa. The pool is surrounded by cabins with shower baths in a semicircular layout, such as is typical in France – e.g., at the “établissement thermal” in Luxeuil (1842‐1843).

A very interesting disposition deriving from this basic principle can be found at the Imperial Baths in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895). The disposition of Karlovy Vary’s Imperial Baths is quite unique. The turf (peat) was prepared and mixed in a visually detached pavilion and transported directly in bathtubs to the main structure’s courtyard by means of a connecting corridor. The inner circumference of the courtyard was surrounded by steel‐frame gallery. Using a hydraulic elevator, the tubs were pulled up to the concrete floor level and rolled along the gallery to the final place in the individual bathrooms.

Karlsruhe – Vierordtbad (1871‐1873) and Františkovy Lázně – Imperial Baths (1878‐1880)


21

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895), section

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary (1893–1895), the Moor pavilion, section


22

Conversation Houses – “Kursaals”

Bathing facilities were often connected to a large hall – known as Kursaal – for various social events. These premises were called Kursaal, Kursalon, or Konversationsaal, as spa localities were in the 17th and 18th centuries becoming a meeting place for highbred aristocrats. In the summer months, spa assumed the role of aristocratic summer residences, fulfilling the role of personal presentation and entertainment. Entertainment would eventually take the place of frequently drastic balneological procedures. Spa structures built in those years were therefore designed with the aim of accommodating social and leisure purposes, rather than primarily medical purposes. During the first phase of this period, small charming pavilions and wooden, half‐timbered houses with large foyers were built, which adequately satisfied the seasonal demand for such facilities (Karlovy Vary – Saxony Hall 1701; Bohemian Hall before 1715). Later on, newly built structures were far more solid brick buildings. In 1732, a large structure with a roomy dance hall was built next to the chateau in Teplice, designated for the most noble of guests invited by the local gentry. French influence is quite apparent.

In Karlovy Vary, too, a building with a large hall was built at the main spring of Vřídlo. The hall in it, named Vřídelní Hall, built in 1774‐1777, was the town’s first genuine Kursalon or Kursaal, where spa visitors could meet one another and converse undisturbed as they pleased. This characteristic spa facility, also known as “sala di cure” (treatment hall), typically featured a very roomy foyer or hall for dancing and social events, like in the palaces of aristocratic owners.

Thus, from the break of 18th and 19th centuries onwards spas were ever more frequently visited by members of the bourgeois society, the originally aristocratic‐style structures began to take on the form of multiple‐purpose, cultural and social facilities. Spa would become meeting places and contact points for politicians, bankers, and businessmen. Such purposes required the necessary backup facilities, such as parlors for conversation reading rooms, and libraries. This led to the creation of structures designated to social entertainment in the form of conversation, games, and reading in groups, known in German‐speaking countries as Conversation Houses (Konversationshaus). Initially, their Palladian style was inspired primarily by English architecture of the 18th century. These “Assembly Halls” or “Assembly Rooms” served as places for conversation, social events, dance balls, soirees with dancing and music, cards playing, and tea rooms. The halls had the appearance of Antique structures with colonnade portals. One of the oldest assembly rooms in a spa setting was built by John Wood Jr. (1769‐1771) in Bath, Wales. Eventually, no sizeable spa town wishing to play a significant role in the industry could afford not to have such a facility. People of all social levels could meet in such places. In 1867, a large Conversation Hall was built in Mariánské Lázně as an addition to an older‐date bath house.

The Cursaal in Mariánské Lázně


23

Very often, these buildings became also hazard game centers and from the mid‐1750’s and became known as Redutas (La Redoute) or Casinos. Thus, spas no longer served as medical facilities exclusively, becoming points of interest for entertainment, too. In Austria, however, hazard was prohibited, so that we did not have any full‐fledged casinos, as we know them from France.

These building compositions with a centrally‐positioned, elevated buttress with a social hall and other special‐purpose rooms in the lower wings or pavilions, would usually be adjacent to spa structures that were popular in Italy (stabilimento). A similar composition principle was used in 1810 by a Classicist architect and urban designer, Christian Zais, during the construction of the first bath house in Wiesbaden and, in 1821‐1823, also by Friedrich Weinbrenner, the author of the Conversation House in Baden‐Baden. The complex was complemented with a dining room, kitchen, reading room, as well as a theater stage. Furthermore, there were music parlors, billiards, and chess salons, and also game rooms, of course. Individual salons and parlors were interconnected by roofed promenades. Another example is also the Large Kursaal in Bad Brückenau of 1827 after the design of Johann Gottfried Gutensohn, or the Kursaal at the Cross Spring in Mariánské Lázně, built in 1841.

Towards the turn of the 19th century, Kursaals began to take on the form of multi‐structured buildings, thanks to the influence of French Neo‐renaissance that penetrated into our regions from the Viennese environment. Typically, there was a large central hall with a massive dome‐shaped roof and four corner turrets with bulbous roofs. For additional entertainment and comfort, bath houses featured cafés, tea rooms, outing restaurants, etc. There were also sports facilities, such as shooting ranges, golf places, cricket and tennis courts, bowling tracks, horseback riding schools, and fencing courts.

In the mid‐1850’s, Italy saw the construction of very large bath houses, still under the same traditional name: Kursaal (Rimini 1843 and 1872, Senigallia 1874, Cattolica 1880), where the social element of conversation halls and medical, balneological facilities were unified under one roof. Before long, similar buildings were built in other seaside spas (France, Holland, Germany) – however, those Kursaals would often take on the role of a casino. The original bath house composition with the central elevated pavilion and side‐wing pavilions remained fashionable until the 20th century. For instance, take the magnificent Dvorana in Lázně Mšené (1905), designed by architect Jan Letzel, famous for his Industrial Palace in Hiroshima, or Ing. Sgustav’s Zřídelní Pavilion at the Natalia Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1930).

Pavilion Natalie Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1930)


22

Conversation Houses – “Kursaals”

Bathing facilities were often connected to a large hall – known as Kursaal – for various social events. These premises were called Kursaal, Kursalon, or Konversationsaal, as spa localities were in the 17th and 18th centuries becoming a meeting place for highbred aristocrats. In the summer months, spa assumed the role of aristocratic summer residences, fulfilling the role of personal presentation and entertainment. Entertainment would eventually take the place of frequently drastic balneological procedures. Spa structures built in those years were therefore designed with the aim of accommodating social and leisure purposes, rather than primarily medical purposes. During the first phase of this period, small charming pavilions and wooden, half‐timbered houses with large foyers were built, which adequately satisfied the seasonal demand for such facilities (Karlovy Vary – Saxony Hall 1701; Bohemian Hall before 1715). Later on, newly built structures were far more solid brick buildings. In 1732, a large structure with a roomy dance hall was built next to the chateau in Teplice, designated for the most noble of guests invited by the local gentry. French influence is quite apparent.

In Karlovy Vary, too, a building with a large hall was built at the main spring of Vřídlo. The hall in it, named Vřídelní Hall, built in 1774‐1777, was the town’s first genuine Kursalon or Kursaal, where spa visitors could meet one another and converse undisturbed as they pleased. This characteristic spa facility, also known as “sala di cure” (treatment hall), typically featured a very roomy foyer or hall for dancing and social events, like in the palaces of aristocratic owners.

Thus, from the break of 18th and 19th centuries onwards spas were ever more frequently visited by members of the bourgeois society, the originally aristocratic‐style structures began to take on the form of multiple‐purpose, cultural and social facilities. Spa would become meeting places and contact points for politicians, bankers, and businessmen. Such purposes required the necessary backup facilities, such as parlors for conversation reading rooms, and libraries. This led to the creation of structures designated to social entertainment in the form of conversation, games, and reading in groups, known in German‐speaking countries as Conversation Houses (Konversationshaus). Initially, their Palladian style was inspired primarily by English architecture of the 18th century. These “Assembly Halls” or “Assembly Rooms” served as places for conversation, social events, dance balls, soirees with dancing and music, cards playing, and tea rooms. The halls had the appearance of Antique structures with colonnade portals. One of the oldest assembly rooms in a spa setting was built by John Wood Jr. (1769‐1771) in Bath, Wales. Eventually, no sizeable spa town wishing to play a significant role in the industry could afford not to have such a facility. People of all social levels could meet in such places. In 1867, a large Conversation Hall was built in Mariánské Lázně as an addition to an older‐date bath house.

The Cursaal in Mariánské Lázně


23

Very often, these buildings became also hazard game centers and from the mid‐1750’s and became known as Redutas (La Redoute) or Casinos. Thus, spas no longer served as medical facilities exclusively, becoming points of interest for entertainment, too. In Austria, however, hazard was prohibited, so that we did not have any full‐fledged casinos, as we know them from France.

These building compositions with a centrally‐positioned, elevated buttress with a social hall and other special‐purpose rooms in the lower wings or pavilions, would usually be adjacent to spa structures that were popular in Italy (stabilimento). A similar composition principle was used in 1810 by a Classicist architect and urban designer, Christian Zais, during the construction of the first bath house in Wiesbaden and, in 1821‐1823, also by Friedrich Weinbrenner, the author of the Conversation House in Baden‐Baden. The complex was complemented with a dining room, kitchen, reading room, as well as a theater stage. Furthermore, there were music parlors, billiards, and chess salons, and also game rooms, of course. Individual salons and parlors were interconnected by roofed promenades. Another example is also the Large Kursaal in Bad Brückenau of 1827 after the design of Johann Gottfried Gutensohn, or the Kursaal at the Cross Spring in Mariánské Lázně, built in 1841.

Towards the turn of the 19th century, Kursaals began to take on the form of multi‐structured buildings, thanks to the influence of French Neo‐renaissance that penetrated into our regions from the Viennese environment. Typically, there was a large central hall with a massive dome‐shaped roof and four corner turrets with bulbous roofs. For additional entertainment and comfort, bath houses featured cafés, tea rooms, outing restaurants, etc. There were also sports facilities, such as shooting ranges, golf places, cricket and tennis courts, bowling tracks, horseback riding schools, and fencing courts.

In the mid‐1850’s, Italy saw the construction of very large bath houses, still under the same traditional name: Kursaal (Rimini 1843 and 1872, Senigallia 1874, Cattolica 1880), where the social element of conversation halls and medical, balneological facilities were unified under one roof. Before long, similar buildings were built in other seaside spas (France, Holland, Germany) – however, those Kursaals would often take on the role of a casino. The original bath house composition with the central elevated pavilion and side‐wing pavilions remained fashionable until the 20th century. For instance, take the magnificent Dvorana in Lázně Mšené (1905), designed by architect Jan Letzel, famous for his Industrial Palace in Hiroshima, or Ing. Sgustav’s Zřídelní Pavilion at the Natalia Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1930).

Pavilion Natalie Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1930)


24

Pavilions over Springs

For better protection of the springs during drinking treatments, the spring outlets were provided with simple rooflets, small arbors, and later on more sophisticated, architectonically designed pavilions in the style of the era. The oldest form of pavilions consisted of wooden structural elements, crafted by joiners into classical carpentry constructions. Usually, these structures were open on all sides, supported by wooden posts, and covered by simple tent‐like rooflets. During the Baroque period, pavilions were built as independent standing structures, mostly of octagonal shape, visually reminding a chapel with an onion‐shaped roof, little turret or articulated mansard roof. Their appearance was derived from classical style elements indicating sacralization of the given locality. As an example, let us mention the pavilion of the František Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1792‐93) and suggest comparison to the pavilions in Pyrmont (1668) or Wilhelmsbad (1779)

The emerging Era of Enlightenment, with its tendency to adoring the classical arts of ancient Rome and later on also ancient Greece, formed pavilions over spring after models of Antique dignity as new temples or gloriettes of health. Octagonal layouts were replaced with circular forms with completely open porticoes of the monopteros type. Such pavilions not only allowed comfortable access for spa clients to the springs, but also provided for good and necessary ventilation of the area. The spa gloriettes and temples were, in addition to Antique and Renaissance models, strongly influenced by English Georgian structures with Palladian motifs, inspired above all by the designs of the late‐Renaissance Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Examples of that influence can be found in the pillared pavilions in Harrogate as well as the Antique‐like temples of love and friendship in gardens landscaped in the English style. A popular motif of the time were the buildings designed by the Bohemian provincial governerate, Josef Esch, who designed several circular temples over springs, e.g., Terezia Pavilion in Karlovy Vary (1829‐1830) and František Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1831).

The spirit of Romanticism gave pavilions the appearance of Gothicized structures with articulated arches or Japanized and Chinese‐like forms with typical tiered rooflets, e.g., Harrogate, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně). A rather unique pavilion is over the Luisa Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1826‐1827) designed by regional engineer Wenzl Stöhr, apparently after the Turkish Pavilion in Baden near Vienna, on an oval layout that revokes the Turkish Pavilion in Constantinople.

Pavilion Luisa Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1826‐1827)


25

Colonnade Temples

In the course of time, remarkable colonnade temples began to appear in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, evoked Greek Palestras with their open atriums. The origins of this magnificent architectural concept are credited to Georg Fischer, a civil engineer of the Building Directorate in Prague. A good example is the Hygieia Spring Pavilion, built after a project of George Fischer in 1817. Georg Fischer used a similar composition scheme the following year, in 1818, for the design of the Cross Spring Pavilion in Mariánské Lázně. The three‐aisle temple with a colonnade of columns n Tuscany style had an atrium, i.e., open courtyard, in the middle. The actual spring was situated in the apside in the rear of the pavilion, which featured a vertical cylindrical formation topped with a dome. This open peri‐style temple constitutes a paraphrase of the first Christian sanctuary. Josef Esch tied onto this concept with his Vřídelní Colonnade in Karlovy Vary, which has a large atrium surrounded by columned rooms. According to his own words, Josef Esch had always followed the principles of the best old as well as modern masters (Jean Nicolas Louis Durand), while trying to walk in the footprints of contemporary architectural trends (Joseph Kornhäusel, Baden near Vienna).

On the basis of pre‐revolutionary as well as revolutionary motifs in France, when cylindrical and square shapes began to be alternated side by side, Josef Esc applied these new architectural principles in the spas of West Bohemia where he designed spa pavilions – the result is a gloriette covering the central part of the spring, with lower promenade areas, either in the style of a colonnade or stoa, terminated with buttresses containing socializing halls. The origins of these motifs can be found in a range of concepts, beginning from Palladian villas to a broad range of Baroque orangery compositions (Postupim) and galleries (Cleve Spa). A characteristic example is a pavilion with a colonnade over the Ferdinand Spring in Mariánské Lázně. The model for this structure comes probably from the pavilion of the St. Elizabeth Spring (Elisenbrunnen) in Aachen (1822–1827). This basic concept was expanded and applied in multiple other variants throughout all of the 19th century.

Colonnade Ferdinands Spring in Mariánské Lázně (up) and Elisabeth Spring in Aachen (down)


24

Pavilions over Springs

For better protection of the springs during drinking treatments, the spring outlets were provided with simple rooflets, small arbors, and later on more sophisticated, architectonically designed pavilions in the style of the era. The oldest form of pavilions consisted of wooden structural elements, crafted by joiners into classical carpentry constructions. Usually, these structures were open on all sides, supported by wooden posts, and covered by simple tent‐like rooflets. During the Baroque period, pavilions were built as independent standing structures, mostly of octagonal shape, visually reminding a chapel with an onion‐shaped roof, little turret or articulated mansard roof. Their appearance was derived from classical style elements indicating sacralization of the given locality. As an example, let us mention the pavilion of the František Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1792‐93) and suggest comparison to the pavilions in Pyrmont (1668) or Wilhelmsbad (1779)

The emerging Era of Enlightenment, with its tendency to adoring the classical arts of ancient Rome and later on also ancient Greece, formed pavilions over spring after models of Antique dignity as new temples or gloriettes of health. Octagonal layouts were replaced with circular forms with completely open porticoes of the monopteros type. Such pavilions not only allowed comfortable access for spa clients to the springs, but also provided for good and necessary ventilation of the area. The spa gloriettes and temples were, in addition to Antique and Renaissance models, strongly influenced by English Georgian structures with Palladian motifs, inspired above all by the designs of the late‐Renaissance Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Examples of that influence can be found in the pillared pavilions in Harrogate as well as the Antique‐like temples of love and friendship in gardens landscaped in the English style. A popular motif of the time were the buildings designed by the Bohemian provincial governerate, Josef Esch, who designed several circular temples over springs, e.g., Terezia Pavilion in Karlovy Vary (1829‐1830) and František Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1831).

The spirit of Romanticism gave pavilions the appearance of Gothicized structures with articulated arches or Japanized and Chinese‐like forms with typical tiered rooflets, e.g., Harrogate, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně). A rather unique pavilion is over the Luisa Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1826‐1827) designed by regional engineer Wenzl Stöhr, apparently after the Turkish Pavilion in Baden near Vienna, on an oval layout that revokes the Turkish Pavilion in Constantinople.

Pavilion Luisa Spring in Františkovy Lázně (1826‐1827)


25

Colonnade Temples

In the course of time, remarkable colonnade temples began to appear in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, evoked Greek Palestras with their open atriums. The origins of this magnificent architectural concept are credited to Georg Fischer, a civil engineer of the Building Directorate in Prague. A good example is the Hygieia Spring Pavilion, built after a project of George Fischer in 1817. Georg Fischer used a similar composition scheme the following year, in 1818, for the design of the Cross Spring Pavilion in Mariánské Lázně. The three‐aisle temple with a colonnade of columns n Tuscany style had an atrium, i.e., open courtyard, in the middle. The actual spring was situated in the apside in the rear of the pavilion, which featured a vertical cylindrical formation topped with a dome. This open peri‐style temple constitutes a paraphrase of the first Christian sanctuary. Josef Esch tied onto this concept with his Vřídelní Colonnade in Karlovy Vary, which has a large atrium surrounded by columned rooms. According to his own words, Josef Esch had always followed the principles of the best old as well as modern masters (Jean Nicolas Louis Durand), while trying to walk in the footprints of contemporary architectural trends (Joseph Kornhäusel, Baden near Vienna).

On the basis of pre‐revolutionary as well as revolutionary motifs in France, when cylindrical and square shapes began to be alternated side by side, Josef Esc applied these new architectural principles in the spas of West Bohemia where he designed spa pavilions – the result is a gloriette covering the central part of the spring, with lower promenade areas, either in the style of a colonnade or stoa, terminated with buttresses containing socializing halls. The origins of these motifs can be found in a range of concepts, beginning from Palladian villas to a broad range of Baroque orangery compositions (Postupim) and galleries (Cleve Spa). A characteristic example is a pavilion with a colonnade over the Ferdinand Spring in Mariánské Lázně. The model for this structure comes probably from the pavilion of the St. Elizabeth Spring (Elisenbrunnen) in Aachen (1822–1827). This basic concept was expanded and applied in multiple other variants throughout all of the 19th century.

Colonnade Ferdinands Spring in Mariánské Lázně (up) and Elisabeth Spring in Aachen (down)


26

Colonnades

As time went by, small pavilions built over springs could no longer accommodate the growing demand for comfortable space of spa clients. Thus, new concepts of larger structures capable of providing protection against unfavorable weather to a greater number of visitors, and simultaneously were suitable for socializing and promenading. These purposes were best convened with long, roofed corridors called colonnades. As architectural elements, colonnades tied onto traditional Antique structures, in particular, Greek columned courtyards known as stoa. Idyllic interpretation of the pure lines of Antique compositions in the form of colonnades found application primarily in German‐speaking countries during the first quarter of the 19th century (Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Pyrmont, Heiligendamm, Lauterbach, Puttbus) as well as in the Anglo‐Saxon part of the world (Cheltenham, Leamington Spa).

The distinctive world of colonnades in Bohemia, however, is represented primarily by the spas in the western part of the country, where a number of exemplary colonnades are still preserved. The first one built in Bohemia is the New Spring Colonnade, built in 1792–1793 in Karlovy Vary near Mlýnské Lázně [Mill Spa]. In 1811, the old, no longer convenient colonnade was replaced with new one, built after the project of a Saxony royal builder, Johann August Giessel. In 1826, another colonnade was built at Vřídlo, named Vřídelní Colonnade, after a project of Josef Esch. A Classicist colonnade, shaped like a horse shoe, was built in 1835 in Teplice. A spectacularly articulated colonnade was standing in Františkovy Lázně since 1793. Later on, in 1817, the former wooden colonnade was replaced by another wooden colonnade with a gallery of columns designed by T. Gruber and J. Rothhesel. Yet another colonnade, similar to the one in Františkovy Lázně, was erected in Libverda Spa in 1847.

One of the most elegant columned colonnades amongst those found in European spa towns is situated over the Mill Spring in Karlovy Vary. It was built in 1871‐1881 after the project of Josef Zítek, a renowned architect. In his initial project of 1869, architect Zítek designed a two‐story structure in neo‐Renaissance forms, partitioned central lower section terminated by corner buttresses under Palladian domes. The arcade system on the ground floor was open and glassed‐in on the upper level. However, in the course of the construction, in 1870, Josef Zítek had to change the whole concept and in the new project (1871) the colonnade was designed as a ground‐level columned hall with an architrave system resembling an Antique stoa. The triple‐aisle disposition and the Corinth‐style columns support a cassette ceiling; the upper terrace features a distinct balustrade of attic and a receding upper‐level pavilion.

Colonnades became particularly generously built in terms of size when iron and cast‐iron construction methods began to be used. A good example is Vřídelní Colonnade in Karlovy Vary, designed and built by a famous pair of Viennese architects, Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, in 1878‐1879; and New Colonnade in Mariánské Lázně built after a project by Viennese architects, Hans Miksch and Julian Niedzielski, in 1888–1889. In the case of colonnades in Karlovy Vary, long basilica‐like aisles with saddle roofs were complemented with two dominant domes over Vřídlo and Hygieia Springs. Again, their origins can be traced to Buxton (1853‐1854), England, and Contrexéville (1885), Vichy (1889‐1900), Vittel (1892), France. The robustness of the colonnades in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, however, supersedes all the aforementioned colonnades.

At the beginning of the 20th century, colonnades began to resume the appearance of the “classical spa style”, e.g., New Colonnade in Františkovy Lázně (1912) or Castle Spring Colonnade in Karlovy Vary (1910‐1912).


27

Kurhauskolonade in Wiesbaden (1825)

Colonnade The Mill Spring in Karlovy Vary (1871‐1882)

The New colonnade in Františkovy Lázně (1912)


26

Colonnades

As time went by, small pavilions built over springs could no longer accommodate the growing demand for comfortable space of spa clients. Thus, new concepts of larger structures capable of providing protection against unfavorable weather to a greater number of visitors, and simultaneously were suitable for socializing and promenading. These purposes were best convened with long, roofed corridors called colonnades. As architectural elements, colonnades tied onto traditional Antique structures, in particular, Greek columned courtyards known as stoa. Idyllic interpretation of the pure lines of Antique compositions in the form of colonnades found application primarily in German‐speaking countries during the first quarter of the 19th century (Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Pyrmont, Heiligendamm, Lauterbach, Puttbus) as well as in the Anglo‐Saxon part of the world (Cheltenham, Leamington Spa).

The distinctive world of colonnades in Bohemia, however, is represented primarily by the spas in the western part of the country, where a number of exemplary colonnades are still preserved. The first one built in Bohemia is the New Spring Colonnade, built in 1792–1793 in Karlovy Vary near Mlýnské Lázně [Mill Spa]. In 1811, the old, no longer convenient colonnade was replaced with new one, built after the project of a Saxony royal builder, Johann August Giessel. In 1826, another colonnade was built at Vřídlo, named Vřídelní Colonnade, after a project of Josef Esch. A Classicist colonnade, shaped like a horse shoe, was built in 1835 in Teplice. A spectacularly articulated colonnade was standing in Františkovy Lázně since 1793. Later on, in 1817, the former wooden colonnade was replaced by another wooden colonnade with a gallery of columns designed by T. Gruber and J. Rothhesel. Yet another colonnade, similar to the one in Františkovy Lázně, was erected in Libverda Spa in 1847.

One of the most elegant columned colonnades amongst those found in European spa towns is situated over the Mill Spring in Karlovy Vary. It was built in 1871‐1881 after the project of Josef Zítek, a renowned architect. In his initial project of 1869, architect Zítek designed a two‐story structure in neo‐Renaissance forms, partitioned central lower section terminated by corner buttresses under Palladian domes. The arcade system on the ground floor was open and glassed‐in on the upper level. However, in the course of the construction, in 1870, Josef Zítek had to change the whole concept and in the new project (1871) the colonnade was designed as a ground‐level columned hall with an architrave system resembling an Antique stoa. The triple‐aisle disposition and the Corinth‐style columns support a cassette ceiling; the upper terrace features a distinct balustrade of attic and a receding upper‐level pavilion.

Colonnades became particularly generously built in terms of size when iron and cast‐iron construction methods began to be used. A good example is Vřídelní Colonnade in Karlovy Vary, designed and built by a famous pair of Viennese architects, Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, in 1878‐1879; and New Colonnade in Mariánské Lázně built after a project by Viennese architects, Hans Miksch and Julian Niedzielski, in 1888–1889. In the case of colonnades in Karlovy Vary, long basilica‐like aisles with saddle roofs were complemented with two dominant domes over Vřídlo and Hygieia Springs. Again, their origins can be traced to Buxton (1853‐1854), England, and Contrexéville (1885), Vichy (1889‐1900), Vittel (1892), France. The robustness of the colonnades in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, however, supersedes all the aforementioned colonnades.

At the beginning of the 20th century, colonnades began to resume the appearance of the “classical spa style”, e.g., New Colonnade in Františkovy Lázně (1912) or Castle Spring Colonnade in Karlovy Vary (1910‐1912).


