History of the Mill Colonnade Statues

The Mill Colonnade was designed by the famous architect Josef Zítek. He also designed the National Theatre in Prague. Construction of this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece took place between 1871 and 1881. It was originally intended to be a grand two-story building. However, budget cuts resulted in the single-story structure we see today. You can read more about the Mill Colonnade history and facts to understand its evolution.

The statues on the roof of Mill Colonnade were added later. Sculptors Alfred Schreiber and Karl Wilfert created these twelve allegorical figures. Each statue represents one month of the year. They stand high above the roof balustrade, watching over the spa guests. These works of art are essential to the building's aesthetic. They help tell a story of time and nature within the city.

Karlovy Vary is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition protects the unique architecture of the spa district. The Mill Colonnade is a central part of this heritage. The statues are maintained carefully to preserve their detail. Visitors from all over the world come to admire this stone calendar. It remains a symbol of Bohemian craftsmanship and history.

12 Must-See Statues on the Roof of Mill Colonnade

To see the statues clearly, stand across the Teplá River. You can also walk up to the rooftop terrace for a closer look. Here are twelve highlights to see at and around the Mill Colonnade.

1. Name: The January Statue Type: Sight Why go: It marks the beginning of the stone calendar. Best for: History buffs. Where: Northern end of the roof terrace. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Look for the winter-themed details on the sculpture.
2. Name: The July Statue Type: Sight Why go: This figure represents the height of summer. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Center of the rooftop balustrade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the stairs to the terrace. Tip: The lighting is best for photos in the late afternoon.
3. Name: The Rooftop Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a unique perspective of the spa district. Best for: Photographers. Where: Above the main walkway of the colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the stone staircases located at either end. Tip: Watch your step on the historic stone stairs.
4. Name: The Mill Spring Type: Unique local experience Why go: It is one of the most popular springs to drink from. Best for: Wellness seekers. Where: Inside the main hall of the Mill Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the ground floor. Tip: Buy a traditional porcelain spa cup nearby first.
5. Name: The Orchestra Pit Type: Sight Why go: It hosts free concerts during the summer season. Best for: Music fans. Where: Central part of the colonnade interior. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the main colonnade. Tip: Check the local schedule for afternoon performances.
6. Name: Corinthian Pillars Type: Sight Why go: There are 124 massive columns supporting the roof. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Throughout the entire length of the building. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the main structure of the colonnade. Tip: Read about the number of pillars in the Mill Colonnade for more details.
7. Name: Rusalka Spring Type: Sight Why go: Named after a famous Slavic water nymph. Best for: Folklore enthusiasts. Where: Inside the Mill Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the interior spring line. Tip: The water is quite hot, so sip it slowly.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: A beautiful wooden structure located just a short walk away. Best for: Sightseers. Where: 200 meters south of Mill Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river path south. Tip: Look for the relief showing the discovery of the springs.
9. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Learn about the history of Becherovka herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Book your tasting tour in advance online.
10. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Day trip Why go: It provides a panoramic view of the entire region. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: On the hill above the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; funicular is paid. Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from the Grandhotel Pupp area. Tip: Hike back down through the forest trails if you have time.
11. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Unique local experience Why go: See the hottest and most powerful spring in the city. Best for: Families. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes south from Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
12. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: A peaceful green space at the edge of the spa zone. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Adjacent to the Park Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: It is a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day.

Planning Your Visit to the Mill Colonnade

The Mill Colonnade is open 24 hours a day. However, the springs are usually accessible only during daylight hours. Early morning is the best time to avoid large crowds. You can enjoy a peaceful walk and take photos of the statues. Consult a Karlovy Vary sightseeing guide for more itinerary ideas. This will help you maximize your time in the city.

Remember to bring a spa cup to taste the mineral water. These are sold at many stalls around the colonnade. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content. Drinking the water is a long-standing tradition in Karlovy Vary. Wear comfortable shoes as the spa zone is mostly pedestrian. The walk from the main train station is about 20 minutes. You can also use local buses to reach the center quickly.