About us
Where secrets come alive
Rudolph II was a symbol of mystery, luxury, culture and unusual thinking – we have tried to transfer all this to the maximum extent possible into the design and atmosphere of our hotel. That is why, for example, we gave new life to the original furniture of the Jelínek furniture company. Every piece of furniture, every accessory and decoration has its place and its purpose with us. Come and see for yourself.
Rudolf II. and its history
in Karlovy Vary
Emperor Rudolf II. Habsburg (1552-1612), ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, King of Bohemia and a major patron of the arts and sciences, is best known for his work in Prague, which he made the centre of European culture and alchemy. His ties to Karlovy Vary are not a frequent theme, yet the city played a role in his time and interests.
Rudolf II. was very interested in natural sciences and medicine, and it was Karlovy Vary – then known as a spa town with healing springs – that caught his attention. V 16. century, Karlovy Vary was already a well-known place for the treatment of various diseases, especially of the digestive system. The Emperor was aware of the fame of this place and its importance for the health of the nobility and the bourgeoisie.
Although it is not documented that Rudolf II. visited the city in person, we know that he recognized it as an important center of healing. In 1589, the Emperor issued an imperial majesty granting privileges to the town of Karlovy Vary, which confirmed its position among the leading spas in the empire. This contributed to their development and protection from competition from other cities. These privileges ensured Karlovy Vary the exclusive right to sell Karlovy Vary spring salt (the so-called “Karlovy Vary stone”) throughout the monarchy, thus strengthening the economic stability and fame of the town.
Rudolf II. also promoted the spread of scientific knowledge and alchemy, which were close to the healing practices at the springs. In his time, written documentation of the effects of the Carlsbad waters developed, and it was thanks to the support of science and medicine at his court that spa treatment became even more respected.
The reign of Rudolf was thus a period of consolidation of Carlsbad’s position among European spas. Although his main place of work remained Prague, the Emperor indirectly influenced the development of the West Bohemian spa industry and contributed to the increased prestige of Karlovy Vary.