27

Kurhauskolonade in Wiesbaden (1825)

Colonnade The Mill Spring in Karlovy Vary (1871‐1882)

The New colonnade in Františkovy Lázně (1912)


28

Drinking Halls

Eventually, water from multiple springs would be conducted into the interior of colonnades or bath house halls. This led to the formation of a new type of spa structure called drinking hall (Trinkhalle). Spa guests would gather here for their regular mineral water treatment. Water from the springs was piped into spring vases, originally imbedded into the ground in artistically crafted vases. Water from the vases was served by so‐called “spring maidens” or “cup waitresses” (Sprudelmädchen), who would fill cups with water and hand them out to the spa guests. In France as well as in the German‐speaking countries, these maidens would be wearing special outfits. In Karlovy Vary at Vřídlo Spring, the cup waitresses had to wear special raincoats and hold the cups on long rods to keep distance from the spring. Drinking halls were often connected to colonnades and roofed promenade corridors, as well as balneological facilities. A typical example of a drinking hall is the Trinkhalle in Baden‐Baden that has the appearance of a large gallery and was built in 1839‐1842. In Bohemia, an example of a drinking hall can be found at Vřídlo in Karlovy Vary or at the Solná Colonnade and Luční Spring in Františkovy Lázně. Two additional springs were conducted into one location and converted a drinking hall named Karolina Spring in Mariánské Lázně, and so was the Mlýnský (Mill) Spring Colonnade in Karlovy Vary. A particularly distinguished example of a solitaire drinking hall is the St. Elizabeth Spring (today’s Kino) in Lázně Kyselka, built in 1887 in romantic Swiss style.

Even new, modern drinking halls followed the example of classical halls of this kind, such as Zámecký Spring in Karlovy Vary (1911) and Glaubert Spring Dvorana in Františkovy Lázně (1930).

Baden‐Baden, Trinkhalle (1839‐1842)


29

Cup waitresses at Vřídlo in Karlovy Vary (left) and Contrexéville, France

Mineral water cup waitresses in Buxton Drinking Hall.


28

Drinking Halls

Eventually, water from multiple springs would be conducted into the interior of colonnades or bath house halls. This led to the formation of a new type of spa structure called drinking hall (Trinkhalle). Spa guests would gather here for their regular mineral water treatment. Water from the springs was piped into spring vases, originally imbedded into the ground in artistically crafted vases. Water from the vases was served by so‐called “spring maidens” or “cup waitresses” (Sprudelmädchen), who would fill cups with water and hand them out to the spa guests. In France as well as in the German‐speaking countries, these maidens would be wearing special outfits. In Karlovy Vary at Vřídlo Spring, the cup waitresses had to wear special raincoats and hold the cups on long rods to keep distance from the spring. Drinking halls were often connected to colonnades and roofed promenade corridors, as well as balneological facilities. A typical example of a drinking hall is the Trinkhalle in Baden‐Baden that has the appearance of a large gallery and was built in 1839‐1842. In Bohemia, an example of a drinking hall can be found at Vřídlo in Karlovy Vary or at the Solná Colonnade and Luční Spring in Františkovy Lázně. Two additional springs were conducted into one location and converted a drinking hall named Karolina Spring in Mariánské Lázně, and so was the Mlýnský (Mill) Spring Colonnade in Karlovy Vary. A particularly distinguished example of a solitaire drinking hall is the St. Elizabeth Spring (today’s Kino) in Lázně Kyselka, built in 1887 in romantic Swiss style.

Even new, modern drinking halls followed the example of classical halls of this kind, such as Zámecký Spring in Karlovy Vary (1911) and Glaubert Spring Dvorana in Františkovy Lázně (1930).

Baden‐Baden, Trinkhalle (1839‐1842)


29

Cup waitresses at Vřídlo in Karlovy Vary (left) and Contrexéville, France

Mineral water cup waitresses in Buxton Drinking Hall.


30

Spa Hotels, Pensions, Villas

A spa town cannot make do without spa pensions, hotels, or villas. Initially, spa guests were accommodated directly in bath houses. However, as the number of visitors kept growing, the guest accommodation capacity of the old bath houses was no longer adequate. Moreover, spa towns were becoming ever more popular with visitors who did not want to undergo any treatment. At first, these guests would find overnight accommodation in small inns. From the 18th century onwards, new types of building began to appear, which specialized in guest accommodation, as well as food catering and social entertainment.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, large hotel complexes were built, mostly with long side wings for expanded capacity. Usually quite spectacular in appearance, these hotel complexes enhance the look of most spa towns. The most famous example in Bohemia is, without a doubt, the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, whose design and construction is the result of a highly successful collaboration of several most distinguished Viennese architects (Studio Fellner & Helmer; Příhoda & Němeček; Peter P. Brang). The initial draft design of yet another famous hotel and sanatorium, named Imperial, in Karlovy Vary was prepared in 1908 by a French architect named Ernest Hébrard, who used Hotel Royal in Évian‐les‐Bains (France) as his model built by his brother, Albert Hébrard (1908‐09).

Another type of structure – classical family villa – found alternate use as guest accommodation in spa towns, converted to pensions. One of the first residential villa districts built specifically for this purpose was the villa district in Karlovy Vary in the 1870’s. Typically, the villas in spa towns were designed with the aim of enhancing the “aesthetical effect” of the town, as was in the very interest of the spa industry. In this context, the spas in Central Europe followed the tradition of fancy architecture that characterized the world’s spa and seaside residences (e.g., Oostende, Biaritz, Baden‐Baden). At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, known as Belle Époque, residential architecture evolved in many variants, drawing inspiration from a broad range of examples and impressive elements in all parts of Europe.

The layout of Hotel Imperial in Karlovy Vary (above) and Hotel Royal in Évian‐les‐Bains (France)


31

d. Heritage preservation aspects => Heritage definition of the candidacy

condition of extent spa architecture and its preservation, technological equipment and its authenticity, integrity of extant architecture

The most prominent spas have, without a doubt, a special genius loci that is accountable to their unique architecture. The architecture of most spa locations has become the symbol of cultural integration in the European environment. Spa towns made enormous effort to build up luxurious, magnificent spa complexes that were to become their “attraction”, not only by their architectural elements, but also by the quality of the treatments they provided – always using the latest medicinal knowledge and scientific methods. Their magnificent interiors combined extraordinary comfort with state‐of‐the‐art medical technology. At the time of their most dynamic formation, the most important spas formed a network of global importance (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Teplice, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, Vichy, Aix‐les‐Bains, Biaritz, Bayonne, San Sebastian). To this day, spa towns like Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, and Vichy represent unique architectural complexes with numerous historically valuable elements and objects. However, the integrity of the original spa environment has often been insensitively violated. Some of them were overwhelmed by rapid development by investors that affected or completely transformed their original appearance, while in other cases, the impact of W.W.II. had detrimental consequences. Moreover, the very core of the historical integrity of some formerly world‐famous spa centers was destroyed, e.g., in Aachen, Bad Cannstat, Bad Wildbad, to name a few. Many English spa centers, for instance, have lost most of their original historical purpose or completely ceased to exist as spas.

In the Czech Republic, on the contrary, a great number of historical spa towns are still fully functional and in operation. Thanks to the popularity of balneology and, in particular, organized, nationwide endeavor to preserve historical sites of significant value, such as Luhačovice, and spas in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně) still demonstrate extraordinary integrity and authenticity, as well as preservation of their genuine urban and architectural value and spa functions. Their historically valuable buildings are still used for spa operations. There is practically no objective difference in the historical quality of these three individual towns.

Karlovy Vary, The Imperial Bathroom in the Imperial Spa


30

Spa Hotels, Pensions, Villas

A spa town cannot make do without spa pensions, hotels, or villas. Initially, spa guests were accommodated directly in bath houses. However, as the number of visitors kept growing, the guest accommodation capacity of the old bath houses was no longer adequate. Moreover, spa towns were becoming ever more popular with visitors who did not want to undergo any treatment. At first, these guests would find overnight accommodation in small inns. From the 18th century onwards, new types of building began to appear, which specialized in guest accommodation, as well as food catering and social entertainment.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, large hotel complexes were built, mostly with long side wings for expanded capacity. Usually quite spectacular in appearance, these hotel complexes enhance the look of most spa towns. The most famous example in Bohemia is, without a doubt, the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, whose design and construction is the result of a highly successful collaboration of several most distinguished Viennese architects (Studio Fellner & Helmer; Příhoda & Němeček; Peter P. Brang). The initial draft design of yet another famous hotel and sanatorium, named Imperial, in Karlovy Vary was prepared in 1908 by a French architect named Ernest Hébrard, who used Hotel Royal in Évian‐les‐Bains (France) as his model built by his brother, Albert Hébrard (1908‐09).

Another type of structure – classical family villa – found alternate use as guest accommodation in spa towns, converted to pensions. One of the first residential villa districts built specifically for this purpose was the villa district in Karlovy Vary in the 1870’s. Typically, the villas in spa towns were designed with the aim of enhancing the “aesthetical effect” of the town, as was in the very interest of the spa industry. In this context, the spas in Central Europe followed the tradition of fancy architecture that characterized the world’s spa and seaside residences (e.g., Oostende, Biaritz, Baden‐Baden). At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, known as Belle Époque, residential architecture evolved in many variants, drawing inspiration from a broad range of examples and impressive elements in all parts of Europe.

The layout of Hotel Imperial in Karlovy Vary (above) and Hotel Royal in Évian‐les‐Bains (France)


31

d. Heritage preservation aspects => Heritage definition of the candidacy

condition of extent spa architecture and its preservation, technological equipment and its authenticity, integrity of extant architecture

The most prominent spas have, without a doubt, a special genius loci that is accountable to their unique architecture. The architecture of most spa locations has become the symbol of cultural integration in the European environment. Spa towns made enormous effort to build up luxurious, magnificent spa complexes that were to become their “attraction”, not only by their architectural elements, but also by the quality of the treatments they provided – always using the latest medicinal knowledge and scientific methods. Their magnificent interiors combined extraordinary comfort with state‐of‐the‐art medical technology. At the time of their most dynamic formation, the most important spas formed a network of global importance (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Teplice, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, Vichy, Aix‐les‐Bains, Biaritz, Bayonne, San Sebastian). To this day, spa towns like Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Baden‐Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems, Spa, and Vichy represent unique architectural complexes with numerous historically valuable elements and objects. However, the integrity of the original spa environment has often been insensitively violated. Some of them were overwhelmed by rapid development by investors that affected or completely transformed their original appearance, while in other cases, the impact of W.W.II. had detrimental consequences. Moreover, the very core of the historical integrity of some formerly world‐famous spa centers was destroyed, e.g., in Aachen, Bad Cannstat, Bad Wildbad, to name a few. Many English spa centers, for instance, have lost most of their original historical purpose or completely ceased to exist as spas.

In the Czech Republic, on the contrary, a great number of historical spa towns are still fully functional and in operation. Thanks to the popularity of balneology and, in particular, organized, nationwide endeavor to preserve historical sites of significant value, such as Luhačovice, and spas in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně) still demonstrate extraordinary integrity and authenticity, as well as preservation of their genuine urban and architectural value and spa functions. Their historically valuable buildings are still used for spa operations. There is practically no objective difference in the historical quality of these three individual towns.

Karlovy Vary, The Imperial Bathroom in the Imperial Spa


32

e. Urban and natural aspects => Natural &landscape values of spa milieu and its neighbourhood

extant urban structure, the area of spa zones, integrity, landscape beyond An important element of spa locations is also their urban structure. The special charm of spa locations has always been and will always be based on the combination of health‐oriented treatment and beauty‐oriented natural environment of the spa locations as we know them. After all, the healing effects derive not only from the mineral sources, but also from the natural environment surrounding them. Patients’ doctor‐ordered physical activities that accompany their drinking cure required special structural setup of the promenades, the tree alleys, arcades, and roof‐protected galleries (Bad Pyrmont, Baden‐Baden, Bad Brückenau). For special attractiveness, various English‐style forms of landscaping became very popular (Bath, Harrogate, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary). In many cases, this helped form unique complexes and compositions where natural and man‐made structural elements created the convenient comfort of the spa environment. Spa towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle (Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary) represent unique, well‐preserved examples of urban complexes of extraordinary size and complexity. Nowhere in Europe do we find such enormous, yet compact spa zones as in this triangle.

Bath and Mariánské Lázně


33

B. Cultural and Social Criteria

a. Cultural awareness of spas in the past b. Cultural awareness of spas today c. Cultural background (festivals, concerts …)

A visit to a spa is not always motivated by the need of a cure – one can also seek the rich social and cultural life that one can find there. Spa locations feature theaters and concert halls, performances by prominent spa orchestras, and other entertainment, such as various casinos, clubs, variety shows, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants. Historically, spas have always played an important role as centers of socialization. During the individual phases of their development, visiting and staying in a spa became highly fashionable and, consequently, spa would often become popular high‐society vacation places, where numerous monarchs and aristocrats, wealthy entrepreneurs, as well as prominent cultural personages, writers, music composers, and painters would socialize and interact. Spas were often used as the place of numerous congresses and scientific conferences. Thus, especially in the course of the 19th century, the spas had become remarkable cultural and social phenomena, as their specific architectural and urban appearance, inter alia, clearly indicates. For the group of spas selected for the nomination, the cultural and social aspect is bound to play an

important role, as it is crucial for every spa to be able to take pride in its international clientele, honorable and famous visitors, politicians, sponsors, as well as actively participating artists. Authentic traditions of worldly repute and international dimensions imprint a complex interdisciplinary character to the given location, turning it into a place of international communication and “Europeanization”.

Famous visitors – Spa and Karlovy Vary


32

e. Urban and natural aspects => Natural &landscape values of spa milieu and its neighbourhood

extant urban structure, the area of spa zones, integrity, landscape beyond An important element of spa locations is also their urban structure. The special charm of spa locations has always been and will always be based on the combination of health‐oriented treatment and beauty‐oriented natural environment of the spa locations as we know them. After all, the healing effects derive not only from the mineral sources, but also from the natural environment surrounding them. Patients’ doctor‐ordered physical activities that accompany their drinking cure required special structural setup of the promenades, the tree alleys, arcades, and roof‐protected galleries (Bad Pyrmont, Baden‐Baden, Bad Brückenau). For special attractiveness, various English‐style forms of landscaping became very popular (Bath, Harrogate, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary). In many cases, this helped form unique complexes and compositions where natural and man‐made structural elements created the convenient comfort of the spa environment. Spa towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle (Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary) represent unique, well‐preserved examples of urban complexes of extraordinary size and complexity. Nowhere in Europe do we find such enormous, yet compact spa zones as in this triangle.

Bath and Mariánské Lázně


33

B. Cultural and Social Criteria

a. Cultural awareness of spas in the past b. Cultural awareness of spas today c. Cultural background (festivals, concerts …)

A visit to a spa is not always motivated by the need of a cure – one can also seek the rich social and cultural life that one can find there. Spa locations feature theaters and concert halls, performances by prominent spa orchestras, and other entertainment, such as various casinos, clubs, variety shows, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants. Historically, spas have always played an important role as centers of socialization. During the individual phases of their development, visiting and staying in a spa became highly fashionable and, consequently, spa would often become popular high‐society vacation places, where numerous monarchs and aristocrats, wealthy entrepreneurs, as well as prominent cultural personages, writers, music composers, and painters would socialize and interact. Spas were often used as the place of numerous congresses and scientific conferences. Thus, especially in the course of the 19th century, the spas had become remarkable cultural and social phenomena, as their specific architectural and urban appearance, inter alia, clearly indicates. For the group of spas selected for the nomination, the cultural and social aspect is bound to play an

important role, as it is crucial for every spa to be able to take pride in its international clientele, honorable and famous visitors, politicians, sponsors, as well as actively participating artists. Authentic traditions of worldly repute and international dimensions imprint a complex interdisciplinary character to the given location, turning it into a place of international communication and “Europeanization”.

Famous visitors – Spa and Karlovy Vary


34

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35

D. Other Themes and Options

New activities in the EU with regard to spa nominations

a) Links of spa locations to be nominated to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage and/or eventual nomination of spa locations to the List of European Cultural Heritage Sites

b) Links of spa locations to be nominated to the List of European Cultural Heritage Sites versus EHTTA – spa culture ways

c) Links of the administrative center (joint UNESCO + EHTTA) in Central Europe, in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle,

For a successful nomination and registration of the serial nomination of spa locations in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, it is necessary to coordinate the steps of the individual spa locations and countries. This requires maximum support in terms of management, presentation, public awareness, and motivation of the stakeholders, as well as possible cooperation with other activities involved in the presentation of the selected spa heritage sites on regional, national, international level. In order to eliminate hostile competition amongst individual spa towns aspiring for transnational serial nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, including hostilities on the part of those that failed to meet the criteria set forth by the World’s Heritage Committee, there exists yet another option – namely, nomination to the List of the European Cultural Heritage Sites. In order to assure a well‐coordinated adherence to the required procedures on the part of the individual spa locations taking part in the transnational serial nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, it seems to be Essentials to establish an administrative center, preferably in Central Europe, e.g., in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle.

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary


34

Technic

a. T

b. c. S

e

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rally, it can bHeritage Sitrelatively god its intentiohas kept its fal and Easteve to be takeomination mlowing certaonly then soas “small pasthe nominatManaging te initial anals complicateto be registtion might bebecome parecessary to b. There is amentation oe the individ


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35

D. Other Themes and Options

New activities in the EU with regard to spa nominations

a) Links of spa locations to be nominated to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage and/or eventual nomination of spa locations to the List of European Cultural Heritage Sites

b) Links of spa locations to be nominated to the List of European Cultural Heritage Sites versus EHTTA – spa culture ways

c) Links of the administrative center (joint UNESCO + EHTTA) in Central Europe, in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle,

For a successful nomination and registration of the serial nomination of spa locations in the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, it is necessary to coordinate the steps of the individual spa locations and countries. This requires maximum support in terms of management, presentation, public awareness, and motivation of the stakeholders, as well as possible cooperation with other activities involved in the presentation of the selected spa heritage sites on regional, national, international level. In order to eliminate hostile competition amongst individual spa towns aspiring for transnational serial nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, including hostilities on the part of those that failed to meet the criteria set forth by the World’s Heritage Committee, there exists yet another option – namely, nomination to the List of the European Cultural Heritage Sites. In order to assure a well‐coordinated adherence to the required procedures on the part of the individual spa locations taking part in the transnational serial nomination to the UNESCO List of the World’s Heritage, it seems to be Essentials to establish an administrative center, preferably in Central Europe, e.g., in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle.

The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary


36

EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS RECOMMENDED FOR NOMINATION AS CANDIDATES FOR INSCRIPTION IN THE UNESCO LIST OF THE WORLD‘S HERITAGE SITES SITES SELECTED FOR SERIAL NOMINATION BASED ON CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ___________________________________________________________________________


37

CZECH REPUBLIC

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle

The towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle represent three important urban entities geographically close to one another and partly similar in terms their predominantly cosmopolitan architecture, historical origin and background, and urban composition.

Karlovy Vary The historical and, at the same time, the spa district of Karlovy Vary is enclosed in the narrow and

very deep valley of the Teplá River. The founding of the town is associated with Emperor Charles IV., who is believed, according to a well‐known legend from the 16th – 17th centuries, to have discovered a hot spring deep in the Teplá Valley in 1350. Apparently as early as 1358, he had a little castle, Karlův Hrádek, built on an elevated place over the river band, with a small settlement around it that he named after himself (Karlsbad). This was an impulse for developing the town as an important spa center, the first in the Czech lands. The original layout of Karlovy Vary is discernible to this day. The central district is spread out over both banks of the Teplá River, in immediate vicinity of Vřídlo ‐ Sprudel (“hot spring”). On the left bank, below Karlův Hrádek, where Zámecká Věž stands today, used to be the town square with a market place (Tržiště); on the right bank, directly above Vřídlo, stood a fortified St. Mary Madgalene Church.

By the mid‐16th century, the town had forty bathhouses and about 200 baths in private houses. In the first quarter of the 18th century, the town had as many as 300 houses and by the mid‐18th century, there were 350 houses. Approximately around that time, Karlovy Vary began to be a familiar term as a spa center all over Europe. Simultaneously, it was gaining recognition as a place that offered sprightly entertainment. In line with the spirit of Baroque ostentation and pomp, guests from upper classes would pass time at magnificent parties and opulent feasts. A proof of genuine boom was the construction of a new monumental, Baroque, two‐steepled St. Mary Madgalene Church in the years 1732–1737, after a project by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. In addition to the church and the column from the town’s Baroque period preserved to date, there still are numerous buildings built in the half‐timbered style ‐ houses is the U Zlatého Vola House (Golden Ox), the Maltézský Kříž House (Maltese Cross) and the neighboring Krásná Královna (Beautiful Queen). Along with the emergence of Classicism and Romanticism, in the late 18th century, houses were often restored or built in a Classicist style, resembling an English or Italian setting. In order to facilitate access to the mineral springs even in unfavorable weather, there were small arbors and later on, more costly pavilions erected over the springs. As a rule, these small structures had the appearance of Classicist domes or round gloriets.

View of Carlsbad from from Jelení skok height


36

EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS RECOMMENDED FOR NOMINATION AS CANDIDATES FOR INSCRIPTION IN THE UNESCO LIST OF THE WORLD‘S HERITAGE SITES SITES SELECTED FOR SERIAL NOMINATION BASED ON CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ___________________________________________________________________________


37

CZECH REPUBLIC

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle

The towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle represent three important urban entities geographically close to one another and partly similar in terms their predominantly cosmopolitan architecture, historical origin and background, and urban composition.

Karlovy Vary The historical and, at the same time, the spa district of Karlovy Vary is enclosed in the narrow and

very deep valley of the Teplá River. The founding of the town is associated with Emperor Charles IV., who is believed, according to a well‐known legend from the 16th – 17th centuries, to have discovered a hot spring deep in the Teplá Valley in 1350. Apparently as early as 1358, he had a little castle, Karlův Hrádek, built on an elevated place over the river band, with a small settlement around it that he named after himself (Karlsbad). This was an impulse for developing the town as an important spa center, the first in the Czech lands. The original layout of Karlovy Vary is discernible to this day. The central district is spread out over both banks of the Teplá River, in immediate vicinity of Vřídlo ‐ Sprudel (“hot spring”). On the left bank, below Karlův Hrádek, where Zámecká Věž stands today, used to be the town square with a market place (Tržiště); on the right bank, directly above Vřídlo, stood a fortified St. Mary Madgalene Church.

By the mid‐16th century, the town had forty bathhouses and about 200 baths in private houses. In the first quarter of the 18th century, the town had as many as 300 houses and by the mid‐18th century, there were 350 houses. Approximately around that time, Karlovy Vary began to be a familiar term as a spa center all over Europe. Simultaneously, it was gaining recognition as a place that offered sprightly entertainment. In line with the spirit of Baroque ostentation and pomp, guests from upper classes would pass time at magnificent parties and opulent feasts. A proof of genuine boom was the construction of a new monumental, Baroque, two‐steepled St. Mary Madgalene Church in the years 1732–1737, after a project by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer. In addition to the church and the column from the town’s Baroque period preserved to date, there still are numerous buildings built in the half‐timbered style ‐ houses is the U Zlatého Vola House (Golden Ox), the Maltézský Kříž House (Maltese Cross) and the neighboring Krásná Královna (Beautiful Queen). Along with the emergence of Classicism and Romanticism, in the late 18th century, houses were often restored or built in a Classicist style, resembling an English or Italian setting. In order to facilitate access to the mineral springs even in unfavorable weather, there were small arbors and later on, more costly pavilions erected over the springs. As a rule, these small structures had the appearance of Classicist domes or round gloriets.

View of Carlsbad from from Jelení skok height


38

The Market Colonnade and Castle Tower in Karlovy Vary

The Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary


39

Today is the dominant influence on the overall perception of Historicism. This period entered history as

the Golden Age of Karlovy Vary. The characteristics of the architecture in Karlovy Vary as a spa resort were strongly influenced by a marked focus on Vienna. For instance, the architectural scene benefitted from a famous pair of excellent Viennese architects, Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. Together,

they projected about twenty prominent buildings for Karlovy Vary, including several colonnades.

Subsequent development raised the town to a leading position amongst spa resorts, not only in the

Czech lands but also in Europe, and eventually worldwide. The image that Karlovy Vary had at the

beginning of the 20th century, and which it never lost, can be attributed, amongst other things, to the

unique mélange of urban, architectural, and landscaping aspects. Without a doubt, Karlovy Vary is a spa

resort of global repute and importance. In 1992, the spa district of Karlovy Vary was granted the status

of a municipal conservation area.

In the spa district of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a great number of important spa buildings that have been used for the original purposes to this day. The complex of these buildings contains several colonnades ‐ The Mlýnská Colonnade (The Mill Colonnade), The Sadový Spring Colonnade (unique example of cast‐iron colonnades), The Tržní Colonnade (The Market Colonnade), The Zámecký Spring Colonnade (The Castle Colonnade – The Castle Spa), and modern Vřídelní Colonnade. In addition to the above, there are the following important balneology facilities – The Imperial Spa, Kurhaus, The Military Spa Institute, The Elizabeth Spa, next sanatorium Imperial, The Municipal Theater, Grandhotel Pupp and many other spa hotels and pensions. Luxurious villas, mansions, and pensions appeared on the steep hill above it, as the first residential villa district appeared, the Westend, and there were built some important buildings including the Anglican Temple (1876–1877), the Synagogue (1875‐1877), and the Orthodox Temple (1893–1897). However, the image that Karlovy Vary acquired through these efforts by the beginning of the 20th century, and still has to this day, may be considered a unique work of art as a whole in terms of urban, architectural, and scenery‐forming elements.

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is comparable – in terms of size and importance – to the most prominent spa towns of Europe. The town‘s West‐European cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other globally famous spas currently considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity and authenticity of Karlovy Vary’s spa zone is believed to be superseding all other spa centers of Europe.

The Elisabeth Spa in Karlovy Vary (1906)


38

The Market Colonnade and Castle Tower in Karlovy Vary

The Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary


39

Today is the dominant influence on the overall perception of Historicism. This period entered history as

the Golden Age of Karlovy Vary. The characteristics of the architecture in Karlovy Vary as a spa resort were strongly influenced by a marked focus on Vienna. For instance, the architectural scene benefitted from a famous pair of excellent Viennese architects, Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. Together,

they projected about twenty prominent buildings for Karlovy Vary, including several colonnades.

Subsequent development raised the town to a leading position amongst spa resorts, not only in the

Czech lands but also in Europe, and eventually worldwide. The image that Karlovy Vary had at the

beginning of the 20th century, and which it never lost, can be attributed, amongst other things, to the

unique mélange of urban, architectural, and landscaping aspects. Without a doubt, Karlovy Vary is a spa

resort of global repute and importance. In 1992, the spa district of Karlovy Vary was granted the status

of a municipal conservation area.

In the spa district of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a great number of important spa buildings that have been used for the original purposes to this day. The complex of these buildings contains several colonnades ‐ The Mlýnská Colonnade (The Mill Colonnade), The Sadový Spring Colonnade (unique example of cast‐iron colonnades), The Tržní Colonnade (The Market Colonnade), The Zámecký Spring Colonnade (The Castle Colonnade – The Castle Spa), and modern Vřídelní Colonnade. In addition to the above, there are the following important balneology facilities – The Imperial Spa, Kurhaus, The Military Spa Institute, The Elizabeth Spa, next sanatorium Imperial, The Municipal Theater, Grandhotel Pupp and many other spa hotels and pensions. Luxurious villas, mansions, and pensions appeared on the steep hill above it, as the first residential villa district appeared, the Westend, and there were built some important buildings including the Anglican Temple (1876–1877), the Synagogue (1875‐1877), and the Orthodox Temple (1893–1897). However, the image that Karlovy Vary acquired through these efforts by the beginning of the 20th century, and still has to this day, may be considered a unique work of art as a whole in terms of urban, architectural, and scenery‐forming elements.

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is comparable – in terms of size and importance – to the most prominent spa towns of Europe. The town‘s West‐European cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other globally famous spas currently considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity and authenticity of Karlovy Vary’s spa zone is believed to be superseding all other spa centers of Europe.

The Elisabeth Spa in Karlovy Vary (1906)


40

Mariá

The saentrustedecided and it stbuilt thealready, TraiteurhGaspar Rin 1813,BohemiaThe b

landscapsupport park city1823. Tthe twendistrict iof threepark has

The

Lázně. B

appeara

spa facil

(Central hospitalBalneolo

of the pa


ánské Láz

alty springs hed to the Teto build thetood at the Me first bathhoin 1808, t

haus (TreatmReitenberger, Mariánské an regent, Pheginnings opist of the Lfrom abboty with ClassicThe ingeniounties and thn Karlovy Va artificially cs been more period from

Buildings we

nce. In the

ities was Jos

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ark with a fo


zně

have been knplá Monastee first spa buMariánský Spouse in this lthe spa accment House)r (†1860), abLázně gain

hillip Franz Kf urban plaobkowitz fat Karl Gaspacist and Emps spatial artirties of theary that is nocreated terraor less prese

m 1870’s unt

re built with

1890’s and a

sef Schaffer

saal, New Lčenský Důmte). In 1900

untain in the


nown of sinceery’s physiciauilding in thepring, namedlocation andcommodated) was built nbbot Pfrogneed the statKolowrat, a panning of thmily, architer Reitenbergpire houses, iculation dev19th century

ot too far froaces, surrounerved to thisil W.W.I wit

h a sense fo

at the beginn

who was ins

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0, Gustav Sve

e middle at M


e the 16th cean, Jan Josefe valley. It wd Marienbadd named it Ud 80 visitorear Mariánser’s new secrus of a freepublic spa in he spa dateect Georg Figer, turned gloriets, pavvised by Vácy by Josef Em being simnded with ds day. tnessed the

or exact com

ning of the 2

spired partic

dio, the schIn 1903, the

ensson, joint

Mírové Námě

InteM

entury. In 17f Nehr (†182was a small d (Mariánské Zlaté Koulers. Still in ký Spring. Thretary, who e town in 11818. e back to 1scher, and bthe surrounvilions, and cclav Skalník wsch to form ilar to the aneveloped ar

greatest con

mposition an

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cularly by th

hool, the dee town esta

ly with Frant

ěstí in the Fr


79, supervisi20). In 1781,log house spé Lázně). In 1(Golden Bal1808, anothhanks to effobecame the 1812 and, w

1817, when builder Antoding swampcolonnades owas subsequa multiplicancient Acropreas, set into

nstruction bo

nd a distinct

the town’s a

e architectu

ean’s house,blished the

tišek Thomay

rench style.


ion over the, abbot Traupa with four1807, Johannll). The folloher spa facorts on the pmonastery’

with the sup

Václav Skaon Turner, wpy area into over the peruently compated, hierarcpolis. The uro a naturally

oom ever in

t sense for m

architect and

ure of the Fr

, the formeMunicipal H

yer, designe


springs wasutmannsdorfr bathroomsn Josef Nehrwing seasoncility namedpart of Karels new abbotpport of the

lník, formerwith financiala charmingiod of 1817‐lemented inchized urbanban concepty landscaped

Mariánské

monumental

d director of

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er municipalHygienic and

d the layout

s f s r n d l t e

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41

Mariánské Lázně – Cross Spring

Mariánské Lázně – Spa Colonnade


40

Mariá

The saentrustedecided and it stbuilt thealready, TraiteurhGaspar Rin 1813,BohemiaThe b

landscapsupport park city1823. Tthe twendistrict iof threepark has

The

Lázně. B

appeara

spa facil

(Central hospitalBalneolo

of the pa


ánské Láz

alty springs hed to the Teto build thetood at the Me first bathhoin 1808, t

haus (TreatmReitenberger, Mariánské an regent, Pheginnings opist of the Lfrom abboty with ClassicThe ingeniounties and thn Karlovy Va artificially cs been more period from

Buildings we

nce. In the

ities was Jos

Lázně, Kur, and Spoleogical Institu

ark with a fo


zně

have been knplá Monastee first spa buMariánský Spouse in this lthe spa accment House)r (†1860), abLázně gain

hillip Franz Kf urban plaobkowitz fat Karl Gaspacist and Emps spatial artirties of theary that is nocreated terraor less prese

m 1870’s unt

re built with

1890’s and a

sef Schaffer

saal, New Lčenský Důmte). In 1900

untain in the


nown of sinceery’s physiciauilding in thepring, namedlocation andcommodated) was built nbbot Pfrogneed the statKolowrat, a panning of thmily, architer Reitenbergpire houses, iculation dev19th century

ot too far froaces, surrounerved to thisil W.W.I wit

h a sense fo

at the beginn

who was ins

Lázně, Palladm in 1901.

0, Gustav Sve

e middle at M


e the 16th cean, Jan Josefe valley. It wd Marienbadd named it Ud 80 visitorear Mariánser’s new secrus of a freepublic spa in he spa dateect Georg Figer, turned gloriets, pavvised by Vácy by Josef Em being simnded with ds day. tnessed the

or exact com

ning of the 2

spired partic

dio, the schIn 1903, the

ensson, joint

Mírové Námě

InteM

entury. In 17f Nehr (†182was a small d (Mariánské Zlaté Koulers. Still in ký Spring. Thretary, who e town in 11818. e back to 1scher, and bthe surrounvilions, and cclav Skalník wsch to form ilar to the aneveloped ar

greatest con

mposition an

20th century,

cularly by th

hool, the dee town esta

ly with Frant

ěstí in the Fr


79, supervisi20). In 1781,log house spé Lázně). In 1(Golden Bal1808, anothhanks to effobecame the 1812 and, w

1817, when builder Antoding swampcolonnades owas subsequa multiplicancient Acropreas, set into

nstruction bo

nd a distinct

the town’s a

e architectu

ean’s house,blished the

tišek Thomay

rench style.


ion over the, abbot Traupa with four1807, Johannll). The folloher spa facorts on the pmonastery’

with the sup

Václav Skaon Turner, wpy area into over the peruently compated, hierarcpolis. The uro a naturally

oom ever in

t sense for m

architect and

ure of the Fr

, the formeMunicipal H

yer, designe


springs wasutmannsdorfr bathroomsn Josef Nehrwing seasoncility namedpart of Karels new abbotpport of the

lník, formerwith financiala charmingiod of 1817‐lemented inchized urbanban concepty landscaped

Mariánské

monumental

d director of

ench Riviera

er municipalHygienic and

d the layout

s f s r n d l t e

r l g ‐n n t d

é

l

f

a

l d

t


41

Mariánské Lázně – Cross Spring

Mariánské Lázně – Spa Colonnade


42

More or less simultaneously with the Neo‐Renaissance period until W.W.I, the town took a liking to

decoration of the Neo‐Baroque, which was characteristic for the so‐called “spa style” in Monte Carlo, where Neo‐Baroque Historicism changed over to naturalist Art Nouveau. The principal designer of that style was Arnold Heymann of Vienna (the author of Krakonoš, Bohemia, Polonia, Kavkaz, Merkur, Pacific, Hvězda, Svatý Hubertus, and Esplanade). The most important builders of that period were Josef and Ignatz König, Eduard Stern, Alois Korb, to name a few. Particularly fairy‐like designs came out of the workshop of a local builder, Josef Forberich (Šípková Růženka, Sněhurka, Svatý Martin in Russian Street; the convalescence homes Morava and Narcis, formerly Nejedlý; and the Love Chapel). The fame of Mariánské Lázně reached its peak worldwide before W.W.I. Many prominent rulers took treatments here (including English king Eduard VII) and important political conventions were organized here. The result led to further enrichment of the town by churches of other denominations (see above), complemented by a Russian Orthodox Basilica in the years 1900–1902. Just before the outbreak of W.W.I. the spa district of Mariánské Lázně formed a well‐rounded and exceptionally valuable urban and architectural entity.

The outstanding value of the 19th century composition and nearly undisturbed architectural characteristics of the town’s spa district led to declaring Mariánské Lázně a municipal historical conservation area in 1992. This makes Mariánské Lázně one of the largest protected spa districts in the Czech Republic. Although architecturally the town is predominantly Classicist (pavilions over springs and parts of residential housing), generally, most of its spa facilities, as well as residential houses and villas from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century represent a broad range of architectural styles ranging from Historicism to Art Nouveau. Well preserved treatment houses and hotels, as well as various structures over the springs, and especially the colonnades are the town’s most characteristic structures. They make Mariánské Lázně part of the European heritage architecture of cosmopolitan value. Thanks to the degree of preservation of its urban structure and architecture, Mariánské Lázně, as a whole, deserves a place in the world as an extraordinarily intact heritage site.

The size and significance of Mariánské Lázně is comparable to the leading spa towns in Europe, and its West‐European cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other globally known spas being considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity and authenticity of the Mariánské Lázně spa zone supersedes all other spa centers in Europe. The urban structure of the town’s original layout is absolutely unique.


43

Františkovy Lázně

The area of the current town of Františkovy Lázně used to be part of the municipality of Cheb until 1851. Its healing springs are said to have been known of as early as the 12th century. The first certain mention of tapping mineral water named “Chebská Kyselka” dates back to 1406. Sources confirm that “Kyselka” was used also in the 16th century (1502). In 1660, the municipal council of Cheb had the first structure built here, and in 1708, guest rooms were added. In 1714, a wooden inn with 12 cabins was built at the highly popular spring, including bathrooms and 14 guest rooms. Thus, in 1791, he had the spring cleaned and a pavilion built over it. Soon thereafter, in 1791, the regional government commissioned the Building Directorate of Regional Properties, headed by abbot Tobias Gruber, to work on a plan for a spa settlement. The plan was submitted in 1792 and establishment of the spa was approved on April 27, 1793. The first guests were received there that very year, in 1793. In 1795, the new settlement was named “Emperor Franz’ Settlement” and, in 1803, was renamed to Lázně Císaře Františka ‐ Franzensbad, as the best known spring was named Františkův Pramen (Franz’s Spring). Thanks to discovery of more springs, the spa grew rapidly, by the 1850’s, Františkovy Lázně gained considerable popularity.

The construction of Františkovy Lázně began in 1792, according to Gruber’s regulatory plan. The plan was based on the Baroque principle of axial balance and symmetry without enclosed street blocks. The plan also included landscaped vegetation and park areas. After the 1850’s, a phase of new development followed, both from the planning and architectural perspectives. Classicism made way for modesty, so that new buildings contrasted with the original development, thus forming spectacular mosaic‐like variants of Romanticism and Historicism, subsequently united by the color uniformity of white and okra façades. This street is where new spa and residential structures were eventually built in the 1860’s, followed by an Evangelic and Russian Orthodox church, and a synagogue. The principle of the circumferential beltway with houses on one side, preferably facing southwards and westwards, suited the disposition of Františkovy Lázně and allowed for better exposure to the sun in this climatically relatively cool region.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the composition of the downtown district, to the north of Františkův Spring, started to change. In 1912, a new colonnade was built on the eastern side of the main axis, but the symmetry thus achieved was very short‐lived, as the old colonnade on the western side was destroyed by a fire in 1914 and was never rebuilt. Traditional architecture was still highly regarded and the Neo‐Classicist town continued to prefer the “noble” style. In 1992, the core of the town was declared a Historical Conservation Area (or Municipal Reserve), as it

is remarkable as a unique example of a well‐preserved Classicist spa town complemented in the era of

Historicism. Františkovy Lázně is one of the most valuable spa towns in the Czech Republic, both in

terms of its size and its importance, as well as the high quality of its conservation area. From the

conservationist’s perspective, Františkovy Lázně is the most intact spa entity in the West‐Bohemian Spa

Triangle.

Františkovy Lázně is comparable – in terms of size and importance – to the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its architectural styles – Classicism and Biedermeier, and finally West‐European

cosmopolitan architecture – are fully compatible with other globally famous spas presently considered

for the transnational serial nomination.


42

More or less simultaneously with the Neo‐Renaissance period until W.W.I, the town took a liking to

decoration of the Neo‐Baroque, which was characteristic for the so‐called “spa style” in Monte Carlo, where Neo‐Baroque Historicism changed over to naturalist Art Nouveau. The principal designer of that style was Arnold Heymann of Vienna (the author of Krakonoš, Bohemia, Polonia, Kavkaz, Merkur, Pacific, Hvězda, Svatý Hubertus, and Esplanade). The most important builders of that period were Josef and Ignatz König, Eduard Stern, Alois Korb, to name a few. Particularly fairy‐like designs came out of the workshop of a local builder, Josef Forberich (Šípková Růženka, Sněhurka, Svatý Martin in Russian Street; the convalescence homes Morava and Narcis, formerly Nejedlý; and the Love Chapel). The fame of Mariánské Lázně reached its peak worldwide before W.W.I. Many prominent rulers took treatments here (including English king Eduard VII) and important political conventions were organized here. The result led to further enrichment of the town by churches of other denominations (see above), complemented by a Russian Orthodox Basilica in the years 1900–1902. Just before the outbreak of W.W.I. the spa district of Mariánské Lázně formed a well‐rounded and exceptionally valuable urban and architectural entity.

The outstanding value of the 19th century composition and nearly undisturbed architectural characteristics of the town’s spa district led to declaring Mariánské Lázně a municipal historical conservation area in 1992. This makes Mariánské Lázně one of the largest protected spa districts in the Czech Republic. Although architecturally the town is predominantly Classicist (pavilions over springs and parts of residential housing), generally, most of its spa facilities, as well as residential houses and villas from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century represent a broad range of architectural styles ranging from Historicism to Art Nouveau. Well preserved treatment houses and hotels, as well as various structures over the springs, and especially the colonnades are the town’s most characteristic structures. They make Mariánské Lázně part of the European heritage architecture of cosmopolitan value. Thanks to the degree of preservation of its urban structure and architecture, Mariánské Lázně, as a whole, deserves a place in the world as an extraordinarily intact heritage site.

The size and significance of Mariánské Lázně is comparable to the leading spa towns in Europe, and its West‐European cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other globally known spas being considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity and authenticity of the Mariánské Lázně spa zone supersedes all other spa centers in Europe. The urban structure of the town’s original layout is absolutely unique.


43

Františkovy Lázně

The area of the current town of Františkovy Lázně used to be part of the municipality of Cheb until 1851. Its healing springs are said to have been known of as early as the 12th century. The first certain mention of tapping mineral water named “Chebská Kyselka” dates back to 1406. Sources confirm that “Kyselka” was used also in the 16th century (1502). In 1660, the municipal council of Cheb had the first structure built here, and in 1708, guest rooms were added. In 1714, a wooden inn with 12 cabins was built at the highly popular spring, including bathrooms and 14 guest rooms. Thus, in 1791, he had the spring cleaned and a pavilion built over it. Soon thereafter, in 1791, the regional government commissioned the Building Directorate of Regional Properties, headed by abbot Tobias Gruber, to work on a plan for a spa settlement. The plan was submitted in 1792 and establishment of the spa was approved on April 27, 1793. The first guests were received there that very year, in 1793. In 1795, the new settlement was named “Emperor Franz’ Settlement” and, in 1803, was renamed to Lázně Císaře Františka ‐ Franzensbad, as the best known spring was named Františkův Pramen (Franz’s Spring). Thanks to discovery of more springs, the spa grew rapidly, by the 1850’s, Františkovy Lázně gained considerable popularity.

The construction of Františkovy Lázně began in 1792, according to Gruber’s regulatory plan. The plan was based on the Baroque principle of axial balance and symmetry without enclosed street blocks. The plan also included landscaped vegetation and park areas. After the 1850’s, a phase of new development followed, both from the planning and architectural perspectives. Classicism made way for modesty, so that new buildings contrasted with the original development, thus forming spectacular mosaic‐like variants of Romanticism and Historicism, subsequently united by the color uniformity of white and okra façades. This street is where new spa and residential structures were eventually built in the 1860’s, followed by an Evangelic and Russian Orthodox church, and a synagogue. The principle of the circumferential beltway with houses on one side, preferably facing southwards and westwards, suited the disposition of Františkovy Lázně and allowed for better exposure to the sun in this climatically relatively cool region.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the composition of the downtown district, to the north of Františkův Spring, started to change. In 1912, a new colonnade was built on the eastern side of the main axis, but the symmetry thus achieved was very short‐lived, as the old colonnade on the western side was destroyed by a fire in 1914 and was never rebuilt. Traditional architecture was still highly regarded and the Neo‐Classicist town continued to prefer the “noble” style. In 1992, the core of the town was declared a Historical Conservation Area (or Municipal Reserve), as it

is remarkable as a unique example of a well‐preserved Classicist spa town complemented in the era of

Historicism. Františkovy Lázně is one of the most valuable spa towns in the Czech Republic, both in

terms of its size and its importance, as well as the high quality of its conservation area. From the

conservationist’s perspective, Františkovy Lázně is the most intact spa entity in the West‐Bohemian Spa

Triangle.

Františkovy Lázně is comparable – in terms of size and importance – to the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its architectural styles – Classicism and Biedermeier, and finally West‐European

cosmopolitan architecture – are fully compatible with other globally famous spas presently considered

for the transnational serial nomination.


44

Františkovy Lázně ‐ Františkův Spring and Assembly House

Františkovy Lázně – The Imperial Spa


45

Specific Moravian Spas

Lázně Luhačovice

Luhačovice is a spa complex comprising an integrated group of special‐purpose buildings that form a

unique “genius loci” consisting of buildings designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, each of which

represents the peak of the Central‐European Art Nouveau architecture. The most prominent among

them are – Jurkovič / Janův House, Gloriette of the Otto Spring, Jestřabí, the Sluneční Lázně complex with a swimming pool, the Smetana House (mineral spa), the Inhalatorium, the theater, colonnade, and many other spa hotels, pensions, and villas. Although standing somewhat apart contextually from other cosmopolitan spas, the spa town of

Luhačovice originated – in terms of typology and architecture – from similar foundations as many

classical West‐European spa buildings and their structural elements.

The architecture is dominated by the peculiar creation of Dusan Jurkovic on the border of art nouveau,

folklore and modern inspiration, as well as art nouveau and functionalist structures. Urban Spa integrity

of the central part of the city's extraordinary.

Luhačovice – Jurkovič House


44

Františkovy Lázně ‐ Františkův Spring and Assembly House

Františkovy Lázně – The Imperial Spa


45

Specific Moravian Spas

Lázně Luhačovice

Luhačovice is a spa complex comprising an integrated group of special‐purpose buildings that form a

unique “genius loci” consisting of buildings designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, each of which

represents the peak of the Central‐European Art Nouveau architecture. The most prominent among

them are – Jurkovič / Janův House, Gloriette of the Otto Spring, Jestřabí, the Sluneční Lázně complex with a swimming pool, the Smetana House (mineral spa), the Inhalatorium, the theater, colonnade, and many other spa hotels, pensions, and villas. Although standing somewhat apart contextually from other cosmopolitan spas, the spa town of

Luhačovice originated – in terms of typology and architecture – from similar foundations as many

classical West‐European spa buildings and their structural elements.

The architecture is dominated by the peculiar creation of Dusan Jurkovic on the border of art nouveau,

folklore and modern inspiration, as well as art nouveau and functionalist structures. Urban Spa integrity

of the central part of the city's extraordinary.

Luhačovice – Jurkovič House


46

ITALY

Montecatini Terme

One of the most famous and sophisticated Italian spas is Montecatini Terme in Tuscany. The springs in this region had been known about since the Middle Ages, and were first owned by the Medicis and then the Habsburgs of Tuscany. In fact, it was the Archduke Leopold I of Tuscany (Pietro Leopoldo) who began to use the sulphuric springs more frequently during the late 18th century, thereby inciting the general development of the little town beneath the hill, as a new spa resort. Officially, the origin of the spa dates back to 1773. But the spa still has the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century, i.e., the era of its greatest boom, when most of the buildings there were built – the bathhouses, casinos, theaters, hotels, and private homes. In the center of this spa resort is a vast park with numerous spa facilities. Particularly typical are its elegant colonnades, most of which were completed during the first half of the 20th century in a style that accounts for nicknaming Montecatini Terme, the “Italian Carlsbad”. The most important spa complexes are Terme Leopoldine, Terme Regina, Terme Torretta, Terme Excelsior, Terme Tamerici, Terme Tettuccio.

Montecatini Terme is comparable, in terms of size and importance, to the most prominent spa towns of Europe and the buildings preserved there to this day – even though dating back only up to the mid‐20th century, possess undeniable West‐European cosmopolitan features that are fully compatible with other globally‐known spas considered for the transnational serial nomination.

Salsomaggiore Terme

At the foot of the Apennine Ridge in northern Italy is another important spa resort named Salsomaggiore Terme. The founder of the spa, Dr. Lorenzo Berzieri, began to use the local mineral water for medical treatments in 1839. In 1847, he turned the house of Bussandri Giovanni Valentini into the town’s first bathhouse. At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, the town already had the characteristic appearance of a spa resort, which was to be completed during the first part of the 20th century, as its architecture, Art Deco and Neo‐Classicism, demonstrates. Distinct examples of the Belle Époque are Dalla Rosa, built in 1895 by building engineer Giuseppe Magnaghi, the Congress Palace, built in 1898 based on a project by architect Luigi Broggi, and especially the Grand Hotel l'Albergo Grande. Terme Berzieri. The most prominent symbol of the town is the Berzieri spa, built in the years 1913‐1923 based on a project by architect Ugo Giusti. Traditionally, the design has a pair of turrets on the entrance side, complemented with very imaginary and rich decorations by Galileo Chini. The Italian form of Art Nouveau tended to transform into oriental designs of the Middle East and Far East. For instance, the façades as well as the interior, including the vestibule and large stairway, are filled with motifs and details of Khmer art from former Siam and Bangkok. Salsomaggiore Terme is incomparably smaller – in terms of size – than most of the most prominent spa towns in Europe, but the Berzieri spa preserved to this day is distinct and unique enough – even though dating back only up to the mid‐20th century – to justify its aspiration to be nominated to the transnational serial nomination on the grounds of its singularity.


47

Montecatini Terme ‐ Terme Tettuccio


46

ITALY

Montecatini Terme

One of the most famous and sophisticated Italian spas is Montecatini Terme in Tuscany. The springs in this region had been known about since the Middle Ages, and were first owned by the Medicis and then the Habsburgs of Tuscany. In fact, it was the Archduke Leopold I of Tuscany (Pietro Leopoldo) who began to use the sulphuric springs more frequently during the late 18th century, thereby inciting the general development of the little town beneath the hill, as a new spa resort. Officially, the origin of the spa dates back to 1773. But the spa still has the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century, i.e., the era of its greatest boom, when most of the buildings there were built – the bathhouses, casinos, theaters, hotels, and private homes. In the center of this spa resort is a vast park with numerous spa facilities. Particularly typical are its elegant colonnades, most of which were completed during the first half of the 20th century in a style that accounts for nicknaming Montecatini Terme, the “Italian Carlsbad”. The most important spa complexes are Terme Leopoldine, Terme Regina, Terme Torretta, Terme Excelsior, Terme Tamerici, Terme Tettuccio.

Montecatini Terme is comparable, in terms of size and importance, to the most prominent spa towns of Europe and the buildings preserved there to this day – even though dating back only up to the mid‐20th century, possess undeniable West‐European cosmopolitan features that are fully compatible with other globally‐known spas considered for the transnational serial nomination.

Salsomaggiore Terme

At the foot of the Apennine Ridge in northern Italy is another important spa resort named Salsomaggiore Terme. The founder of the spa, Dr. Lorenzo Berzieri, began to use the local mineral water for medical treatments in 1839. In 1847, he turned the house of Bussandri Giovanni Valentini into the town’s first bathhouse. At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, the town already had the characteristic appearance of a spa resort, which was to be completed during the first part of the 20th century, as its architecture, Art Deco and Neo‐Classicism, demonstrates. Distinct examples of the Belle Époque are Dalla Rosa, built in 1895 by building engineer Giuseppe Magnaghi, the Congress Palace, built in 1898 based on a project by architect Luigi Broggi, and especially the Grand Hotel l'Albergo Grande. Terme Berzieri. The most prominent symbol of the town is the Berzieri spa, built in the years 1913‐1923 based on a project by architect Ugo Giusti. Traditionally, the design has a pair of turrets on the entrance side, complemented with very imaginary and rich decorations by Galileo Chini. The Italian form of Art Nouveau tended to transform into oriental designs of the Middle East and Far East. For instance, the façades as well as the interior, including the vestibule and large stairway, are filled with motifs and details of Khmer art from former Siam and Bangkok. Salsomaggiore Terme is incomparably smaller – in terms of size – than most of the most prominent spa towns in Europe, but the Berzieri spa preserved to this day is distinct and unique enough – even though dating back only up to the mid‐20th century – to justify its aspiration to be nominated to the transnational serial nomination on the grounds of its singularity.


47

Montecatini Terme ‐ Terme Tettuccio


48

GERMANY

Baden‐Baden

Baden‐Baden is without a doubt the most important spa center in Germany. It was founded in 80

A.D. by the Romans in the place of a former Celtic settlement and named Civitas Aurelia Aquaensis, abbreviated as Aquae. In 1847, rudiments of the Roman baths were discovered below a far more recent

castle, which used to be the home of the Margraves of Baden (“de Baduon”), after whom it was named.

The doubling of the name occurred only as late as 1931. However, awareness of the hot springs did not

disappear with the Roman Empire. For instance, it is known that Margrave Rudolf III offered his knights

a stay in hot baths in 1306. Since the 15th century, bathing in mineral springs has been gaining

popularity as have various baths in fame. In 1473, for instance, Emperor Friedrich III himself spent time here. As far back as 1601, a certain Dr. Johannes Matthäus experimented with curative applications of

the mud from Baden. A book on the local springs, written by Johann Küffer, was published in 1625 – in

it, 12 springs used for medical purposes are mentioned, and a spring named "Bruhequelle" is known to

have been used for housework and cooking. In 1688, the French set the town on fire and destroyed it

completely. Restoration of the town and the spa took nearly a whole century. Already by the end of the

18th century, however, Baden counted amongst the most “in” spa resorts in Europe. It was a favorite

destination point for European aristocracy from Russia to Portugal.

In this location are numerous extraordinary buildings designed for balneological and social purposes ‐

The Roman Baths, The Promenadenhaus (Promenade House), The Cure House (Kurhaus), The Drinking Hall, The Old Steam Baths, Friedrichsbad, The Theater.

Baden‐Baden is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is

fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. The

integrity of its spa‐designated territory is split into historical town and a newly established spa district on the banks of the Oos River, which has however been partly violated by certain modernizing

interventions.


49

Baden – Baden ‐ Kurhaus

Baden – Baden ‐ Friedrichsbad


48

GERMANY

Baden‐Baden

Baden‐Baden is without a doubt the most important spa center in Germany. It was founded in 80

A.D. by the Romans in the place of a former Celtic settlement and named Civitas Aurelia Aquaensis, abbreviated as Aquae. In 1847, rudiments of the Roman baths were discovered below a far more recent

castle, which used to be the home of the Margraves of Baden (“de Baduon”), after whom it was named.

The doubling of the name occurred only as late as 1931. However, awareness of the hot springs did not

disappear with the Roman Empire. For instance, it is known that Margrave Rudolf III offered his knights

a stay in hot baths in 1306. Since the 15th century, bathing in mineral springs has been gaining

popularity as have various baths in fame. In 1473, for instance, Emperor Friedrich III himself spent time here. As far back as 1601, a certain Dr. Johannes Matthäus experimented with curative applications of

the mud from Baden. A book on the local springs, written by Johann Küffer, was published in 1625 – in

it, 12 springs used for medical purposes are mentioned, and a spring named "Bruhequelle" is known to

have been used for housework and cooking. In 1688, the French set the town on fire and destroyed it

completely. Restoration of the town and the spa took nearly a whole century. Already by the end of the

18th century, however, Baden counted amongst the most “in” spa resorts in Europe. It was a favorite

destination point for European aristocracy from Russia to Portugal.

In this location are numerous extraordinary buildings designed for balneological and social purposes ‐

The Roman Baths, The Promenadenhaus (Promenade House), The Cure House (Kurhaus), The Drinking Hall, The Old Steam Baths, Friedrichsbad, The Theater.

Baden‐Baden is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is

fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. The

integrity of its spa‐designated territory is split into historical town and a newly established spa district on the banks of the Oos River, which has however been partly violated by certain modernizing

interventions.


49

Baden – Baden ‐ Kurhaus

Baden – Baden ‐ Friedrichsbad


50

Bad Ems The first private palace with baths was built in “Kesselbrunnen”, i.e., in a place that was used already

in the Middle Ages. The construction was initiated by Princess of Nassau‐Oranien in the years 1711–

1720. In the 19th century, the princely palace became the emperor’s favorite summer location. The

complex of Bad Ems is situated on the banks of the Lahn River and consists of a set of typical spa

buildings, including a Kursaal with a Marble Hall, a theater, and a café. The sunny side of the river was

planted with palm trees and a colonnade was added in the years 1836‐1914 – this spa strongly

resembles the spa in Nizza/Nice. The town therefore used to be called “Little Nizza” or “Little Rome”.

On the banks of the River Lahn is a set of spa buildings ‐ The Kursaal with colonnade, theater and a casino. The whole complex has preserved its charming Neo‐Classicist appearance to this day.

Bad Ems is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is fully

compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. The

integrity of this urban architecture is extraordinary, indeed.

Bad Nauheim A particular group of spas in Germany is represented by so‐called Kneipp baths, where treatments are

based on the effects of healing waters, such as the Priessnitz treatment in Moravia. An important

Kneipp spa is Bad Nauheim in the Hesse State. At the foot of Johannisberg is a salt spring that the Celts

used for healing as far back as the 5th century B.C. Subsequently, the Franks as well as the Romans

extracted salt from the spring. Before the healing effects of the salt from this spring were confirmed,

Nauheim was a tiny settlement. This changed at the beginning of the 19th century, when the first saline

spa was established here. The time of the most dynamic development, however, came only at the

beginning of the 20th century.

A construction boom during the period from 1902 to 1912 imprinted a uniform appearance to the

drinking and balneology facilities in this spa, thus creating a genuinely unique Art Nouveau complex ‐

Sprudelhof and Trinkkuranlage, The Kurhaus and Theater, Inhalatorium, Trink‐kuranlagen, Thermalsolebad, Kurhaus, Gradierwerke. Bad Nauheim with its Art‐Nouveau architecture and cosmopolitan characteristics is one of the well‐

known spas of Europe, and is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the

transnational serial nomination. These extraordinary structures and complexes are integrated in this

locality’s otherwise completely modern urban environment.


51

Bad Pyrmont The local springs were worshipped already by the ancient Germans and Romans. The name Pyrmont appeared in 1184, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Fillip von Heinsberg, called the local castle "Petri Mons", in Latin, and “Piremont”, in German. In the 14th century, a monk, Heinrich of Herford, described two of the Pyrmont springs as “holy” source (“Hylliger”) and “cooking” source (“fons bulliens”), and pointed out their healing powers. By the mid‐16th century, rumors of the unheard‐of miracles caused by the Pyrmont waters spread all over Europe and before long the Pyrmont Valley was inundated with crowds of ailing people seeking a cure. In addition to the hot springs, there also were typical salt baths with saline waters.

The local springs were worshipped already by the ancient Germans and Romans. The name Pyrmont appeared in 1184, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Fillip von Heinsberg, called the local castle "Petri Mons", in Latin, and “Piremont”, in German. In the 14th century, a monk, Heinrich of Herford, described two of the Pyrmont springs as “holy” source (“Hylliger”) and “cooking” source (“fons bulliens”), and pointed out their healing powers. By the mid‐16th century, rumors of the unheard‐of miracles caused by the Pyrmont waters spread all over Europe and before long the Pyrmont Valley was inundated with crowds of ailing people seeking a cure. In addition to the hot springs, there also were typical salt baths with saline waters. This spa town has the atmosphere of the Classicism and Biedermeier periods with numerous important spa buildings ‐ Hyllige Born, Erdbeertempel, Fürstenhof, Kasino.

Bad Pyrmont with its Classicist architecture is one of the best‐known spas of Europe. Its drinking hall, known as Hyllige Born, is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity of the town’s spa district in the west has suffered certain damage. Yet, from the perspective of the spa district as a whole, the interventions appear to have had only marginally important effect on the town’s overall urban concept.

Bad Pyrmont ‐ Hyllige Born


50

Bad Ems The first private palace with baths was built in “Kesselbrunnen”, i.e., in a place that was used already

in the Middle Ages. The construction was initiated by Princess of Nassau‐Oranien in the years 1711–

1720. In the 19th century, the princely palace became the emperor’s favorite summer location. The

complex of Bad Ems is situated on the banks of the Lahn River and consists of a set of typical spa

buildings, including a Kursaal with a Marble Hall, a theater, and a café. The sunny side of the river was

planted with palm trees and a colonnade was added in the years 1836‐1914 – this spa strongly

resembles the spa in Nizza/Nice. The town therefore used to be called “Little Nizza” or “Little Rome”.

On the banks of the River Lahn is a set of spa buildings ‐ The Kursaal with colonnade, theater and a casino. The whole complex has preserved its charming Neo‐Classicist appearance to this day.

Bad Ems is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is fully


integrity of this urban architecture is extraordinary, indeed.

Bad Nauheim A particular group of spas in Germany is represented by so‐called Kneipp baths, where treatments are

based on the effects of healing waters, such as the Priessnitz treatment in Moravia. An important

Kneipp spa is Bad Nauheim in the Hesse State. At the foot of Johannisberg is a salt spring that the Celts

used for healing as far back as the 5th century B.C. Subsequently, the Franks as well as the Romans

extracted salt from the spring. Before the healing effects of the salt from this spring were confirmed,

Nauheim was a tiny settlement. This changed at the beginning of the 19th century, when the first saline

spa was established here. The time of the most dynamic development, however, came only at the

beginning of the 20th century.

A construction boom during the period from 1902 to 1912 imprinted a uniform appearance to the

drinking and balneology facilities in this spa, thus creating a genuinely unique Art Nouveau complex ‐

Sprudelhof and Trinkkuranlage, The Kurhaus and Theater, Inhalatorium, Trink‐kuranlagen, Thermalsolebad, Kurhaus, Gradierwerke. Bad Nauheim with its Art‐Nouveau architecture and cosmopolitan characteristics is one of the well‐

known spas of Europe, and is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the

transnational serial nomination. These extraordinary structures and complexes are integrated in this

locality’s otherwise completely modern urban environment.


51

Bad Pyrmont The local springs were worshipped already by the ancient Germans and Romans. The name Pyrmont appeared in 1184, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Fillip von Heinsberg, called the local castle "Petri Mons", in Latin, and “Piremont”, in German. In the 14th century, a monk, Heinrich of Herford, described two of the Pyrmont springs as “holy” source (“Hylliger”) and “cooking” source (“fons bulliens”), and pointed out their healing powers. By the mid‐16th century, rumors of the unheard‐of miracles caused by the Pyrmont waters spread all over Europe and before long the Pyrmont Valley was inundated with crowds of ailing people seeking a cure. In addition to the hot springs, there also were typical salt baths with saline waters.

The local springs were worshipped already by the ancient Germans and Romans. The name Pyrmont appeared in 1184, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Fillip von Heinsberg, called the local castle "Petri Mons", in Latin, and “Piremont”, in German. In the 14th century, a monk, Heinrich of Herford, described two of the Pyrmont springs as “holy” source (“Hylliger”) and “cooking” source (“fons bulliens”), and pointed out their healing powers. By the mid‐16th century, rumors of the unheard‐of miracles caused by the Pyrmont waters spread all over Europe and before long the Pyrmont Valley was inundated with crowds of ailing people seeking a cure. In addition to the hot springs, there also were typical salt baths with saline waters. This spa town has the atmosphere of the Classicism and Biedermeier periods with numerous important spa buildings ‐ Hyllige Born, Erdbeertempel, Fürstenhof, Kasino.

Bad Pyrmont with its Classicist architecture is one of the best‐known spas of Europe. Its drinking hall, known as Hyllige Born, is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. However, the integrity of the town’s spa district in the west has suffered certain damage. Yet, from the perspective of the spa district as a whole, the interventions appear to have had only marginally important effect on the town’s overall urban concept.

Bad Pyrmont ‐ Hyllige Born


52

Wiesbaden Roman history is at the foundations of other world‐famous spas, too, such as Wiesbaden, the capital of

the Hesse State. The origins of the town date back to the 6th century A.D., in which it was small

settlement named Fontes Mattiaci or Aquae Mattiacae after the Germanic tribe of the “Mattiacs”. Circa

828 to 830 there is a written mention of Wisibada (Bad in den Wiesen), as the origin of the current

town. In 1170, the region was taken over by the Dukes of Nassau. In 1370, sixteen houses with baths

were mentioned to have existed. In 1774, the Dukes of Nassau selected Wiesbaden as their place of

residence. This led to a brisk development of the town as the capital of the state, as well as a spa resort.

In the course of the 19th century, the spa district of Wiesbaden grew rapidly into a worldly spa resort of

global importance.

In this location are numerous extraordinary buildings ‐ Kurhaus, colonnades (Bowling Green), Kochbrunnentempel, Kaiser‐Friedrich‐Terme and The Hessian State Theater. Wiesbaden is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is

fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination.

Compared to other spas, the Wiesbaden spa district is smaller, as its integrity is torn between a

historically developed town and a newly established spa district, which is partly destroyed by

modernizing interventions.

Wiesbaden – Casino (Kurhaus)


53

AUSTRIA

Baden bei Wien

Baden is one of the most important sulphur spas in Austria. The local hot springs (up to 35oC) had

been used for healing purposes ever since the ancient Romans, who called this locality Aquae Pannoniae. The Emperor Marcus Aurelius himself had a great liking for the sulphur springs. Baden

began to develop as a spa resort toward the end of the 15th century. Following a major fire in 1812, the

town and its spa facilities had to be completely rebuilt and a great number of its Classicist townhouses

and Biedermeier villas date back to that time. The appearance of the town, as we know it today, is

owed to a leading architect of that era, Joseph Kornhäusel. His most monumental project undoubtedly

is the town hall from 1815.

The most important spa localities are Josefsbad, Leopoldsbad, Frauenbad, Engelsbad, Franzensbad, Kasino (Kurhaus), The Theater, Grand Hotel Sauerhof, Strandbad. Baden near Vienna with its Classicist architecture is one of Europe‘s most prominent spas. The

district’s integrity and the authenticity of its spa buildings is – except for certain structures (e.g. Kurhaus)

– fully compatible and in full harmony with the transnational serial nomination under consideration.

Baden bei Wien ‐ Casino (Kurhaus)


52

Wiesbaden Roman history is at the foundations of other world‐famous spas, too, such as Wiesbaden, the capital of

the Hesse State. The origins of the town date back to the 6th century A.D., in which it was small

settlement named Fontes Mattiaci or Aquae Mattiacae after the Germanic tribe of the “Mattiacs”. Circa

828 to 830 there is a written mention of Wisibada (Bad in den Wiesen), as the origin of the current

town. In 1170, the region was taken over by the Dukes of Nassau. In 1370, sixteen houses with baths

were mentioned to have existed. In 1774, the Dukes of Nassau selected Wiesbaden as their place of

residence. This led to a brisk development of the town as the capital of the state, as well as a spa resort.

In the course of the 19th century, the spa district of Wiesbaden grew rapidly into a worldly spa resort of

global importance.

In this location are numerous extraordinary buildings ‐ Kurhaus, colonnades (Bowling Green), Kochbrunnentempel, Kaiser‐Friedrich‐Terme and The Hessian State Theater. Wiesbaden is one of the most prominent spa towns of Europe and its cosmopolitan architecture is

fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination.

Compared to other spas, the Wiesbaden spa district is smaller, as its integrity is torn between a

historically developed town and a newly established spa district, which is partly destroyed by

modernizing interventions.

Wiesbaden – Casino (Kurhaus)


53

AUSTRIA

Baden bei Wien

Baden is one of the most important sulphur spas in Austria. The local hot springs (up to 35oC) had

been used for healing purposes ever since the ancient Romans, who called this locality Aquae Pannoniae. The Emperor Marcus Aurelius himself had a great liking for the sulphur springs. Baden

began to develop as a spa resort toward the end of the 15th century. Following a major fire in 1812, the

town and its spa facilities had to be completely rebuilt and a great number of its Classicist townhouses

and Biedermeier villas date back to that time. The appearance of the town, as we know it today, is

owed to a leading architect of that era, Joseph Kornhäusel. His most monumental project undoubtedly

is the town hall from 1815.

The most important spa localities are Josefsbad, Leopoldsbad, Frauenbad, Engelsbad, Franzensbad, Kasino (Kurhaus), The Theater, Grand Hotel Sauerhof, Strandbad. Baden near Vienna with its Classicist architecture is one of Europe‘s most prominent spas. The

district’s integrity and the authenticity of its spa buildings is – except for certain structures (e.g. Kurhaus)

– fully compatible and in full harmony with the transnational serial nomination under consideration.

Baden bei Wien ‐ Casino (Kurhaus)


54

FRAN

Vichy

This

Julius Ca

Emperor

later to

springs a

where re

sixties o

matter.

wealthy

urbaniza

The m

Grand l´

Vichy

compati

integrity


NCE

is the best‐

aesar’s retur

r Diocletius,

be abbrevia

and, by the

eports of m

of the 18th c

Thus, the

classes all o

ation, during

most importa

Etablisseme

is one of the

ble with oth

y of the spa d


‐known and

rn from Gau

a town nam

ated as Vich16th century

iraculous mi

century, than

town gained

over Europe.

which new

ant spa locali

ent Thermal,

e most prom

er world‐fam

district and t


most famou

l to Rome.

med Vipiacuhy. In the My, the effect

ineral water

nks to visits

d popularity

During the

elegant boul

ities are Glal Casino.

minent spa to

mous spas co

he authentic

Vichy


us spa in Fra

Toward the

us was reorgMiddle Ages,

ts of hydroth

r were heard

of Napoleo

y amongst t

Second Em

levards and

lerie Parc de

owns of Euro

onsidered for

city of its spa

y ‐ Le Hall des

InteM

ance. It was

e end of the

ganized and

, a Celestine

herapy were

d. The spa’s

on III, who m

the French g

pire era, the

numerous m

es Sources, G

ope and its co

r the transna

a buildings ar

s Sources


s founded in

3rd century

its name tra

e monastery

e common k

s fame reach

made spa tr

gentry, as w

e town went

majestic struc

Galerie pour

osmopolitan

ational serial

re quite extr


n the year 5

A.D., during

ansformed t

y was found

knowledge to

hed its peak

reatments a

well as mem

through a s

ctures were b

la Source de

architecture

l nomination

raordinary.


2 B.C., after

g the rule of

to Vichiacus,ed over the

o the extent

k only in the

fashionable

mbers of the

stage of new

built.

es Célestins,

e is fully

n. The

r

f

, e

t

e

e

e

w

,


BELG

Spa Spa is

King Hen

ones are

who vis

investme

The m

Peter th The sp

historiciz

II), Villa

built in 1

of cafés,

Spa is

with oth

of its spa

of balne

process


GIUM

the best‐kn

nry III alread

e: “Prince‐de

ited Spa in

ent activities

most importa

e Great, Kurpecial charac

zed styles, e

d'Eaux, or V

1905 in the s

, which accou

one of Euro

her world‐fam

a district, as

ological trea

of general d


nown spa in

dy in the 16th

e‐Condé”, M

1717. Rea

s began.

nt spa buildi

rsaal. cter of Spa

.g., Villa Ma

illa des Fleu

style of roma

unts for the

ope‘s most f

mous spas co

well as the a

atments in th

evastation.


Belgium. Wh century. Th

Marie‐Henriet

al developm

ings are The

is compleme

rie‐Henriette

rs. Hotel Ba

antic semi‐ti

fact that Spa

famous spa t

onsidered fo

authenticity

he second ha

Spa ‐ Gal


Water was ex

here are sev

tte, and Pete

ment of the

rmal Bath, C

ented with c

e (residence

almoral, whe

mbered hou

a’s nickname

towns and it

r the transna

of its buildin

alf of the 20

erie, Parc de

InteM

xported from

eral curative

er the Great

location da

Casino, Galer

countless ho

of the wife

re the Belgia

uses. The ce

e used to be

ts cosmopol

ational seria

ngs has suffe

0th century. A

e sept‐heures


m this locality

e springs, of

t, the latter

tes back to

rie, Le Parc d

otels, pensio

of the secon

an King Leop

nter of Spa f

“the Café of

itan architec

l nomination

ered due to d

At present, S

s


y to the Fren

which the m

is named af

o 1763, whe

de sept‐heur

ons, and villa

nd Belgian k

pold II, used

features a gr

f Europe”.

cture is fully

n. However,

decline of th

Spa is struggl


55

nch court of

most popular

fter the Czar

en extensive

res, pavilion

as in various

ing, Leopold

to stay, was

reat number

y compatible

the integrity

e popularity

ing with the

5

f

r

r

e

n

s

d

s

r

e

y

y

e


54

FRAN

Vichy

This

Julius Ca

Emperor

later to

springs a

where re

sixties o

matter.

wealthy

urbaniza

The m

Grand l´

Vichy

compati

integrity


NCE

is the best‐

aesar’s retur

r Diocletius,

be abbrevia

and, by the

eports of m

of the 18th c

Thus, the

classes all o

ation, during

most importa

Etablisseme

is one of the

ble with oth

y of the spa d


‐known and

rn from Gau

a town nam

ated as Vich16th century

iraculous mi

century, than

town gained

over Europe.

which new

ant spa locali

ent Thermal,

e most prom

er world‐fam

district and t


most famou

l to Rome.

med Vipiacuhy. In the My, the effect

ineral water

nks to visits

d popularity

During the

elegant boul

ities are Glal Casino.

minent spa to

mous spas co

he authentic

Vichy


us spa in Fra

Toward the

us was reorgMiddle Ages,

ts of hydroth

r were heard

of Napoleo

y amongst t

Second Em

levards and

lerie Parc de

owns of Euro

onsidered for

city of its spa

y ‐ Le Hall des

InteM

ance. It was

e end of the

ganized and

, a Celestine

herapy were

d. The spa’s

on III, who m

the French g

pire era, the

numerous m

es Sources, G

ope and its co

r the transna

a buildings ar

s Sources


s founded in

3rd century

its name tra

e monastery

e common k

s fame reach

made spa tr

gentry, as w

e town went

majestic struc

Galerie pour

osmopolitan

ational serial

re quite extr


n the year 5

A.D., during

ansformed t

y was found

knowledge to

hed its peak

reatments a

well as mem

through a s

ctures were b

la Source de

architecture

l nomination

raordinary.


2 B.C., after

g the rule of

to Vichiacus,ed over the

o the extent

k only in the

fashionable

mbers of the

stage of new

built.

es Célestins,

e is fully

n. The

r

f

, e

t

e

e

e

w

,


BELG

Spa Spa is

King Hen

ones are

who vis

investme

The m

Peter th The sp

historiciz

II), Villa

built in 1

of cafés,

Spa is

with oth

of its spa

of balne

process


GIUM

the best‐kn

nry III alread

e: “Prince‐de

ited Spa in

ent activities

most importa

e Great, Kurpecial charac

zed styles, e

d'Eaux, or V

1905 in the s

, which accou

one of Euro

her world‐fam

a district, as

ological trea

of general d


nown spa in

dy in the 16th

e‐Condé”, M

1717. Rea

s began.

nt spa buildi

rsaal. cter of Spa

.g., Villa Ma

illa des Fleu

style of roma

unts for the

ope‘s most f

mous spas co

well as the a

atments in th

evastation.


Belgium. Wh century. Th

Marie‐Henriet

al developm

ings are The

is compleme

rie‐Henriette

rs. Hotel Ba

antic semi‐ti

fact that Spa

famous spa t

onsidered fo

authenticity

he second ha

Spa ‐ Gal


Water was ex

here are sev

tte, and Pete

ment of the

rmal Bath, C

ented with c

e (residence

almoral, whe

mbered hou

a’s nickname

towns and it

r the transna

of its buildin

alf of the 20

erie, Parc de

InteM

xported from

eral curative

er the Great

location da

Casino, Galer

countless ho

of the wife

re the Belgia

uses. The ce

e used to be

ts cosmopol

ational seria

ngs has suffe

0th century. A

e sept‐heures


m this locality

e springs, of

t, the latter

tes back to

rie, Le Parc d

otels, pensio

of the secon

an King Leop

nter of Spa f

“the Café of

itan architec

l nomination

ered due to d

At present, S

s


y to the Fren

which the m

is named af

o 1763, whe

de sept‐heur

ons, and villa

nd Belgian k

pold II, used

features a gr

f Europe”.

cture is fully

n. However,

decline of th

Spa is struggl


55

nch court of

most popular

fter the Czar

en extensive

res, pavilion

as in various

ing, Leopold

to stay, was

reat number

y compatible

the integrity

e popularity

ing with the

5

f

r

r

e

n

s

d

s

r

e

y

y

e


56

GREAT BRITAIN

Buxton

The Buxton Spa situated in Derbyshire County, has a Roman tradition, as well. The Romans called it

Aquae Arnemetiae. Development of the spa around geothermal springs (28°C) began during the 18th

century and climaxed in the 19th century with the construction of spa facilities resembling the

architecture and urban setup of the more famous Bath in Wales. In the years 1780‐1784, architect John Carr built the Grand Crescent in the center of Buxton, as a quasi replica of the famous Royal Crescent

in Bath. John Carr also designed large stables, which were converted, in 1859, by Henry Currey into the

Devonshire Royal Hospital (current a university).

The most important spa buildings are – The Spa, The Devonshire Colonnade, The Drinking Hall, The Garden Hall with pavilions, Opera.

Buxton is one of the most prominent spa towns in Great Britain. Its cosmopolitan architecture is fully


original urban layout concept has been preserved to this day.

Buxton – Crescent


57

Harrogate

In the north of England, in Yorkshire County, is another important spa resort, named Harrogate, with

ninety healing springs. Initially, water was collected into ordinary stone wells, with small stone shelters

built over them subsequently. The ferric springs of Upper Harrogate used to be very popular, but since

the mid‐18th century the sulphuric springs of Lower Harrogate have become more popular. The

appearance of the spa district was finalized as late as mid‐1850‘s.

The most important spa buildings are – Pavilion St. John Well, Tewit Well, Sulphur Well, The Royal Pavilion and Drinking Hall, The Concert Hall and Kursaal, The Royal Baths, The Parks ‐ Valey Garden with colonnade and pavilions. Harrogate is part of the famous spa towns named Bath, i.e., one of Great Britain’s most prominent spa towns. Its cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for

the transnational serial nomination. The town’s original urban concept has been preserved to this day,

but the integrity of its spa district has been partly disrupted. The greater part of the Royal Baths is now

closed, but their restoration is being planned.

Harrogate ‐ The Royal Baths


56

GREAT BRITAIN

Buxton

The Buxton Spa situated in Derbyshire County, has a Roman tradition, as well. The Romans called it

Aquae Arnemetiae. Development of the spa around geothermal springs (28°C) began during the 18th

century and climaxed in the 19th century with the construction of spa facilities resembling the

architecture and urban setup of the more famous Bath in Wales. In the years 1780‐1784, architect John Carr built the Grand Crescent in the center of Buxton, as a quasi replica of the famous Royal Crescent

in Bath. John Carr also designed large stables, which were converted, in 1859, by Henry Currey into the

Devonshire Royal Hospital (current a university).

The most important spa buildings are – The Spa, The Devonshire Colonnade, The Drinking Hall, The Garden Hall with pavilions, Opera.

Buxton is one of the most prominent spa towns in Great Britain. Its cosmopolitan architecture is fully


original urban layout concept has been preserved to this day.

Buxton – Crescent


57

Harrogate

In the north of England, in Yorkshire County, is another important spa resort, named Harrogate, with

ninety healing springs. Initially, water was collected into ordinary stone wells, with small stone shelters

built over them subsequently. The ferric springs of Upper Harrogate used to be very popular, but since

the mid‐18th century the sulphuric springs of Lower Harrogate have become more popular. The

appearance of the spa district was finalized as late as mid‐1850‘s.

The most important spa buildings are – Pavilion St. John Well, Tewit Well, Sulphur Well, The Royal Pavilion and Drinking Hall, The Concert Hall and Kursaal, The Royal Baths, The Parks ‐ Valey Garden with colonnade and pavilions. Harrogate is part of the famous spa towns named Bath, i.e., one of Great Britain’s most prominent spa towns. Its cosmopolitan architecture is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for

the transnational serial nomination. The town’s original urban concept has been preserved to this day,

but the integrity of its spa district has been partly disrupted. The greater part of the Royal Baths is now

closed, but their restoration is being planned.

Harrogate ‐ The Royal Baths


58

POLAND

Ciechocinek

The largest Polish salt baths. It features the largest cooling tower in Europe. The architecture is characterized by historicist‐style structures with wooden elements resembling romantic Swiss

architecture.

The most important spa buildings are – The Drinking Hall, Kursaal, Baths I ‐ IV, The Cooling tower, The Park Zdrojowy, The Theater.

Ciechocinek is one of the prominent spa towns in Central and Eastern Europe and its cosmopolitan

architecture is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. Potential nomination does not apply to the town itself, which does not possess any specially valuable

objects. The nomination would only apply to the unique cooling tower as the best European example of

this kind of facility necessary for salt baths.

Ciechocink‘s unique cooling tower invites a challenging comparison with the cooling tower in Bad

Nauheim.

Ciechocinek ‐ The Cooling tower (Gradierwerk)


59

SPA TOWNS RECOMMENDED FOR SERIAL NOMINATED FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST


58

POLAND

Ciechocinek

The largest Polish salt baths. It features the largest cooling tower in Europe. The architecture is characterized by historicist‐style structures with wooden elements resembling romantic Swiss

architecture.

The most important spa buildings are – The Drinking Hall, Kursaal, Baths I ‐ IV, The Cooling tower, The Park Zdrojowy, The Theater.

Ciechocinek is one of the prominent spa towns in Central and Eastern Europe and its cosmopolitan

architecture is fully compatible with other world‐famous spas considered for the transnational serial nomination. Potential nomination does not apply to the town itself, which does not possess any specially valuable

objects. The nomination would only apply to the unique cooling tower as the best European example of

this kind of facility necessary for salt baths.

Ciechocink‘s unique cooling tower invites a challenging comparison with the cooling tower in Bad

Nauheim.

Ciechocinek ‐ The Cooling tower (Gradierwerk)


59

SPA TOWNS RECOMMENDED FOR SERIAL NOMINATED FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST


60

EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS FOR NOMINATED FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE LIST OF THE EUROPEAN HERITAGE SITES


61

Substantiation of the International Value of the Spa Triangle of West Bohemia in the context of the European Spa Heritage _____________________________________________________________________________________

Development of the individual spa centers has to be viewed in the context of all other important

spa centers in all of Europe. Understanding of the historical development of European spas is essential for comprehending this industry’s mutual pan‐European relations.

The complexity of the Project stems from the fact that it aims to reinforce the awareness of these spheres all over Europe and to strengthen the cultural links between the individual spa regions through better knowledge of their historical similarities as well as differences.

Comparison of the individual spa heritage structures demonstrates their specific historical value and underlines their importance in the European context. Exploitation of natural springs for medical purposes has an very old tradition worldwide. The Czech

Republic is a country that is extraordinarily rich in mineral springs and health spas. The Czech and Moravian spa sector used to be and objectively still is one of the best‐developed sectors of its kind in the world. The golden era of the Czech spa sector began in the 18th century and lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, and its specifics still account for the Karlovy Vary Region’s distinct position in the Czech Republic.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle comprises the largest spa centers in the Czech Republic, whose architectural and functional properties are considered typical for certain groups of large West and Central‐European spas of cosmopolitan character. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the matter is that all of these three spa towns are situated over a relatively small geographical area, whereby each of them represents a unique urban as well as architectural entity, yet three of them represent entirely different urban planning concepts. Karlovy Vary is a town developed along a water stream in a topographically dramatic valley. Mariánské Lázně is an urban entity based on the concept of a central landscaped park surrounded by urban development. Františkovy Lázně is, on the contrary, a compact urban agglomeration with an octagonal network of streets surrounded with a landscaped park complemented with pavilions over individual springs.

From architectural perspective, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle constitutes an exceptionally diversified treasury of noteworthy sites of extraordinary quality documenting periods of all architectural styles from the 18th to the 20th century. Amongst the authors of the buildings we find the most prominent Czech and foreign architects. The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is, in this respect, an exceptionally well preserved example of “integrated diversification” (Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně) and “diversified integrity” (Františkovy Lázně).


60

EUROPEAN SPA TOWNS FOR NOMINATED FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE LIST OF THE EUROPEAN HERITAGE SITES


61

Substantiation of the International Value of the Spa Triangle of West Bohemia in the context of the European Spa Heritage _____________________________________________________________________________________

Development of the individual spa centers has to be viewed in the context of all other important

spa centers in all of Europe. Understanding of the historical development of European spas is essential for comprehending this industry’s mutual pan‐European relations.

The complexity of the Project stems from the fact that it aims to reinforce the awareness of these spheres all over Europe and to strengthen the cultural links between the individual spa regions through better knowledge of their historical similarities as well as differences.

Comparison of the individual spa heritage structures demonstrates their specific historical value and underlines their importance in the European context. Exploitation of natural springs for medical purposes has an very old tradition worldwide. The Czech

Republic is a country that is extraordinarily rich in mineral springs and health spas. The Czech and Moravian spa sector used to be and objectively still is one of the best‐developed sectors of its kind in the world. The golden era of the Czech spa sector began in the 18th century and lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, and its specifics still account for the Karlovy Vary Region’s distinct position in the Czech Republic.

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle comprises the largest spa centers in the Czech Republic, whose architectural and functional properties are considered typical for certain groups of large West and Central‐European spas of cosmopolitan character. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the matter is that all of these three spa towns are situated over a relatively small geographical area, whereby each of them represents a unique urban as well as architectural entity, yet three of them represent entirely different urban planning concepts. Karlovy Vary is a town developed along a water stream in a topographically dramatic valley. Mariánské Lázně is an urban entity based on the concept of a central landscaped park surrounded by urban development. Františkovy Lázně is, on the contrary, a compact urban agglomeration with an octagonal network of streets surrounded with a landscaped park complemented with pavilions over individual springs.

From architectural perspective, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle constitutes an exceptionally diversified treasury of noteworthy sites of extraordinary quality documenting periods of all architectural styles from the 18th to the 20th century. Amongst the authors of the buildings we find the most prominent Czech and foreign architects. The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is, in this respect, an exceptionally well preserved example of “integrated diversification” (Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně) and “diversified integrity” (Františkovy Lázně).


62

Mariánské Lázně – The New Spa


63

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is an excellent document of the role of healing spas in the European

societies. The very existence of these three municipal complexes is, in fact, accountable to their functionality, their urban form, and their architecture as such. Thanks to their position amongst the leading European spa centers, these towns are living testimonies of the history of the exploitation of human values in the period from the 18th to 20th century, where balneology predefined their architectural appearance. The architecture of these three towns forms part of the cosmopolitan trends in European architecture during the above period, as it reflects the life style of the middle and upper middle class of the society. These towns feature predominantly authentic architecture of extraordinary or high artistic value. The towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle have extraordinary integrity and authenticity in terms

of the preservation of their urban and architectural features, as well as spa functions. They form authentic and vary valuable integral entities, whose appearance has remained practically intact since the end of their traditional development (before W.W.II). Quite extraordinary is also the architectural integrity of the towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, as authentic structures of outstanding artistic value have been professionally conserved. Moreover, the authenticity of the exteriors of buildings is generally applicable, as there exist no objective differences in the quality and historical value between the individual towns. Thanks to its position amongst prestigious European spa centers, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle

stands out also in terms of cultural and historical values. Numerous prominent artists, politicians, and other personages were treated here or stayed as visitors. Spa clientele used to come and still comes from all corners of the world, which is reflected in the existence of sacral sites of all denominations: Catholic, Evangelical, Anglican, Russian and Greek Orthodox churches, as well as Muslim tabernacles in certain spa houses. There used to be, of course, also Jewish synagogues, but they did not survive the era of Nazi terror. Quite multicultural is also the ethnical mosaic of the spa guests. The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle therefore holds a special position in terms of interaction and coexistence of diverse denominations and nations. At times of their greatest boom, the West‐Bohemian spas were fully on the par with the leading spa

centers of Europe, despite the fact that most urban planning, architectural, typological, and technological impulses were taken over and adopted from elsewhere, whereupon their development may have taken its own course in these localities. In the course of this process, architectural designers created for Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Láznĕ, in

addition to colonnades, remarkably unique dome‐like structures with an open‐air atrium that evoke Greek or Roman palaestras. Furthermore, architectural motifs of pre‐revolutionary and revolutionary France were elaborated, especially in terms of combining cylindrical and rectangular building elements (Etienne Louis Boullée, Claude‐Nicolas Ledoux). Their initiatives led, thanks to Josef Esch’s creative approach, to the formation of a new style of spa architecture, where the central dome, so‐called gloriet, arched over the actual source of the spring, is elevated and linked to lower promenades halls in the form of colonnades or stand‐up areas with bay‐style terminals suitable for socialization. Thanks to high popularity of West‐Bohemian spas amongst the Russian gentry and on the part of a great admirer of antique‐inspired architecture, Czar Alexander I., the West‐Bohemian antique and historicist styles, as well as English Palladianism, had a strong influence on Russian architecture, especially in St. Petersburg.


62

Mariánské Lázně – The New Spa


63

The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is an excellent document of the role of healing spas in the European

societies. The very existence of these three municipal complexes is, in fact, accountable to their functionality, their urban form, and their architecture as such. Thanks to their position amongst the leading European spa centers, these towns are living testimonies of the history of the exploitation of human values in the period from the 18th to 20th century, where balneology predefined their architectural appearance. The architecture of these three towns forms part of the cosmopolitan trends in European architecture during the above period, as it reflects the life style of the middle and upper middle class of the society. These towns feature predominantly authentic architecture of extraordinary or high artistic value. The towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle have extraordinary integrity and authenticity in terms

of the preservation of their urban and architectural features, as well as spa functions. They form authentic and vary valuable integral entities, whose appearance has remained practically intact since the end of their traditional development (before W.W.II). Quite extraordinary is also the architectural integrity of the towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, as authentic structures of outstanding artistic value have been professionally conserved. Moreover, the authenticity of the exteriors of buildings is generally applicable, as there exist no objective differences in the quality and historical value between the individual towns. Thanks to its position amongst prestigious European spa centers, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle

stands out also in terms of cultural and historical values. Numerous prominent artists, politicians, and other personages were treated here or stayed as visitors. Spa clientele used to come and still comes from all corners of the world, which is reflected in the existence of sacral sites of all denominations: Catholic, Evangelical, Anglican, Russian and Greek Orthodox churches, as well as Muslim tabernacles in certain spa houses. There used to be, of course, also Jewish synagogues, but they did not survive the era of Nazi terror. Quite multicultural is also the ethnical mosaic of the spa guests. The West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle therefore holds a special position in terms of interaction and coexistence of diverse denominations and nations. At times of their greatest boom, the West‐Bohemian spas were fully on the par with the leading spa

centers of Europe, despite the fact that most urban planning, architectural, typological, and technological impulses were taken over and adopted from elsewhere, whereupon their development may have taken its own course in these localities. In the course of this process, architectural designers created for Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Láznĕ, in

addition to colonnades, remarkably unique dome‐like structures with an open‐air atrium that evoke Greek or Roman palaestras. Furthermore, architectural motifs of pre‐revolutionary and revolutionary France were elaborated, especially in terms of combining cylindrical and rectangular building elements (Etienne Louis Boullée, Claude‐Nicolas Ledoux). Their initiatives led, thanks to Josef Esch’s creative approach, to the formation of a new style of spa architecture, where the central dome, so‐called gloriet, arched over the actual source of the spring, is elevated and linked to lower promenades halls in the form of colonnades or stand‐up areas with bay‐style terminals suitable for socialization. Thanks to high popularity of West‐Bohemian spas amongst the Russian gentry and on the part of a great admirer of antique‐inspired architecture, Czar Alexander I., the West‐Bohemian antique and historicist styles, as well as English Palladianism, had a strong influence on Russian architecture, especially in St. Petersburg.


64

At the beginning of the 20th century, there existed other town of comparable size and quality in Europe. Today, the West‐Bohemian spas stand out in European and global context, as the concentration of artistically first‐class architecture spread out on a large area, yet quite intact in terms of preserved historical urban structure throughout the entire spa territory.

Karlovy Vary – aerial view of the Spa zone

Their integrity was violated by partial interventions in the past (demolition of several structures),

which however were not critically important on the overall scale. Since 1992, all three locations are on

the national conservation list of protected localities.

They are counted amongst the most prominent examples of globally renowned spa resorts. In

addition, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is globally unique in that the towns in it have retained the

authentic appearance that spa resorts had before the mid‐20th century. In the context of the Czech

Republic, the role of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle’s towns is comparable only with Luhačovice in SE

Moravia. The architectural value is quite different, however, as their dominant buildings owe their style

to the national design characteristics of Dušan Jurkovič and modern inter‐war architecture. Other spa

resorts in the Czech Republic do not by any means of measure reach the magnitude, value, or

significance of the West‐Bohemian spas.


65

Mariánské Lázně – aerial view of the Spa zone

Františkovy Lázně – aerial view of the Spa zone


64

At the beginning of the 20th century, there existed other town of comparable size and quality in Europe. Today, the West‐Bohemian spas stand out in European and global context, as the concentration of artistically first‐class architecture spread out on a large area, yet quite intact in terms of preserved historical urban structure throughout the entire spa territory.

Karlovy Vary – aerial view of the Spa zone

Their integrity was violated by partial interventions in the past (demolition of several structures),

which however were not critically important on the overall scale. Since 1992, all three locations are on

the national conservation list of protected localities.

They are counted amongst the most prominent examples of globally renowned spa resorts. In

addition, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle is globally unique in that the towns in it have retained the

authentic appearance that spa resorts had before the mid‐20th century. In the context of the Czech

Republic, the role of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle’s towns is comparable only with Luhačovice in SE

Moravia. The architectural value is quite different, however, as their dominant buildings owe their style

to the national design characteristics of Dušan Jurkovič and modern inter‐war architecture. Other spa

resorts in the Czech Republic do not by any means of measure reach the magnitude, value, or

significance of the West‐Bohemian spas.


65

Mariánské Lázně – aerial view of the Spa zone

Františkovy Lázně – aerial view of the Spa zone


66

Such extensive, yet compact spa localities are to be found nowhere else. Over the ages of their

existence, they have become integrated “ensembles” featuring an incomparable “genius loci”. In the context of global development of spa towns and spa centers, their integrity and compactness constitute

a unique phenomenon in all of Europe. The objective quality of the three historical spa towns in West

Bohemia stems primarily from the scope and integrity of their spa districts that form together a region

of singular characteristics, which can no longer be found in any other, albeit famous spa location in

Europe.

History conservationists’ evaluation of the three major spa centers in western Bohemia – namely,

Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně – also known as the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle,

has clearly shown that the centers contain an extraordinary concentration of valuable historical sites

and therefore, without a doubt, satisfy the qualitative requirements applicable to candidates for

enlistment in the list of the world’s cultural heritage sites (The World Heritage List).

West‐Bohemian spas are part of unique global architectural and civilization heritage.

Karlovy Vary – The Imperial Spa


67

Maps created as part of the Assessment Study of Land Development in the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle _____________________________________________________________________________

Maps created as part of the Assessment Study of Land Development in the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle The maps produced as part of the evaluation of land development in the towns of the Spa Triangle present a comprehensive view of distribution of historically valuable locations within the said territory, both in terms of individual sites and preservation of the historically authentic urban structure. By way of summarization, it can said that determination of the most valuable territories is based on the prevalence of sites classified as A+, A, or B (or F), i.e., marked in red, blue, or green (or dark gray). The sites are classified by objective historical value in the following categories: A+ – historically most valuable sites – marked in red A – individual historically valuable buildings, to be protected – marked in blue B – supplementary sites (urban) of historical value, to be protected – marked in green C – objekty s rušivou fasádou, k architectonic rehabilitaci – marked in brown D, E – incongruous sites, to be altered, material or design‐wise, or demolished and replaced (D) or not replaced (E) – marked in purple F – architecturally noteworthy newbuilding – marked in dark gray 0 – other sires or not evaluated sites – marked in light gray Z, W – no‐longer‐existing and vacant (usually never developed) land parcels or land designated for development – marked in yellow Supplementary Characteristics of Sites: Partly deteriorated façade – marked in dotted purple contour around the façade Severely deteriorated façade – marked with purple dashed countour around the façade Incongruous material or design in parts of the site/building or architecturally incongruous roof – marked with a purple dot inside the site’s area Delimitation of the territory in point (i.e., potential world heritage site) (thick orange line) and the respective buffer zone (thick light‐blue line) for all three towns constitutes an inseaparable part of the Requisition / Application.


66

Such extensive, yet compact spa localities are to be found nowhere else. Over the ages of their

existence, they have become integrated “ensembles” featuring an incomparable “genius loci”. In the context of global development of spa towns and spa centers, their integrity and compactness constitute

a unique phenomenon in all of Europe. The objective quality of the three historical spa towns in West

Bohemia stems primarily from the scope and integrity of their spa districts that form together a region

of singular characteristics, which can no longer be found in any other, albeit famous spa location in

Europe.

History conservationists’ evaluation of the three major spa centers in western Bohemia – namely,

Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně – also known as the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle,

has clearly shown that the centers contain an extraordinary concentration of valuable historical sites

and therefore, without a doubt, satisfy the qualitative requirements applicable to candidates for

enlistment in the list of the world’s cultural heritage sites (The World Heritage List).

West‐Bohemian spas are part of unique global architectural and civilization heritage.

Karlovy Vary – The Imperial Spa


67

Maps created as part of the Assessment Study of Land Development in the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle _____________________________________________________________________________

Maps created as part of the Assessment Study of Land Development in the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle The maps produced as part of the evaluation of land development in the towns of the Spa Triangle present a comprehensive view of distribution of historically valuable locations within the said territory, both in terms of individual sites and preservation of the historically authentic urban structure. By way of summarization, it can said that determination of the most valuable territories is based on the prevalence of sites classified as A+, A, or B (or F), i.e., marked in red, blue, or green (or dark gray). The sites are classified by objective historical value in the following categories: A+ – historically most valuable sites – marked in red A – individual historically valuable buildings, to be protected – marked in blue B – supplementary sites (urban) of historical value, to be protected – marked in green C – objekty s rušivou fasádou, k architectonic rehabilitaci – marked in brown D, E – incongruous sites, to be altered, material or design‐wise, or demolished and replaced (D) or not replaced (E) – marked in purple F – architecturally noteworthy newbuilding – marked in dark gray 0 – other sires or not evaluated sites – marked in light gray Z, W – no‐longer‐existing and vacant (usually never developed) land parcels or land designated for development – marked in yellow Supplementary Characteristics of Sites: Partly deteriorated façade – marked in dotted purple contour around the façade Severely deteriorated façade – marked with purple dashed countour around the façade Incongruous material or design in parts of the site/building or architecturally incongruous roof – marked with a purple dot inside the site’s area Delimitation of the territory in point (i.e., potential world heritage site) (thick orange line) and the respective buffer zone (thick light‐blue line) for all three towns constitutes an inseaparable part of the Requisition / Application.


68


69


68


69


70

CONSULTATIVE ROUND TABLE

working meeting __________________________________________________


71

The Karlovy Vary meeting (International Consultation Roundtable of Specialists invited to compare the architectural and urban values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and prominent spa towns in Europe), held on May 19‐21, 2011, tied onto the Conference of Tourism and Balneology organized in October 2009 in Karlovy Vary, followed by a conference in November 2010 in Baden‐Baden. Initially, the meeting was prepared as an international roundtable of experts invited for a discussion of the architectural, cultural, and social values of the towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle. In response to the conclusions arising from the conference in Baden‐Baden, the National Heritage Institute’s representative promised, on behalf of the Czech party, to assume the responsibility for subsequent negotiations concerning international serial nomination. However, the theme was subsequently expanded by a proposal of certain basic criteria that European spa towns aspiring to be nominated would have to meet. While setting up the relevant criteria, the Czech party’s primary objective was draw up a set of comprehensible conditions that, if fulfilled, would qualify any spa town to consider applying for entry into the planned list of international serial nominations. The basis of these criteria would of course and primarily be the criteria specified in the Criteria for the assessment of outstanding universal values (Critères pour l´évaluation de la valeur universelle exceptionelle) contained in Art.. 77 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention of the UNESCO World Heritage Commission, specifically criteria (i), ( ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi). In order to concretize and create a comprehensible structure of clear requirements that the aspiring spa towns would have to meet, the UNESCO criteria were summarized into about ten points divided into three main areas:

‐ General criteria (historical, functional, usability of provisions, conservation care, urban and nature protection)

‐ Cultural and social criteria (famous history, solid present‐day cultural and social background) ‐ Technical criteria (national indicative lists, other steps necessary for international serial

nomination)

The proposed criteria were sent to the participants of the Roundtable ahead of time, along with Lubomír Zeman’s text containing the assessment of the value of prominent European spa localities (find the text printed in this collection of papers), which the author presented at the opening of the Karlovy Vary meeting. Following many hours of discussion, the attendants drew up a Memorandum, in which subsequent steps were recommended and the relevant criteria compiled in the form of an Annex to the Memorandum, subsequently translated into English, read and distributed to the attending parties for annotations by 20.6.2011. Upon receiving the annotations, the relevant comments were compiled and finalized in a document entitled the Karlovy Vary Criteria (attached see text of the Memorandum with the Criteria and the participants’ commentaries). The text of the Memorandum, including the Criteria, was thereupon forwarded, in accordance with the January Declaration of Cooperation among the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and the Karlovy Vary Region, to the Municipality of Karlovy Vary as underlying material for further negotiations of the spa towns’ representatives, which took place in Karlovy Vary in June 2011.

Martin POSPÍŠIL, Ph.D. Head of the Karlovy Vary Region’s Department of Culture, Conservation, Spa Resorts, and Tourism


70

CONSULTATIVE ROUND TABLE

working meeting __________________________________________________


71

The Karlovy Vary meeting (International Consultation Roundtable of Specialists invited to compare the architectural and urban values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and prominent spa towns in Europe), held on May 19‐21, 2011, tied onto the Conference of Tourism and Balneology organized in October 2009 in Karlovy Vary, followed by a conference in November 2010 in Baden‐Baden. Initially, the meeting was prepared as an international roundtable of experts invited for a discussion of the architectural, cultural, and social values of the towns in the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle. In response to the conclusions arising from the conference in Baden‐Baden, the National Heritage Institute’s representative promised, on behalf of the Czech party, to assume the responsibility for subsequent negotiations concerning international serial nomination. However, the theme was subsequently expanded by a proposal of certain basic criteria that European spa towns aspiring to be nominated would have to meet. While setting up the relevant criteria, the Czech party’s primary objective was draw up a set of comprehensible conditions that, if fulfilled, would qualify any spa town to consider applying for entry into the planned list of international serial nominations. The basis of these criteria would of course and primarily be the criteria specified in the Criteria for the assessment of outstanding universal values (Critères pour l´évaluation de la valeur universelle exceptionelle) contained in Art.. 77 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention of the UNESCO World Heritage Commission, specifically criteria (i), ( ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi). In order to concretize and create a comprehensible structure of clear requirements that the aspiring spa towns would have to meet, the UNESCO criteria were summarized into about ten points divided into three main areas:

‐ General criteria (historical, functional, usability of provisions, conservation care, urban and nature protection)

‐ Cultural and social criteria (famous history, solid present‐day cultural and social background) ‐ Technical criteria (national indicative lists, other steps necessary for international serial

nomination)

The proposed criteria were sent to the participants of the Roundtable ahead of time, along with Lubomír Zeman’s text containing the assessment of the value of prominent European spa localities (find the text printed in this collection of papers), which the author presented at the opening of the Karlovy Vary meeting. Following many hours of discussion, the attendants drew up a Memorandum, in which subsequent steps were recommended and the relevant criteria compiled in the form of an Annex to the Memorandum, subsequently translated into English, read and distributed to the attending parties for annotations by 20.6.2011. Upon receiving the annotations, the relevant comments were compiled and finalized in a document entitled the Karlovy Vary Criteria (attached see text of the Memorandum with the Criteria and the participants’ commentaries). The text of the Memorandum, including the Criteria, was thereupon forwarded, in accordance with the January Declaration of Cooperation among the Towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and the Karlovy Vary Region, to the Municipality of Karlovy Vary as underlying material for further negotiations of the spa towns’ representatives, which took place in Karlovy Vary in June 2011.

Martin POSPÍŠIL, Ph.D. Head of the Karlovy Vary Region’s Department of Culture, Conservation, Spa Resorts, and Tourism


72

Prominent representatives of the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture and other authorities and organizations of competence in the conservation of national heritage sites

PhDr. Anna MATOUŠKOVÁ

Graduate of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University, Prague. 1980‐1994: worked as historian at the current Bohemian Karst Museum in Beroun (formerly Beroun District Museum). In her research work and publications, she concentrated on the economic and regional history of technical and cultural heritage sites. 1994 to mid‐2001: office of deputy mayor of the town of Beroun. Thanks to her input in a program of urban regeneration and conservation of the town’s historic zone, she successfully prevented demolition of the town’s fortification walls and achieved restoration of heritage sites in downtown Beroun. As the town’s deputy mayor, she represented the town in the Association of Historic Settlements in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia (SHS ČMS). 1997: elected vice‐president and, in 1998, president of SHS ČMS. At that time, she concurrently held office as national coordinator of European Heritage Days in the Czech Republic. 1.7.2001 – 31.3.2007: head of the Section of Culture and Conservation at the Regional Office of the Central‐Bohemian Region. Since April 2007: holding the post of director of the Section of Heritage Conservation of the Ministry of Culture, currently as deputy minister of the Czech Ministry of Culture.

Mgr. Michal BENEŠ, CSc.

Graduate of the University of Economics and Philosophical Faculty of Charles University, Prague. Earned academic title CSc. (Ph.D.) in technical sciences, specialized in the theory and history of architecture. Since 1989, deputy of the chief secretary of the Czechoslovak Commission for UNESCO, thereupon at the Ministry of Culture, assigned to the UNESCO cultural agenda (founder). Concentrated on issues concerning the Convention on the Protection of the World’s Cultural Heritage and Nature Protection and practical implementation thereof; engaged in proposing and promoting adoption of a multilateral international Convention on Conservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Participated in the representation of the Czech Republic at the sessions of the UNESCO management authorities and in many specialized international institutions affiliated with UNESCO. Many years of acting as the Czech Cultural Ministry’s representative in the Czech Commission for UNESCO, member of the Czech Committee of ICOMOS, Czech Committee of CIOFF, and is holder of the Award of Honor of the Czech Ethnographic Society.


73

Mgr. Jiří VAJČNER, Ph.D.

Since 1994: director of the Section of Heritage Conservation of the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture. 2000‐2004: one of the solution finders in a research project entitled Re‐identification of Heritage Sites. 2007‐2009: national expert over Czech Republic’s chairmanship in the EU. Since 2001: cooperates as lecturer with the Institute for Local Administration, Prague. Member of the Scientists Council of the Research Center for Industrial Heritage of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and member of the cultural minister’s team for digitalization of cultural material. Author of a study book entitled Introduction to Heritage Conservation.

Doc. PhDr. Josef ŠTULC

Studies: Czech Technical University Prague – architecture, Faculty of Art, Charles University Prague – history of art, Master degree in art history and classical archaeology, then State Institute for Monuments Care and Nature Preservation in Prague, State Institute for Heritage Preservation (director 1990 – 2002), ICOMOS Czech National Committee (since 2002). Associated professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague. A co‐author of the „ABC of Cultural Monuments in Czechoslovakia“ and about 170 scientific articles, reports and other publications in the field of heritage preservation. Member of the ICOMOS Advisory Committee and 3 ICOMOS International Scientific Committees. Memeber of the Oberlausitzer Geselschaft für Wissenschaften and the Scientific Board of the National Heritage Institut.


72

Prominent representatives of the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture and other authorities and organizations of competence in the conservation of national heritage sites

PhDr. Anna MATOUŠKOVÁ

Graduate of Philosophical Faculty of Charles University, Prague. 1980‐1994: worked as historian at the current Bohemian Karst Museum in Beroun (formerly Beroun District Museum). In her research work and publications, she concentrated on the economic and regional history of technical and cultural heritage sites. 1994 to mid‐2001: office of deputy mayor of the town of Beroun. Thanks to her input in a program of urban regeneration and conservation of the town’s historic zone, she successfully prevented demolition of the town’s fortification walls and achieved restoration of heritage sites in downtown Beroun. As the town’s deputy mayor, she represented the town in the Association of Historic Settlements in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia (SHS ČMS). 1997: elected vice‐president and, in 1998, president of SHS ČMS. At that time, she concurrently held office as national coordinator of European Heritage Days in the Czech Republic. 1.7.2001 – 31.3.2007: head of the Section of Culture and Conservation at the Regional Office of the Central‐Bohemian Region. Since April 2007: holding the post of director of the Section of Heritage Conservation of the Ministry of Culture, currently as deputy minister of the Czech Ministry of Culture.

Mgr. Michal BENEŠ, CSc.

Graduate of the University of Economics and Philosophical Faculty of Charles University, Prague. Earned academic title CSc. (Ph.D.) in technical sciences, specialized in the theory and history of architecture. Since 1989, deputy of the chief secretary of the Czechoslovak Commission for UNESCO, thereupon at the Ministry of Culture, assigned to the UNESCO cultural agenda (founder). Concentrated on issues concerning the Convention on the Protection of the World’s Cultural Heritage and Nature Protection and practical implementation thereof; engaged in proposing and promoting adoption of a multilateral international Convention on Conservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Participated in the representation of the Czech Republic at the sessions of the UNESCO management authorities and in many specialized international institutions affiliated with UNESCO. Many years of acting as the Czech Cultural Ministry’s representative in the Czech Commission for UNESCO, member of the Czech Committee of ICOMOS, Czech Committee of CIOFF, and is holder of the Award of Honor of the Czech Ethnographic Society.


73

Mgr. Jiří VAJČNER, Ph.D.

Since 1994: director of the Section of Heritage Conservation of the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture. 2000‐2004: one of the solution finders in a research project entitled Re‐identification of Heritage Sites. 2007‐2009: national expert over Czech Republic’s chairmanship in the EU. Since 2001: cooperates as lecturer with the Institute for Local Administration, Prague. Member of the Scientists Council of the Research Center for Industrial Heritage of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and member of the cultural minister’s team for digitalization of cultural material. Author of a study book entitled Introduction to Heritage Conservation.

Doc. PhDr. Josef ŠTULC

Studies: Czech Technical University Prague – architecture, Faculty of Art, Charles University Prague – history of art, Master degree in art history and classical archaeology, then State Institute for Monuments Care and Nature Preservation in Prague, State Institute for Heritage Preservation (director 1990 – 2002), ICOMOS Czech National Committee (since 2002). Associated professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague. A co‐author of the „ABC of Cultural Monuments in Czechoslovakia“ and about 170 scientific articles, reports and other publications in the field of heritage preservation. Member of the ICOMOS Advisory Committee and 3 ICOMOS International Scientific Committees. Memeber of the Oberlausitzer Geselschaft für Wissenschaften and the Scientific Board of the National Heritage Institut.


74

Ing. arch. Věra KUČOVÁ

Graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and subsequently took a post‐graduate course in conservation of historic buildings, ibidem. Since 1984, employed at SÚPPOP (National Institute for Conservation of Buildings and Nature Protection), Dept. of Folk Architecture and Special Historic Structures; during 1998‐2000, office for international cooperation of SÚPPOP for community programs Raphael and Culture 2000. Since 2000, in charge of coordination of preparation for nomination of Czech cultural historic buildings and sites for nomination for registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 2008, deputy director assisting the general director at the National Heritage Institute (NPU). Author of numerous subject articles in this specialization, especially on themes concerning world heritage issues, cultural landscapes` co‐author of several methodical publications on conservation.

Mgr. Tomáš WIZOVSKÝ

Graduate of archeology from the West‐Bohemian University, Pilsen. Since 1998: Heritage Institute, Pilsen (currently National Heritage Institute/NPU, specialized branch office in Pilsen and Loket) – unit of Heritage Conservation, Architectural Section, subsequently Department of Archeology. 2005‐2006: director of specialized branch office of the National Heritage Institute for Pilsen and Karlovy Vary Regions. 2010‐2011: director of specialized branch office of the National Heritage Institute for Loket. Simultaneously, superintendent (castellan) at Bečov State Castle and Chateau. Many years of concentration on the effectiveness of management and administration of heritage sites, including implementation of field‐specific findings acquired in the process of heritage site presentation and conservation. Co‐author of Bečov Castle Conservation Project – the project’s presentation was awarded by the European Union – Europa Nostra Awards 2010. Participation in study trips abroad (France, England, Latvia). Member of the Advisory Board of Castellans and Conceptual Commission of the general director of NPU, member of the Heritage Association 200 (Památky 2000). Since 2011: court‐certified expert specialized in archeology and architectural heritage sites.


75

Profiles of discussing experts

Mgr. Lubomír ZEMAN Graduate studies at the philosophical faculty of Charles University, Prague, specializing in philosophy and history 1985‐1990. Post‐graduate studies at the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague, specializing in conservation, history, and protection of tangible historic structures and complexes 1992‐1994. 1991‐1992: work at the Section for Education and Culture of the Municipal Office of Karlovy Vary. 1992‐2004: conservation specialist at the former Conservation Institute in Pilsen. At the present: research worker at the central office of the National Heritage Institute in Prague, specializing in researching and surveying historic architecture in the Karlovy Vary Region. He is particularly enthusiastic about half‐timbered architecture, architecture of historicist styles of the late 19th century, and Art‐Nouveau as well as modern architecture in the area along the northwest border of the Czech Republic with Germany. He endeavors to make the results of his work and successful conservation of architectural heritage sites accessible to the broad public by publishing articles in specialized periodicals as well as individual publications. In 1998, his book entitled Karlovarský Westend (The Westend of Carlsbad) came out in print, in which he describes the beginnings of residential architecture represented by the famous complex of spa villas in Karlovy Vary. In 2001, he prepared, jointly with associated authors, a representative edition for the publication of The History the Town of Ostrov, as well as a number of other writings. In 2001, he won 3rd place in the contest PRIX NON PEREANT, in the journalism category, for a series of articles on the revitalization of the Kyselka Spa, in cooperation with the civil association Pro Bohemia and the Syndicate of Journalists Czech Republic. 2006: issued a publication entitled The Baroque and Classicist Architecture in Karlovy Vary (1650‐1850) and, jointly with Karel Kuča, a voluminous monograph entitled Monumental Sites of the Karlovy Vary Region. 2010: edited a book entitled Famous Villas in the Karlovy Vary Region. He has been exploring the theme of spas and spa resorts, both in the Czech Republic and all of Europe, for many years. 2004‐2005: elaborated a comprehensive comparative study of the world’s spas and spa architecture for registration of Lázně Luhačovice in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 2006‐2009: head solution finder of grant project of the Heritage Conservation Institute in Prague No. 409/06/1759, entitled “The Spas and the Spa Industry in the Czech Republic in the Context of the Global Development of the Spa Industry”. 2008‐2010: drafted and prepared several publications presenting the spa heritage in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and their inclusion in the context of the overall development of spa centers in Europe. In the course of the last five years, he gave about 30 thematically relevant lectures, including presentation of research papers at conferences of scientists abroad.


74

Ing. arch. Věra KUČOVÁ

Graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) and subsequently took a post‐graduate course in conservation of historic buildings, ibidem. Since 1984, employed at SÚPPOP (National Institute for Conservation of Buildings and Nature Protection), Dept. of Folk Architecture and Special Historic Structures; during 1998‐2000, office for international cooperation of SÚPPOP for community programs Raphael and Culture 2000. Since 2000, in charge of coordination of preparation for nomination of Czech cultural historic buildings and sites for nomination for registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 2008, deputy director assisting the general director at the National Heritage Institute (NPU). Author of numerous subject articles in this specialization, especially on themes concerning world heritage issues, cultural landscapes` co‐author of several methodical publications on conservation.

Mgr. Tomáš WIZOVSKÝ

Graduate of archeology from the West‐Bohemian University, Pilsen. Since 1998: Heritage Institute, Pilsen (currently National Heritage Institute/NPU, specialized branch office in Pilsen and Loket) – unit of Heritage Conservation, Architectural Section, subsequently Department of Archeology. 2005‐2006: director of specialized branch office of the National Heritage Institute for Pilsen and Karlovy Vary Regions. 2010‐2011: director of specialized branch office of the National Heritage Institute for Loket. Simultaneously, superintendent (castellan) at Bečov State Castle and Chateau. Many years of concentration on the effectiveness of management and administration of heritage sites, including implementation of field‐specific findings acquired in the process of heritage site presentation and conservation. Co‐author of Bečov Castle Conservation Project – the project’s presentation was awarded by the European Union – Europa Nostra Awards 2010. Participation in study trips abroad (France, England, Latvia). Member of the Advisory Board of Castellans and Conceptual Commission of the general director of NPU, member of the Heritage Association 200 (Památky 2000). Since 2011: court‐certified expert specialized in archeology and architectural heritage sites.


75

Profiles of discussing experts

Mgr. Lubomír ZEMAN Graduate studies at the philosophical faculty of Charles University, Prague, specializing in philosophy and history 1985‐1990. Post‐graduate studies at the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague, specializing in conservation, history, and protection of tangible historic structures and complexes 1992‐1994. 1991‐1992: work at the Section for Education and Culture of the Municipal Office of Karlovy Vary. 1992‐2004: conservation specialist at the former Conservation Institute in Pilsen. At the present: research worker at the central office of the National Heritage Institute in Prague, specializing in researching and surveying historic architecture in the Karlovy Vary Region. He is particularly enthusiastic about half‐timbered architecture, architecture of historicist styles of the late 19th century, and Art‐Nouveau as well as modern architecture in the area along the northwest border of the Czech Republic with Germany. He endeavors to make the results of his work and successful conservation of architectural heritage sites accessible to the broad public by publishing articles in specialized periodicals as well as individual publications. In 1998, his book entitled Karlovarský Westend (The Westend of Carlsbad) came out in print, in which he describes the beginnings of residential architecture represented by the famous complex of spa villas in Karlovy Vary. In 2001, he prepared, jointly with associated authors, a representative edition for the publication of The History the Town of Ostrov, as well as a number of other writings. In 2001, he won 3rd place in the contest PRIX NON PEREANT, in the journalism category, for a series of articles on the revitalization of the Kyselka Spa, in cooperation with the civil association Pro Bohemia and the Syndicate of Journalists Czech Republic. 2006: issued a publication entitled The Baroque and Classicist Architecture in Karlovy Vary (1650‐1850) and, jointly with Karel Kuča, a voluminous monograph entitled Monumental Sites of the Karlovy Vary Region. 2010: edited a book entitled Famous Villas in the Karlovy Vary Region. He has been exploring the theme of spas and spa resorts, both in the Czech Republic and all of Europe, for many years. 2004‐2005: elaborated a comprehensive comparative study of the world’s spas and spa architecture for registration of Lázně Luhačovice in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 2006‐2009: head solution finder of grant project of the Heritage Conservation Institute in Prague No. 409/06/1759, entitled “The Spas and the Spa Industry in the Czech Republic in the Context of the Global Development of the Spa Industry”. 2008‐2010: drafted and prepared several publications presenting the spa heritage in the area of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and their inclusion in the context of the overall development of spa centers in Europe. In the course of the last five years, he gave about 30 thematically relevant lectures, including presentation of research papers at conferences of scientists abroad.


76

Ing. arch. Karel KUČA

Graduate of the Technical University in Brno, thereupon worked at conservation institutes in Brno and České Budějovice; since 1991, working as architect, urban planner, and above all historian in these specialized areas. Author of several books on themes in the area of urban history and architecture, the most voluminous of them being an eight‐volume encyclopedia entitled The Cities and Towns of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia (1996‐2001). Furthermore, he published dozens of subject studies and articles. Author of a database and geographical information system containing a register of all settlement points and communities in the Czech lands (CZ_RETRO), i.e., the base of the country’s localization and information systems of heritage sites and geographical authorities administered by the Czech Republic’s National Library. Member and functionary in a number of civil associations involved in building conservation (e.g., Society for Revival of Villages and Small Towns, Society of Friends of Antiquities, Society for Research of Wooden Churches and Belfries).

Ing. Martin POSPÍŠIL, Ph.D.

Formerly a stonecutter working in reconstructions of heritage preserved monuments. After graduating from building structures studies at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University in Brno, with major specialization in steel structures and bridges, he worked as a project designer in reconstructions of protected heritage sites. After completing doctoral studies at the Institute of Structures, Czech Technical University in Prague, he earned Ph.D. in architecture and building structures. At the present, head of the Department of Culture, Heritage Preservation, Spa Industry, and Tourism of the Regional Authority of the Karlovy Vary Region, and, on a part‐time basis, he teaches at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague. Appointed as a forensic engineer in the field of structural engineering, specializing in heritage preserved structures. Member of several commissions of experts (e.g., Commission of Minister of Culture for Administration of the Heritage Fund in the Karlovy Vary Region, Technical and Scientific Commissions of the European Historical Thermal Town Association (EHTTA), Technical Commission for Reconstruction of Tepla Monastery).


77

Prof. Dominique JARRASSÉ (France)

Professor in History of Contemporary Art at University Michel de Montaigne‐Bordeaux and Ecole du Louvre, Paris. He has been reasercher for the Institut Français d'Architecture in Paris for the exhibition Villes d’eaux in France (1983‐1985) and Assistant in History of Art in Clermont‐Ferrand. As historian of art, he is specialized in 19th and Early 20th Century Art and Architecture, in Jewish Heritage of Europe and North Africa, and in thermal spas. I had writed a few books about artists like Rodin or Redon, has been curator for the exhibition in Musée d’Orsay (1991), Le temps des synagogues en France 1791‐1914, and is autor of many books about synagogues and Jewish art: L’Age d’or des synagogues (1991), Une histoire de synagogues françaises. Entre Occident et Orient (1997), Synagogues. Une architecture de l’identité juive (2001), Existe‐t‐il un art juif ? (Biro, 2006), Synagogues de Tunisie (2010. He takes part in L’Art juif (1995), translated in english and in german. He managed and participated many symposium in universities, and has created a professional master in architectural heritage in the university of Bordeaux. D. Jarrassé is also free expert in two fields : Jewish heritage (many publications, exhibitions and works for the protection of monuments ; intervention for the European Council) ; Thermal cultural heritage (publications, exhibitions and expert’s report for Wiesbaden in 2008).

Luc PEETERS (Belgium)

Deputy mayor of the thermal town of Spa, member of several executive boards of spa organizations, treasurer of the European Historical Thermal Town Association (EHTTA).


76

Ing. arch. Karel KUČA

Graduate of the Technical University in Brno, thereupon worked at conservation institutes in Brno and České Budějovice; since 1991, working as architect, urban planner, and above all historian in these specialized areas. Author of several books on themes in the area of urban history and architecture, the most voluminous of them being an eight‐volume encyclopedia entitled The Cities and Towns of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia (1996‐2001). Furthermore, he published dozens of subject studies and articles. Author of a database and geographical information system containing a register of all settlement points and communities in the Czech lands (CZ_RETRO), i.e., the base of the country’s localization and information systems of heritage sites and geographical authorities administered by the Czech Republic’s National Library. Member and functionary in a number of civil associations involved in building conservation (e.g., Society for Revival of Villages and Small Towns, Society of Friends of Antiquities, Society for Research of Wooden Churches and Belfries).

Ing. Martin POSPÍŠIL, Ph.D.

Formerly a stonecutter working in reconstructions of heritage preserved monuments. After graduating from building structures studies at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University in Brno, with major specialization in steel structures and bridges, he worked as a project designer in reconstructions of protected heritage sites. After completing doctoral studies at the Institute of Structures, Czech Technical University in Prague, he earned Ph.D. in architecture and building structures. At the present, head of the Department of Culture, Heritage Preservation, Spa Industry, and Tourism of the Regional Authority of the Karlovy Vary Region, and, on a part‐time basis, he teaches at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague. Appointed as a forensic engineer in the field of structural engineering, specializing in heritage preserved structures. Member of several commissions of experts (e.g., Commission of Minister of Culture for Administration of the Heritage Fund in the Karlovy Vary Region, Technical and Scientific Commissions of the European Historical Thermal Town Association (EHTTA), Technical Commission for Reconstruction of Tepla Monastery).


77

Prof. Dominique JARRASSÉ (France)

Professor in History of Contemporary Art at University Michel de Montaigne‐Bordeaux and Ecole du Louvre, Paris. He has been reasercher for the Institut Français d'Architecture in Paris for the exhibition Villes d’eaux in France (1983‐1985) and Assistant in History of Art in Clermont‐Ferrand. As historian of art, he is specialized in 19th and Early 20th Century Art and Architecture, in Jewish Heritage of Europe and North Africa, and in thermal spas. I had writed a few books about artists like Rodin or Redon, has been curator for the exhibition in Musée d’Orsay (1991), Le temps des synagogues en France 1791‐1914, and is autor of many books about synagogues and Jewish art: L’Age d’or des synagogues (1991), Une histoire de synagogues françaises. Entre Occident et Orient (1997), Synagogues. Une architecture de l’identité juive (2001), Existe‐t‐il un art juif ? (Biro, 2006), Synagogues de Tunisie (2010. He takes part in L’Art juif (1995), translated in english and in german. He managed and participated many symposium in universities, and has created a professional master in architectural heritage in the university of Bordeaux. D. Jarrassé is also free expert in two fields : Jewish heritage (many publications, exhibitions and works for the protection of monuments ; intervention for the European Council) ; Thermal cultural heritage (publications, exhibitions and expert’s report for Wiesbaden in 2008).

Luc PEETERS (Belgium)

Deputy mayor of the thermal town of Spa, member of several executive boards of spa organizations, treasurer of the European Historical Thermal Town Association (EHTTA).


78

Dipl.‐ Geograph Volkmar EIDLOTH (Germany)

Geography graduate, Oberkonservator. Studies of Geography, German philology and History at Erlangen University, as well as Historical Geography, Ethnic Studies and Preservation of Historical Monuments at Bamberg University. 1985 diploma with the research paper on a 19th century residential area in Bamberg. Since 1991 consultant on urban heritage conservation, since 2004 additionally advisor on policy questions and the theory of the preservation of architectural and art monuments at the State Department for the Preservation of Historical Monuments of Baden‐Wurttemberg. Lecturer in the department of Historical Geography at Bamberg University. Member of the Working Group on urban heritage conservation within the Association of State Conservators in Germany, of the Working Group on the theory and teaching of conservation, of the Working Committee for historical cultural landscape research in Central Europe (ARKUM) and of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Focus of research and publications on historical urban geography, history of urban planning and on urban heritage conservation, on cultural landscape issues and on the history of green and open spaces.

Prof. Dr. Erika SCHMIDT (Germany)

Prof. Dr. rer. hort; Dipl.‐Ing. in landscape architecture and doctoral degree confered by Universität Hannover, teacher in garden conservation ibidem; 1993 ‐ 2009 professorship in garden history and garden conservation at Technische Universität Dresden, now Seniorprofessorin ibidem. Research and publications on the history of urban open spaces and on garden conservation.


79

Paul SIMONS, MSc. (United Kingdom)

Masters Degree in Architecture (AA Diploma in Architecture Royal Institute of British Architects parts I & II) / Architectural Association (School of Architecture), Bedford Square, WC1B 3ES London (United Kingdom), Historic Buildings Conservation / Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Spital Square, Spitalfields,, E1 6DY London (United Kingdom) Course curriculum adviser, post‐graduate conservation courses, West Dean College, UK. External examiner Bournemouth University, UK. Educational advisor; Building Crafts College, London, UK Training advisor and project funding bids on behalf of the Heritage Trust for the North West, UK Consultant to Thermae Bath Spa, UK. Consultant and representative in Europe for Bath & North East Somerset Council, UK. ICOMOS World Heritage Site evaluator. Special Advisor to Minister of Culture, Czech Republic; World Heritage trans‐national nomination.

Alberto DÁLESSANDRO (Italy / EU)

Graduated in political sciences and specialised in diplomacy, carried out his studies both in Italy and France. Director of the Council of Europe's Venice office, formerly seconded to the Council of Europe's Directorate General for Culture, Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue. Passionate about European politics and European projects to promote development he collaborates with numerous Universities, publishes papers and attends major international conferences. He is also a journalists and member of the International federation of Journalists. He has managed a publication on Culture which was distributed in Belgium and published in French.


78

Dipl.‐ Geograph Volkmar EIDLOTH (Germany)

Geography graduate, Oberkonservator. Studies of Geography, German philology and History at Erlangen University, as well as Historical Geography, Ethnic Studies and Preservation of Historical Monuments at Bamberg University. 1985 diploma with the research paper on a 19th century residential area in Bamberg. Since 1991 consultant on urban heritage conservation, since 2004 additionally advisor on policy questions and the theory of the preservation of architectural and art monuments at the State Department for the Preservation of Historical Monuments of Baden‐Wurttemberg. Lecturer in the department of Historical Geography at Bamberg University. Member of the Working Group on urban heritage conservation within the Association of State Conservators in Germany, of the Working Group on the theory and teaching of conservation, of the Working Committee for historical cultural landscape research in Central Europe (ARKUM) and of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Focus of research and publications on historical urban geography, history of urban planning and on urban heritage conservation, on cultural landscape issues and on the history of green and open spaces.

Prof. Dr. Erika SCHMIDT (Germany)

Prof. Dr. rer. hort; Dipl.‐Ing. in landscape architecture and doctoral degree confered by Universität Hannover, teacher in garden conservation ibidem; 1993 ‐ 2009 professorship in garden history and garden conservation at Technische Universität Dresden, now Seniorprofessorin ibidem. Research and publications on the history of urban open spaces and on garden conservation.


79

Paul SIMONS, MSc. (United Kingdom)

Masters Degree in Architecture (AA Diploma in Architecture Royal Institute of British Architects parts I & II) / Architectural Association (School of Architecture), Bedford Square, WC1B 3ES London (United Kingdom), Historic Buildings Conservation / Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Spital Square, Spitalfields,, E1 6DY London (United Kingdom) Course curriculum adviser, post‐graduate conservation courses, West Dean College, UK. External examiner Bournemouth University, UK. Educational advisor; Building Crafts College, London, UK Training advisor and project funding bids on behalf of the Heritage Trust for the North West, UK Consultant to Thermae Bath Spa, UK. Consultant and representative in Europe for Bath & North East Somerset Council, UK. ICOMOS World Heritage Site evaluator. Special Advisor to Minister of Culture, Czech Republic; World Heritage trans‐national nomination.

Alberto DÁLESSANDRO (Italy / EU)

Graduated in political sciences and specialised in diplomacy, carried out his studies both in Italy and France. Director of the Council of Europe's Venice office, formerly seconded to the Council of Europe's Directorate General for Culture, Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue. Passionate about European politics and European projects to promote development he collaborates with numerous Universities, publishes papers and attends major international conferences. He is also a journalists and member of the International federation of Journalists. He has managed a publication on Culture which was distributed in Belgium and published in French.


80

CONCLUSIONS

RESUMÉ __________________________________________________


From theurban vain the m


e meeting ofalues of the tain hall of H


f the Internatowns of theotel Imperia


tional Rounde West‐Bohel in Karlovy V


dtable of Expmian Spa TriVary, May 19

InteM

perts for comiangle and pr9‐21, 2011.


mparison of trominent spa


the architecta towns in E


81

tural and urope, held


80

CONCLUSIONS

RESUMÉ __________________________________________________


From theurban vain the m


e meeting ofalues of the tain hall of H


f the Internatowns of theotel Imperia


tional Rounde West‐Bohel in Karlovy V


dtable of Expmian Spa TriVary, May 19

InteM

perts for comiangle and pr9‐21, 2011.


mparison of trominent spa


the architecta towns in E


81

tural and urope, held


82

Joint Declaration of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of the City of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně

The authorized representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně hereby issue a joint Declaration as follows:

The towns of the West‐Bohemian Triangle form, according to the opinion of national and foreign experts specializing in architecture, a unique set of spa architecture, both in terms of quality and magnitude. These findings gave rise to the idea of including the exceptionally valuable and protected historic territories of the municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, jointly known as the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, in the Indicative List of National Assets to be nominated for inscription on the prestigious list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites which the Czech Republic is currently preparing.

Registration of a territory, area, or object on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is an event of fundamental importance that magnifies considerably the prestige of the given site. It confirms the exceptional value of the site which has to be protected and preserved for future generations. To be part of the world’s heritage can be extraordinarily important for the development of the region as a whole, as well, for it can meaningfully improve the living standard of the local population. The undersigned consider this fact an unprecedented, unique opportunity for emerging small and medium‐sized entrepreneurial initiatives in the field of tourism and spa industry, as well as relevant auxiliary services.

The current managements of the autonomous municipalities declare hereby to be prepared to adhere to hitherto approved documents and pursue jointly the effort of bringing the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle to the common objective – inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Furthermore, the undersigned undertake to protect the sites concerned from all inappropriate building interventions and promise to conduct this pursuit jointly and severally, so that the candidate as well as the site to be listed shall always be, indivisibly, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle as a whole. In witness of the aforesaid, the parties set their hand herein below: The Karlovy Vary Region’s councillor for culture, heritage preservation, spa industry, and tourism Ing. Eva Valjentová


83

Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Mgr. Petr Kulhánek Deputy Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Mgr. Jiří Klsák Mayor of the City of Mariánské Lázně Zdeněk Král 1st Deputy Mayor of the City of Mariánské Lázně RNDr. Petr Horký Mayor of the City of Františkovy Lázně Ing. Lenka Málkovská 1st Deputy Mayor of the City of Františkovy Lázně, Ing. František Šnajdauf

The joint declaration of the representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, is hereby seconded, with a promise of personal support in activities related to inscription in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, by

Member of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Delegate for the Karlovy Vary Region,

Rudolf Chlad

Karlovy Vary, January 26, 2011


82

Joint Declaration of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of the City of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně

The authorized representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně hereby issue a joint Declaration as follows:

The towns of the West‐Bohemian Triangle form, according to the opinion of national and foreign experts specializing in architecture, a unique set of spa architecture, both in terms of quality and magnitude. These findings gave rise to the idea of including the exceptionally valuable and protected historic territories of the municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, jointly known as the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle, in the Indicative List of National Assets to be nominated for inscription on the prestigious list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites which the Czech Republic is currently preparing.

Registration of a territory, area, or object on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is an event of fundamental importance that magnifies considerably the prestige of the given site. It confirms the exceptional value of the site which has to be protected and preserved for future generations. To be part of the world’s heritage can be extraordinarily important for the development of the region as a whole, as well, for it can meaningfully improve the living standard of the local population. The undersigned consider this fact an unprecedented, unique opportunity for emerging small and medium‐sized entrepreneurial initiatives in the field of tourism and spa industry, as well as relevant auxiliary services.

The current managements of the autonomous municipalities declare hereby to be prepared to adhere to hitherto approved documents and pursue jointly the effort of bringing the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle to the common objective – inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Furthermore, the undersigned undertake to protect the sites concerned from all inappropriate building interventions and promise to conduct this pursuit jointly and severally, so that the candidate as well as the site to be listed shall always be, indivisibly, the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle as a whole. In witness of the aforesaid, the parties set their hand herein below: The Karlovy Vary Region’s councillor for culture, heritage preservation, spa industry, and tourism Ing. Eva Valjentová


83

Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Mgr. Petr Kulhánek Deputy Mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary Mgr. Jiří Klsák Mayor of the City of Mariánské Lázně Zdeněk Král 1st Deputy Mayor of the City of Mariánské Lázně RNDr. Petr Horký Mayor of the City of Františkovy Lázně Ing. Lenka Málkovská 1st Deputy Mayor of the City of Františkovy Lázně, Ing. František Šnajdauf

The joint declaration of the representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region and the Municipalities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, is hereby seconded, with a promise of personal support in activities related to inscription in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, by

Member of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Delegate for the Karlovy Vary Region,

Rudolf Chlad

Karlovy Vary, January 26, 2011


84





InteMrnational ConsulMay 19‐21, 2011











85

5

Original Czech version of the Joint Declaration (signed on January 26, 2011):


84
















85

5

Original Czech version of the Joint Declaration (signed on January 26, 2011):


86

The Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Memorandum Recommendations of the International Roundtable of Expert Consultants Asked to Compare the Architectural and Social‐Cultural Values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and Prominent Spa Towns in Europe,

Karlovy Vary, May 19 – 21, 2011 The International Roundtable of Expert Consultants has in the pursuit of its objective, i.e., making a comparison of the architectural and urban values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and Prominent Spa Towns in Europe (Karlovy Vary, May 19‐21, 2011), tied onto the conference of experts held in Baden‐Baden, Germany (November 2010), where the principles for the selection of spa locations sharing comparable cultural and historical values were set. The foundations of the current parallel discussions rest on studies authored by Lubomír Zeman and Andreas Förderer. The Roundtable’s participants in Karlovy Vary draw from their own professional experience as well as personal familiarity with the three towns of the West‐Bohemian Triangle – namely, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně: state as follows:

- Thanks to its generous Classicist urban characteristics, the iconic spa town of Bath has been entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

- However, the number of historical spa towns that have been over the centuries of their existence forming and preserving their specific and often unique features of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of undeniable excellence and provably qualifying for entry in the UNESCO World Heritage List also includes spas in the following countries (alphabetically): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Italy;

- According to the principles of the Treaty on Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection, proposals for inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List may only be submitted by sovereign countries that are signatories of the Treaty, and the choice of proposed sites is limited to those which are included in the respective National Tentative Lists;

- Of the above‐named countries only Belgium and the Czech Republic have their spas included in their national tentative lists of assets to be nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List as highly valuable sites. Thus, these spa towns are officially declared candidates for nomination and as such can closely cooperate and coordinate their common pursuit. At the present, they are preparing analytical and supervisory materials as support documentation of the relevant management plan.

- Their endeavor for a nomination and subsequent gaining of the status of assets registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List has to derive from objective and internationally recognized values of the respective sites, which they have to meet. It is matter of fact that such a town must be of a universally exceptional value and meet the condition of authenticity and integrity set forth in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2008);

- In view of the fact that Articles 137 through 139 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2008) concerning serial nominations, the recommendations formulated at the International Workshop on the Technical Aspects of Serial Nominations held in February 2010 in Ittingen, even though substantially important, may be viewed as our elementary methodological aid.

- The term “West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle” is a work title that the Czech party uses for the geographical triangle of spa towns, namely, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně5.

5 This term was introduced first by J.W.Goethe


87

The Roundtable’s participants recommend as follows:

- That the mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary familiarize the mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns concerned with the contents of this Memorandum at their joint session this June in Karlovy Vary by invitation of the mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary;

- To reinforce international cooperation amongst interested towns and countries with the aim of elaborating a serial nomination documentation. Prerequisite to potential success, i.e., registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the documentation’s high scientific value and evident preparedness of the aspiring towns to preserve their cultural heritage;

- To apply the criteria applied for the selection of spa towns for the tentative list of candidates presented in the Annex to the Memorandum that the organizer presented to the Roundtable for discussion, which comprised 16 spa towns [namely, Baden‐Baden (D), Baden bei Wien (A), Bad Ems (D), Bad Nauhaim (D), Bad Pyrmont (D), Bath (GB), Ciechocinek (PL), Luhačovice (CZ), Montecatini Terme (I), Salsomaggiore Terme (I), Spa (B), Vichy (F), Wiesbaden (D), and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle /consisting of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně/ (CZ)], the required criteria meet e.g. the following towns (in alphabetical order): Baden‐Baden (D), Spa (B), Vichy (F), and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle /consisting of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně/ (CZ);

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of spa towns with architectural and social‐cultural heritage sites of exceptional value should not hesitate to promote their cause with the authorities of competence in their respective countries and pursue them to put these towns on the National Tentative Lists;

- Since a serial nomination is a complex process, the Roundtable’s participants recommend to appoint the Czech partners as the coordinator of the nomination pursuit, acknowledging the Czech partners’ willingness to assume this role, provided that the other stakeholders agree;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns seeking the serial nomination should designate a contact point and contact persons to work the serial nomination and all the relevant materials (henceforth only “responsible persons”);

- The mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary is to call a conference of these responsible persons, through the mayors and municipal council presidents, of the towns entered in the respective National Tentative Lists;

- The Czech Committee of ICOMOS to send the criteria (see Annex) for entry in the serial nomination, as discussed and formulated at the Carlsbad Roundtable, to the central office of ICOMOS, along with a report of the Roundtable’s objectives and results, including a commentary confirming the Committee’s support for proposing this traditional yet very contemporary theme of registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

- To submit the possible joint nomination so, that in the future this nomination could be extended with further European spa towns of the world significant value, if it is a wish of the states, where these spa towns are being located, and if these new candidates fulfill the criteria mentioned in the enclosure.

- The centre and support place for international cooperation on the preparation of the joint serial nomination would be the Region of Karlovy Vary and the City of Karlovy Vary;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns are to continue to meet regularly to discuss issues related to the candidacy and create favorable conditions for a constructive dialog of the responsible persons appointed;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns are to keep expressing their support for these discussions of professionals active in the field of architecture and urban development of European spa towns.

Karlovy Vary, May 20, 2011


86

The Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Memorandum Recommendations of the International Roundtable of Expert Consultants Asked to Compare the Architectural and Social‐Cultural Values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and Prominent Spa Towns in Europe,

Karlovy Vary, May 19 – 21, 2011 The International Roundtable of Expert Consultants has in the pursuit of its objective, i.e., making a comparison of the architectural and urban values of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and Prominent Spa Towns in Europe (Karlovy Vary, May 19‐21, 2011), tied onto the conference of experts held in Baden‐Baden, Germany (November 2010), where the principles for the selection of spa locations sharing comparable cultural and historical values were set. The foundations of the current parallel discussions rest on studies authored by Lubomír Zeman and Andreas Förderer. The Roundtable’s participants in Karlovy Vary draw from their own professional experience as well as personal familiarity with the three towns of the West‐Bohemian Triangle – namely, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně: state as follows:

- Thanks to its generous Classicist urban characteristics, the iconic spa town of Bath has been entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

- However, the number of historical spa towns that have been over the centuries of their existence forming and preserving their specific and often unique features of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of undeniable excellence and provably qualifying for entry in the UNESCO World Heritage List also includes spas in the following countries (alphabetically): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Italy;

- According to the principles of the Treaty on Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection, proposals for inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List may only be submitted by sovereign countries that are signatories of the Treaty, and the choice of proposed sites is limited to those which are included in the respective National Tentative Lists;

- Of the above‐named countries only Belgium and the Czech Republic have their spas included in their national tentative lists of assets to be nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List as highly valuable sites. Thus, these spa towns are officially declared candidates for nomination and as such can closely cooperate and coordinate their common pursuit. At the present, they are preparing analytical and supervisory materials as support documentation of the relevant management plan.

- Their endeavor for a nomination and subsequent gaining of the status of assets registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List has to derive from objective and internationally recognized values of the respective sites, which they have to meet. It is matter of fact that such a town must be of a universally exceptional value and meet the condition of authenticity and integrity set forth in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2008);

- In view of the fact that Articles 137 through 139 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (2008) concerning serial nominations, the recommendations formulated at the International Workshop on the Technical Aspects of Serial Nominations held in February 2010 in Ittingen, even though substantially important, may be viewed as our elementary methodological aid.

- The term “West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle” is a work title that the Czech party uses for the geographical triangle of spa towns, namely, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně5.

5 This term was introduced first by J.W.Goethe


87

The Roundtable’s participants recommend as follows:

- That the mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary familiarize the mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns concerned with the contents of this Memorandum at their joint session this June in Karlovy Vary by invitation of the mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary;

- To reinforce international cooperation amongst interested towns and countries with the aim of elaborating a serial nomination documentation. Prerequisite to potential success, i.e., registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the documentation’s high scientific value and evident preparedness of the aspiring towns to preserve their cultural heritage;

- To apply the criteria applied for the selection of spa towns for the tentative list of candidates presented in the Annex to the Memorandum that the organizer presented to the Roundtable for discussion, which comprised 16 spa towns [namely, Baden‐Baden (D), Baden bei Wien (A), Bad Ems (D), Bad Nauhaim (D), Bad Pyrmont (D), Bath (GB), Ciechocinek (PL), Luhačovice (CZ), Montecatini Terme (I), Salsomaggiore Terme (I), Spa (B), Vichy (F), Wiesbaden (D), and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle /consisting of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně/ (CZ)], the required criteria meet e.g. the following towns (in alphabetical order): Baden‐Baden (D), Spa (B), Vichy (F), and the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle /consisting of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně/ (CZ);

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of spa towns with architectural and social‐cultural heritage sites of exceptional value should not hesitate to promote their cause with the authorities of competence in their respective countries and pursue them to put these towns on the National Tentative Lists;

- Since a serial nomination is a complex process, the Roundtable’s participants recommend to appoint the Czech partners as the coordinator of the nomination pursuit, acknowledging the Czech partners’ willingness to assume this role, provided that the other stakeholders agree;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns seeking the serial nomination should designate a contact point and contact persons to work the serial nomination and all the relevant materials (henceforth only “responsible persons”);

- The mayor of the City of Karlovy Vary is to call a conference of these responsible persons, through the mayors and municipal council presidents, of the towns entered in the respective National Tentative Lists;

- The Czech Committee of ICOMOS to send the criteria (see Annex) for entry in the serial nomination, as discussed and formulated at the Carlsbad Roundtable, to the central office of ICOMOS, along with a report of the Roundtable’s objectives and results, including a commentary confirming the Committee’s support for proposing this traditional yet very contemporary theme of registration in the UNESCO World Heritage List;

- To submit the possible joint nomination so, that in the future this nomination could be extended with further European spa towns of the world significant value, if it is a wish of the states, where these spa towns are being located, and if these new candidates fulfill the criteria mentioned in the enclosure.

- The centre and support place for international cooperation on the preparation of the joint serial nomination would be the Region of Karlovy Vary and the City of Karlovy Vary;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns are to continue to meet regularly to discuss issues related to the candidacy and create favorable conditions for a constructive dialog of the responsible persons appointed;

- The mayors and municipal council presidents of the spa towns are to keep expressing their support for these discussions of professionals active in the field of architecture and urban development of European spa towns.

Karlovy Vary, May 20, 2011


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Anna Matoušková, Josef Novotný, Rudolf Chlad Josef Štulc and Věra Kučová

Petr Kulhánek, Anna Matoušková, Josef Novotný, Rudolf Chlad and Věra Kučová Volkmar Eidloth and Paul Simons

Lubomír Zeman, Karel Kuča, Martin Pospíšil, Jan Prudík Luc Peeters, Dominique Jarrassé, Alberto DÁlessandro

Věra Kučová Lubomír Zeman


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Annex: This Annex constitutes an integral part of the Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Memorandum – Recommendations of the International Consulting Roundtable of Experts invited to compare the architectural and social‐cultural values of the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and other prominent spa towns in Europe, held May 19 – 21, 2011

Criteria for Selection into International Serial Nomination:

Note: The order of the criteria is inconsequential; in order to qualify for nomination in the series, each of the candidates must fulfill all of the criteria, excepting criterion (h) that is optional:

a. Criterion of universally exceptional value, authenticity, and integrity: The spa towns

aspiring to be included in the potential series have to prove, in accordance with the Treaty on the World’s Heritage Protection, conformity to the condition of universal exceptionality, authenticity, and integrity of the town quarters or building complexes nominated.

b. Historical criterion: The spa towns to be included in the potential series are towns whose urban development culminated mainly in the course of the 19th century, starting in the preceding century and reaching into the 20th century (i.e., from the French Revolution in 1789 until the beginnings of WWII in 1939).

c. Functionality criterion: The selection of spas to be included in the potential series is limited, functionality‐wise, to spas situated around natural mineral springs.

d. Provisional criteria: The selection of spas to be included in the potential series is typologically limited, i.e., each of the spa towns in the series has to feature most of typical the following spa structures – large spa complexes, bath houses, colonnades, pavilions, drinking halls, conversation houses, casinos, theaters, and guest accommodations houses, various social‐life facilities, including clerical structures of various denominations.

e. Urban structure and nature‐related criteria: The spas to be included in the potential series have to be delimited in the respective town’s urban planning, i.e., each of the spa towns in the series has to have a well‐preserved structure of urban development, naturally landscaped environment and surrounding areas, primarily in the form of parks and landscaped forests, including a system for maintaining and protecting these valuable sites.

f. History‐based cultural and social criteria: The spas to be included in the potential series have to prove their international relevance in cultural, political and social contexts culminating during the historical period in point, see (b).

g. Criterion of legal protection of intangible cultural heritage: the spa towns to be included in the potential series have to have clearly defined zoning and development plans that comply with the respective country’s legislation on conservation areas, both in terms of territory and individual structures. In other words, the structures and districts in point have to be part of a conservation areas protected by the law as cultural heritage.

h. Cultural and social (modern era) criteria (optional): The spas to be included in the potential series have to be presented in cultural and historical contexts, e.g., each of the spa towns in the series has to be able to present documentation of its culturally and socially relevant importance of international level – e.g., existence of active artistic ensembles of international relevance (theater groups, municipal and/or symphonic orchestras) or programs of regular cultural events of international importance (festivals, international music contests, etc.).

Note: This final text of Memorandum was prepared by the Czech party. It is based on invited experts’ comments, though it does not include all of these comments.


89






89






88

Annex: This Annex constitutes an integral part of the Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Memorandum – Recommendations of the International Consulting Roundtable of Experts invited to compare the architectural and social‐cultural values of the towns of the West‐Bohemian Spa Triangle and other prominent spa towns in Europe, held May 19 – 21, 2011

Criteria for Selection into International Serial Nomination:

Note: The order of the criteria is inconsequential; in order to qualify for nomination in the series, each of the candidates must fulfill all of the criteria, excepting criterion (h) that is optional:

a. Criterion of universally exceptional value, authenticity, and integrity: The spa towns

aspiring to be included in the potential series have to prove, in accordance with the Treaty on the World’s Heritage Protection, conformity to the condition of universal exceptionality, authenticity, and integrity of the town quarters or building complexes nominated.

b. Historical criterion: The spa towns to be included in the potential series are towns whose urban development culminated mainly in the course of the 19th century, starting in the preceding century and reaching into the 20th century (i.e., from the French Revolution in 1789 until the beginnings of WWII in 1939).

c. Functionality criterion: The selection of spas to be included in the potential series is limited, functionality‐wise, to spas situated around natural mineral springs.

d. Provisional criteria: The selection of spas to be included in the potential series is typologically limited, i.e., each of the spa towns in the series has to feature most of typical the following spa structures – large spa complexes, bath houses, colonnades, pavilions, drinking halls, conversation houses, casinos, theaters, and guest accommodations houses, various social‐life facilities, including clerical structures of various denominations.

e. Urban structure and nature‐related criteria: The spas to be included in the potential series have to be delimited in the respective town’s urban planning, i.e., each of the spa towns in the series has to have a well‐preserved structure of urban development, naturally landscaped environment and surrounding areas, primarily in the form of parks and landscaped forests, including a system for maintaining and protecting these valuable sites.

f. History‐based cultural and social criteria: The spas to be included in the potential series have to prove their international relevance in cultural, political and social contexts culminating during the historical period in point, see (b).

g. Criterion of legal protection of intangible cultural heritage: the spa towns to be included in the potential series have to have clearly defined zoning and development plans that comply with the respective country’s legislation on conservation areas, both in terms of territory and individual structures. In other words, the structures and districts in point have to be part of a conservation areas protected by the law as cultural heritage.

h. Cultural and social (modern era) criteria (optional): The spas to be included in the potential series have to be presented in cultural and historical contexts, e.g., each of the spa towns in the series has to be able to present documentation of its culturally and socially relevant importance of international level – e.g., existence of active artistic ensembles of international relevance (theater groups, municipal and/or symphonic orchestras) or programs of regular cultural events of international importance (festivals, international music contests, etc.).

Note: This final text of Memorandum was prepared by the Czech party. It is based on invited experts’ comments, though it does not include all of these comments.


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90

Comments on the Karlovy Vary Memorandum as presented by the organizers of the International Roundtable held at Karlovy Vary on May 19 ‐ 21, 2011

COMMENTS OF PROF. DR. ERIKA SCHMIDT

While in principle I agree with the statements made in the Memorandum and with the list of criteria for selection into the international serial nomination I recommend an order of precedence for the criteria and definitions as follows: 1. Preeminent criterion The spa towns to be included in the series were meeting places of guests mainly from different other countries. Among the guests persons of political influence, intellectual or artistic eminence played an important role, their presence and activities imparting historical importance to the spa. The role of spa towns as a stage for international communication is a phenomenon typical of the "long" 19th Century, which was a time of nationalism. 2. Qualifying criteria ‐ The spa towns to be included in the series offered balneal facilities in outstanding variety and quality of design and materials. These facilities in terms of buildings, and open spaces still nowadays exist predominantly in authentic appearance and fabric, such as they were created during the spa town`s era as international meeting place. ‐ When the spa towns to be included in the series were international meeting places, they offered facilities for social and cultural activities which would have satisfied a demanding metropolitan public of that time. These facilities in terms of buildings, open spaces, urban structure and designed landscape still nowadays exist predominantly in authentic appearance and fabric. ‐ The said facilities still nowadays constitute a substantial and characteristic urbanistic unity within the present day spa town as a whole. These qualities should satisfy the requirements for outstanding universal value. The full historiographic proof of the rank of each spa town in question as a "stage of international communication" in the era of nationalism as well as the full legal protection of all tangible components of the heritage are prerequisites for inclusion in the series. Maybe criterion h of the Memorandum, which points to a generally very welcome quality, should not be discussed in this specific context, because it can hardly contribute to the outstanding heritage value of spas in question.

Dresden, den 14. Juni 2011 Prof. Dr. rer. hort. Erika Schmidt Seniorprofessorin Institut für Landschaftsarchitektur Technische Universität Dresden


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COMMENTS OF CITY BADEN‐BADEN Foreword The city of Baden‐Baden welcomes the willingness of the Czech partners ‐ represented by the city of Karlsbad– to take the lead in the serial candidature of 19th century European spa towns for UNESCO’s world heritage.

In the November 2010 special meeting in Baden‐Baden a comprehensive and qualified concept was worked out and presented for a serial candidature. The extraordinary importance of cultural and historical elements in 19th century European spa towns was underlined by numerous lectures and word contributions. From a larger number of spas, some criteria were selected as common elements. On the grounds of specific characteristics a number of towns were recommended which are typical places of communication and which should jointly prepare a serial candidature. The attending international ICOMOS members supported this strategy. An important recommendation was to limit the series to a small and representative group, as dubious cases should not hamper the process.

It is our objective to win places with a similar cultural and historical background to become international cooperation partners for a serial transnational nomination for the UNESCO world heritage list.

The results of the November meeting and the informal January 2011 meeting of mayors in Paris are the basis for our serial candidature. A Position to the Memorandum General

The results of the special November 2010 meeting entitled “Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts” and the results of Dr. Andreas Förderer’s comparative study on “Playgrounds of Europe – Europäische Kurstädte u. Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts” are the basis for our further efforts about a serial candidature for UNESCOs world heritage. The definition of the relevant criteria for a candidature and for the candidates should be clear and well founded. The list should be short, well balanced and representative, and it should be open for other candidates prepared to prove their qualification Title

The round table experts’ recommendations given in Karlsbad on May 19‐21.2001 made it plain that comparative analyses should consider not only the architectural importance of spa towns but take a comprehensive view on the material and immaterial heritage, as pointed out during the Baden‐Baden meeting. Cultural significance is not to be defined by architecture only. The title of the memo should therefore be modified. Position as to experts’ recommendations

1, 2, 3: we agree to the markers 1,2,3

4 As to 4, we wonder why an official candidature should be sent in now, as the definite group is not yet defined. We’d rather suggest to identify the group first and then hand in our joint candidature combined with a general over all management plan and with detailed local management plans of all participant towns.

5 agreed

6, 7 agreed


90

Comments on the Karlovy Vary Memorandum as presented by the organizers of the International Roundtable held at Karlovy Vary on May 19 ‐ 21, 2011

COMMENTS OF PROF. DR. ERIKA SCHMIDT

While in principle I agree with the statements made in the Memorandum and with the list of criteria for selection into the international serial nomination I recommend an order of precedence for the criteria and definitions as follows: 1. Preeminent criterion The spa towns to be included in the series were meeting places of guests mainly from different other countries. Among the guests persons of political influence, intellectual or artistic eminence played an important role, their presence and activities imparting historical importance to the spa. The role of spa towns as a stage for international communication is a phenomenon typical of the "long" 19th Century, which was a time of nationalism. 2. Qualifying criteria ‐ The spa towns to be included in the series offered balneal facilities in outstanding variety and quality of design and materials. These facilities in terms of buildings, and open spaces still nowadays exist predominantly in authentic appearance and fabric, such as they were created during the spa town`s era as international meeting place. ‐ When the spa towns to be included in the series were international meeting places, they offered facilities for social and cultural activities which would have satisfied a demanding metropolitan public of that time. These facilities in terms of buildings, open spaces, urban structure and designed landscape still nowadays exist predominantly in authentic appearance and fabric. ‐ The said facilities still nowadays constitute a substantial and characteristic urbanistic unity within the present day spa town as a whole. These qualities should satisfy the requirements for outstanding universal value. The full historiographic proof of the rank of each spa town in question as a "stage of international communication" in the era of nationalism as well as the full legal protection of all tangible components of the heritage are prerequisites for inclusion in the series. Maybe criterion h of the Memorandum, which points to a generally very welcome quality, should not be discussed in this specific context, because it can hardly contribute to the outstanding heritage value of spas in question.

Dresden, den 14. Juni 2011 Prof. Dr. rer. hort. Erika Schmidt Seniorprofessorin Institut für Landschaftsarchitektur Technische Universität Dresden


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COMMENTS OF CITY BADEN‐BADEN Foreword The city of Baden‐Baden welcomes the willingness of the Czech partners ‐ represented by the city of Karlsbad– to take the lead in the serial candidature of 19th century European spa towns for UNESCO’s world heritage.

In the November 2010 special meeting in Baden‐Baden a comprehensive and qualified concept was worked out and presented for a serial candidature. The extraordinary importance of cultural and historical elements in 19th century European spa towns was underlined by numerous lectures and word contributions. From a larger number of spas, some criteria were selected as common elements. On the grounds of specific characteristics a number of towns were recommended which are typical places of communication and which should jointly prepare a serial candidature. The attending international ICOMOS members supported this strategy. An important recommendation was to limit the series to a small and representative group, as dubious cases should not hamper the process.

It is our objective to win places with a similar cultural and historical background to become international cooperation partners for a serial transnational nomination for the UNESCO world heritage list.

The results of the November meeting and the informal January 2011 meeting of mayors in Paris are the basis for our serial candidature. A Position to the Memorandum General

The results of the special November 2010 meeting entitled “Europäische Kurstädte und Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts” and the results of Dr. Andreas Förderer’s comparative study on “Playgrounds of Europe – Europäische Kurstädte u. Modebäder des 19. Jahrhunderts” are the basis for our further efforts about a serial candidature for UNESCOs world heritage. The definition of the relevant criteria for a candidature and for the candidates should be clear and well founded. The list should be short, well balanced and representative, and it should be open for other candidates prepared to prove their qualification Title

The round table experts’ recommendations given in Karlsbad on May 19‐21.2001 made it plain that comparative analyses should consider not only the architectural importance of spa towns but take a comprehensive view on the material and immaterial heritage, as pointed out during the Baden‐Baden meeting. Cultural significance is not to be defined by architecture only. The title of the memo should therefore be modified. Position as to experts’ recommendations

1, 2, 3: we agree to the markers 1,2,3

4 As to 4, we wonder why an official candidature should be sent in now, as the definite group is not yet defined. We’d rather suggest to identify the group first and then hand in our joint candidature combined with a general over all management plan and with detailed local management plans of all participant towns.

5 agreed

6, 7 agreed


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Position to the round table experts recommendations 1, 2 agreed

3 we would like to point out that the criteria mentioned for the access to the tentative list of countries must first be accepted by all participants (see below)

4 as to 4, we would like to mention that it deals not only with towns of extraordinary architectural value but such of internationality and associative cultural values, as expressed in their cultural, historical and architectural forms. By now, there is a number of studies dealing with such phenomena. The candidate towns for the tentative lists of their countries should be able to comply with the criteria we agreed upon for their serial candidature.

5 agreed

6 we partly agree; agreement would mean that those towns only on the tentative list today would form the group. We feel that the group should establish itself on the basis of the joint criteria agreed upon and it should then start work on the joint candidature. The acceptance on the tentative list of each country should be the job and the self commitment of each town.

We further suggest to give the clearing function and the clearing partner a clear job description. This includes an organization structure, a time and cost planning binding all participant towns. The steering committee should meet in regular intervals and take into account the organizational, specific and political jobs on a European level.

There is some expertise on serial candidatures in Germany (Baden‐Württemberg): Limes, Stone age dwellings, Le Corbusier’s works) as well as in Switzerland (stone age dwellings, Le Corbusier’s work). The ICOMOS‐presidents of Germany, Austria and Switzerland offered to help with the complicated candidature proceedings while in Baden‐Baden.

7 We disagree with 8. Before sending the criteria to ICOMOS, a small group of Experts from the conservation office should determine the qualifying criteria to be given to the towns. These criteria are the basis for the selection of towns determining the serial (s. above).

8 To this criteria list could be attached the results of the round table; not so, however, the study presented before the round table, as from participants view point it does not give the necessary comprehensive concept of internationality of the relevant spa towns in the 19th century. Positions of participating experts should be worked in. Herefore, opinions of conservation experts from Germany should be awaited.

9, 10, 11 agreed B Position as for the annex “Criteria for an international serial nomination” General Annex is defined as a result of the experts’ round table in Karlsbad on May 19.‐21‐2011. The experts’ recommendations were integrated in part only. We can therefore not agree with the introductory statement. Criteria

As a matter of principle we feel that the concrete criteria are not yet right. The experts’ recommendations should be worked in.


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Baden‐Baden position to the single criteria: a) we agree to this text on criterion a with the reservation that universal meaning, authenticity and

integrity does not relate to towns or quarters or buildings of value only but that such towns should qualify by other characteristics of universal meaning

b) we agree to criterion b

c) we agree to criterion c

d) we agree to criterion d with the reservation that the typological limitation to buildings of specific purposes is insufficient to describe this phenomenon. A typological limitation appears necessary to prove the integrity of the material heritage. The notion “Kurstadt” unites various functions. The town as a whole must be considered, not just single types of buildings, in order to qualify for cultural and historical importance.

e) we agree to criterion e with the reservation that a determined architectural and landscaping framework could still be proven today, although the protection need not be part of the criteria but should be part of the management plan. And the defining of this criteria should particularly value the analysis of the architectural structure and its functional coherence.

f) we agree to criterion f with the reservation that this should be a description of the sociological function of spa towns in the 19th century. The phrasing does not reproduce the results of the experts’ round. This criteria should define the countless social functions concentrating in these “Kurorte”. Places for therapy and healing, political stages, pleasure and leisure places, international gatherings of sorts, inspiration spots for artists or sports and leisure centres – these Kurorte with their transnational exchanges enjoy a special role all along the 19th century. Here, in a limited framework things are put to a test which later on will engage all society.

g) we disagree on criterion g. The instruments to protect and safeguard the architectural heritage are part of the management plans and not of the criteria.

h) we partly agree to criterion h. Today’s cultural and social activities are elementary to prove the authenticity of such places; actually, this is a condition to be part of the inner circle of the spa towns with an OUV.

Baden‐Baden, den 16.06.2011 Lisa Poetschki‐Meyer Architect, Head of Development of City Baden‐Baden (left)


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Position to the round table experts recommendations 1, 2 agreed

3 we would like to point out that the criteria mentioned for the access to the tentative list of countries must first be accepted by all participants (see below)

4 as to 4, we would like to mention that it deals not only with towns of extraordinary architectural value but such of internationality and associative cultural values, as expressed in their cultural, historical and architectural forms. By now, there is a number of studies dealing with such phenomena. The candidate towns for the tentative lists of their countries should be able to comply with the criteria we agreed upon for their serial candidature.

5 agreed

6 we partly agree; agreement would mean that those towns only on the tentative list today would form the group. We feel that the group should establish itself on the basis of the joint criteria agreed upon and it should then start work on the joint candidature. The acceptance on the tentative list of each country should be the job and the self commitment of each town.

We further suggest to give the clearing function and the clearing partner a clear job description. This includes an organization structure, a time and cost planning binding all participant towns. The steering committee should meet in regular intervals and take into account the organizational, specific and political jobs on a European level.

There is some expertise on serial candidatures in Germany (Baden‐Württemberg): Limes, Stone age dwellings, Le Corbusier’s works) as well as in Switzerland (stone age dwellings, Le Corbusier’s work). The ICOMOS‐presidents of Germany, Austria and Switzerland offered to help with the complicated candidature proceedings while in Baden‐Baden.

7 We disagree with 8. Before sending the criteria to ICOMOS, a small group of Experts from the conservation office should determine the qualifying criteria to be given to the towns. These criteria are the basis for the selection of towns determining the serial (s. above).

8 To this criteria list could be attached the results of the round table; not so, however, the study presented before the round table, as from participants view point it does not give the necessary comprehensive concept of internationality of the relevant spa towns in the 19th century. Positions of participating experts should be worked in. Herefore, opinions of conservation experts from Germany should be awaited.

9, 10, 11 agreed B Position as for the annex “Criteria for an international serial nomination” General Annex is defined as a result of the experts’ round table in Karlsbad on May 19.‐21‐2011. The experts’ recommendations were integrated in part only. We can therefore not agree with the introductory statement. Criteria

As a matter of principle we feel that the concrete criteria are not yet right. The experts’ recommendations should be worked in.


93

Baden‐Baden position to the single criteria: a) we agree to this text on criterion a with the reservation that universal meaning, authenticity and

integrity does not relate to towns or quarters or buildings of value only but that such towns should qualify by other characteristics of universal meaning

b) we agree to criterion b

c) we agree to criterion c

d) we agree to criterion d with the reservation that the typological limitation to buildings of specific purposes is insufficient to describe this phenomenon. A typological limitation appears necessary to prove the integrity of the material heritage. The notion “Kurstadt” unites various functions. The town as a whole must be considered, not just single types of buildings, in order to qualify for cultural and historical importance.

e) we agree to criterion e with the reservation that a determined architectural and landscaping framework could still be proven today, although the protection need not be part of the criteria but should be part of the management plan. And the defining of this criteria should particularly value the analysis of the architectural structure and its functional coherence.

f) we agree to criterion f with the reservation that this should be a description of the sociological function of spa towns in the 19th century. The phrasing does not reproduce the results of the experts’ round. This criteria should define the countless social functions concentrating in these “Kurorte”. Places for therapy and healing, political stages, pleasure and leisure places, international gatherings of sorts, inspiration spots for artists or sports and leisure centres – these Kurorte with their transnational exchanges enjoy a special role all along the 19th century. Here, in a limited framework things are put to a test which later on will engage all society.

g) we disagree on criterion g. The instruments to protect and safeguard the architectural heritage are part of the management plans and not of the criteria.

h) we partly agree to criterion h. Today’s cultural and social activities are elementary to prove the authenticity of such places; actually, this is a condition to be part of the inner circle of the spa towns with an OUV.

Baden‐Baden, den 16.06.2011 Lisa Poetschki‐Meyer Architect, Head of Development of City Baden‐Baden (left)


94

COMMENTS OF Mr. ALBERTO DÁLESSANDRO 6

1) Definition of the criteria

All the criteria for selection into International serial nomination expressed in the memorandum are acceptable and no specific remarks need to be added.

2) A stronger involvement of the national and governmental UNESCO offices in the settlement of serial objectives:

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is composed of a group of 21 states in the project evaluation committee which evaluate the projects. The 21 States Parties of the current World Heritage Committee are the following: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Jordan, Mali, Mexico, Nigeria, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates. The World Heritage Committee works in cooperation with every State Party to the World Heritage Convention as well as its three Advisory Bodies: ICOMOS, IUCN and ICCROM, in order to make greater strides in diversifying the World Heritage List and make it truly balanced and representative of the world’s heritage It is known that the technical instruction made by the consultative bodies is considered only as a background document but the final decision is taken by the committee which work on a totally independent way. Some dossier also could have a strongest political approach. It will be therefore important to work/reinforce the link with the national UNESCO offices to provide the strongest support is possible to the serial nomination project. States of candidate cities of the serial nomination should be all aware and supportive to the project to improve the chance for the final nomination.

3) Identify a stronger coordination and managerial plan for the implementation of the project and the network

One of the most important aspects will be the coordination of the serial proposal and to define a management plan for the project before and after the evaluation of UNESCO. The candidate cities should demonstrate clearly the capability to manage the project strictly in line with UNESCO requirements for the valorization, safeguarding of the heritage. Following the principle that a serial nomination has to be considered a single nomination as a whole it is quite important to have a well organized managerial framework. This is a quite important aspect considering that if one single part of the project (one city) does not function, the whole project could be retired from the UNESCO list. Furthermore, although transboundary serial nominations are seen as very desirable in fostering international cooperation, which is at the heart of the World Heritage Convention, there is a need to evaluate the benefits they deliver against the resources needed to research, nominate, evaluate and manage the properties.

4) Identify the best “brand” is possible for the nomination (ex.“Les vills d’eaux en Europe” “Thermal capitals of Europe” ) to put in evidence the unicity of the project

Putting in value the unicity of this city models and their architecture and history; This cities should be considered as icons in the world culture for what they represent from the architectural, cultural, social point of view, for their special city plan, and seen also as creative , innovation centers for artistic movements (ex. the unique model of Thermae Berzieri in Salsomaggiore Terme probably the most original prototype of eclectic modernism architecture and design applied to a thermal center) . Branding on thermal cities and create a strong cultural message with direct connections beetween the city projects will be the right approach for the final nomination.

6 Received after June 20, 2011


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5) The three main questions to be answered within the serial nomination project

An important principle in relation to serial nominations is that they are evaluated against the same set of criteria, requirements for integrity, authenticity and management as are all other nominations, and carry the same requirements for global comparative analysis. The three following question could therefore be used as a reference to serial: a) What is the justification for the serial approach? b) are the separate components of the property functionally linked? c) is there an overall management framework for all the components?

6) List of cities

The suggested list of city candidate cities (up to my personnel experience of thermal heritage) could be the following:

1. Karlovy Vary Spa “Triangle” (Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne) 2. Baden Baden and Wiesbaden 3. Budapest 4. Montecatini and Salsomaggiore Terme 5. Vichy 6. Spa 7. Bath

The size of the project could create some problem of management it could be therefore necessary to foreseen a reduction of the number of the candidate cities; this should be agreed by the cities themselves (and the correspondent government which support the project) and be in relation to their capacity to invest in the project and afford the expenses of a well established management plan. It is important also to underline that nominations which include sites that make little additional contribution to the overall value of a series as a whole, or which may fail to meet the conditions of integrity, or be unworkably complex in relation to the requirements for protection and management could put at risk the nomination itself. It is therefore important that sites added as part of a serial extension add significantly to the values of the property, even if the sites might not be of outstanding universal value in their own right.

Alberto DÁlessandro Director of the Office of the European Council in Venice


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COMMENTS OF Mr. ALBERTO DÁLESSANDRO 6

1) Definition of the criteria

All the criteria for selection into International serial nomination expressed in the memorandum are acceptable and no specific remarks need to be added.

2) A stronger involvement of the national and governmental UNESCO offices in the settlement of serial objectives:

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is composed of a group of 21 states in the project evaluation committee which evaluate the projects. The 21 States Parties of the current World Heritage Committee are the following: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Jordan, Mali, Mexico, Nigeria, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates. The World Heritage Committee works in cooperation with every State Party to the World Heritage Convention as well as its three Advisory Bodies: ICOMOS, IUCN and ICCROM, in order to make greater strides in diversifying the World Heritage List and make it truly balanced and representative of the world’s heritage It is known that the technical instruction made by the consultative bodies is considered only as a background document but the final decision is taken by the committee which work on a totally independent way. Some dossier also could have a strongest political approach. It will be therefore important to work/reinforce the link with the national UNESCO offices to provide the strongest support is possible to the serial nomination project. States of candidate cities of the serial nomination should be all aware and supportive to the project to improve the chance for the final nomination.

3) Identify a stronger coordination and managerial plan for the implementation of the project and the network

One of the most important aspects will be the coordination of the serial proposal and to define a management plan for the project before and after the evaluation of UNESCO. The candidate cities should demonstrate clearly the capability to manage the project strictly in line with UNESCO requirements for the valorization, safeguarding of the heritage. Following the principle that a serial nomination has to be considered a single nomination as a whole it is quite important to have a well organized managerial framework. This is a quite important aspect considering that if one single part of the project (one city) does not function, the whole project could be retired from the UNESCO list. Furthermore, although transboundary serial nominations are seen as very desirable in fostering international cooperation, which is at the heart of the World Heritage Convention, there is a need to evaluate the benefits they deliver against the resources needed to research, nominate, evaluate and manage the properties.

4) Identify the best “brand” is possible for the nomination (ex.“Les vills d’eaux en Europe” “Thermal capitals of Europe” ) to put in evidence the unicity of the project

Putting in value the unicity of this city models and their architecture and history; This cities should be considered as icons in the world culture for what they represent from the architectural, cultural, social point of view, for their special city plan, and seen also as creative , innovation centers for artistic movements (ex. the unique model of Thermae Berzieri in Salsomaggiore Terme probably the most original prototype of eclectic modernism architecture and design applied to a thermal center) . Branding on thermal cities and create a strong cultural message with direct connections beetween the city projects will be the right approach for the final nomination.

6 Received after June 20, 2011


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5) The three main questions to be answered within the serial nomination project

An important principle in relation to serial nominations is that they are evaluated against the same set of criteria, requirements for integrity, authenticity and management as are all other nominations, and carry the same requirements for global comparative analysis. The three following question could therefore be used as a reference to serial: a) What is the justification for the serial approach? b) are the separate components of the property functionally linked? c) is there an overall management framework for all the components?

6) List of cities

The suggested list of city candidate cities (up to my personnel experience of thermal heritage) could be the following:

1. Karlovy Vary Spa “Triangle” (Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne) 2. Baden Baden and Wiesbaden 3. Budapest 4. Montecatini and Salsomaggiore Terme 5. Vichy 6. Spa 7. Bath

The size of the project could create some problem of management it could be therefore necessary to foreseen a reduction of the number of the candidate cities; this should be agreed by the cities themselves (and the correspondent government which support the project) and be in relation to their capacity to invest in the project and afford the expenses of a well established management plan. It is important also to underline that nominations which include sites that make little additional contribution to the overall value of a series as a whole, or which may fail to meet the conditions of integrity, or be unworkably complex in relation to the requirements for protection and management could put at risk the nomination itself. It is therefore important that sites added as part of a serial extension add significantly to the values of the property, even if the sites might not be of outstanding universal value in their own right.

Alberto DÁlessandro Director of the Office of the European Council in Venice


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COMMENTS OF Mr. PAUL SIMONS 7 It would appear that the most important and significant spa towns of Europe are capable of meeting with elements of the World Heritage Operational Guidelines criteria; most commonly criteria (ii) exhibiting an important interchange of human values, and (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition, and finally (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape. In each case, the spa site or town, has to demonstrate beyond any doubt, how its values, qualities, traditions, achievements, management and protection contribute to Outstanding Universal Value as defined by UNESCO. Whilst further agreement and refinement needs to be established as to the OUV of the ‘Great Spas of Europe’ transnational serial bid for World Heritage status an initial application could be submitted in 2012 by those spa towns who have achieved Tentative List status within their respective State Parties. Any transnational serial bid should clearly establish the desire and mechanism by which the transnational membership can be expanded with new entrants at a future date. This should be embraced in a formal intergovernmental agreement between the participating State Parties. The proposal to establish the ‘Great Spas of Europe’ transnational site has significant merit and value. Those promoting the initiative are to be applauded and supported in the collaboration and effort that is required to bring such a proposal to fruition. The potential of future collaboration and that of developing integrated management and training regimes presents a most exciting prospect. The City of Bath wishes to play its full part in this valued initiative.

Paul Simons

Consultant and representative in Europe for Bath & North East Somerset Council, ICOMOS World Heritage Site evaluator, World Heritage trans‐national nomination

7 Received after June 20, 2011, shortened version in a booklet, full one on a DVD.


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EXCURSION OF THE SPA WEST BOHEMIAN SPA TRIANGLE __________________________________________________


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COMMENTS OF Mr. PAUL SIMONS 7 It would appear that the most important and significant spa towns of Europe are capable of meeting with elements of the World Heritage Operational Guidelines criteria; most commonly criteria (ii) exhibiting an important interchange of human values, and (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition, and finally (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape. In each case, the spa site or town, has to demonstrate beyond any doubt, how its values, qualities, traditions, achievements, management and protection contribute to Outstanding Universal Value as defined by UNESCO. Whilst further agreement and refinement needs to be established as to the OUV of the ‘Great Spas of Europe’ transnational serial bid for World Heritage status an initial application could be submitted in 2012 by those spa towns who have achieved Tentative List status within their respective State Parties. Any transnational serial bid should clearly establish the desire and mechanism by which the transnational membership can be expanded with new entrants at a future date. This should be embraced in a formal intergovernmental agreement between the participating State Parties. The proposal to establish the ‘Great Spas of Europe’ transnational site has significant merit and value. Those promoting the initiative are to be applauded and supported in the collaboration and effort that is required to bring such a proposal to fruition. The potential of future collaboration and that of developing integrated management and training regimes presents a most exciting prospect. The City of Bath wishes to play its full part in this valued initiative.

Paul Simons

Consultant and representative in Europe for Bath & North East Somerset Council, ICOMOS World Heritage Site evaluator, World Heritage trans‐national nomination

7 Received after June 20, 2011, shortened version in a booklet, full one on a DVD.


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EXCURSION OF THE SPA WEST BOHEMIAN SPA TRIANGLE __________________________________________________


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MARIÁNSKÉ LÁZNĚ


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FRANTIŠKOVY LÁZNĚ


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MARIÁNSKÉ LÁZNĚ


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FRANTIŠKOVY LÁZNĚ


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KARLOVY VARY


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KARLOVY VARY


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NOTES:


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NOTES:

The project was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.

ISBN 978-80-87104-79-8

International Consultative Round Table Meetingof Experts Invited to Compare Urban and Architectural Values

of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle Towns and Important Spas in EuropeMay 19.-21., 2011, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

WEST BohEMIAnSpA TRIAnglE

Documents

European spas as potential candidates on the UNESCO world heritage list