For our one year wedding anniversary, Brandon and I decided to plan a weekend getaway to the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic.  When people think of the Czech Republic, they automatically think of Prague, but Karlovy Vary is the second biggest tourist attraction in the Czech Republic and for good reason. I absolutely loved Prague, it is so beautiful and Karlovy Vary is right up there with Prague for me.  You can see beautiful Eastern European architecture with an array of beautiful colors on elegant buildings. Grand Hotel Pupp, which is considered the best and most elegant hotel in the Karlovy Vary spa scene then you should be prepared to spend some money.  We weren't wanting to spend so much so we decided to stay at the Spa Sanssouci which is close to the Grand Pupp Hotel.  We found a package here, that included half board, a welcome drink, access to the pools, a harmonizing bath for me and full body massage for Brandon and "floating" for both of us.

There is still one more day to enter my for a vintage inspired handmade clutch, here. From My Front Porch To YoursI am here Introduction > About Karlovy Vary > Monuments and important landmarks > Other historic buildings > Municipal Theatre Karlovy Varychandelier club merced ca Municipal Theatre Karlovy Varychandeliers yallingup The Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) theatre was built at the Theatre Square in the years 1884-1886. chandelier pizza eforieThe authors of this magnificent Neo-Baroque building were the Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer. Interior decorations are a separate chapter. The murals were entrusted to renowned Viennese artists, brothers Gustav and Ernest Klimt and Franz Matsch. This group of young painters (aged between 22 and 25 years) has left behind a permanent imprint in the form of a true masterpiece – a hand-painted curtain with a motif celebrating poetic art (see separate chapter).

The magnificent work is complemented with a fresco above the proscenium and paintings on the vaulted ceiling. Sculptural decorations, namely in the foyer, are the work of another Vienna native, Theodor Friedl. His signature is also apparent on the group of statues in the forefront of the building (Muses) and on the Antique griffons guarding the entrance. All fittings, lamps, the chandelier, and the charming Rococo lamps on the staircase were designed by architects Fellner and Helmer. An interesting example of Pseudo-Rococo architecture built in the spirit of the contemporary trend of historicizing styles brings the splendour of Prague and Vienna to the palatial spa town of Karlovy Vary, and along with the unique complex of the neighbouring Grandhotel Pupp and the Imperial Spa, it forms an matchless collection distinguished by – to use Le Corbusier's words – "an identical style and elegance". The Municipal Theatre regularly brings an interesting cultural program. You can choose from the selection of theatrical performances, music programs, talk shows and other events.

Come to Karlovy Vary for treatment and discover the healing power of thermal springs. Selection of spa programs » Selection of wellness programs » Choose from a wide selection of accommodation in Karlovy Vary » Address: Divadelní náměstí 21 Phone: +420 353 225 621 E-mail: produkce@karlovarkedivadlo.cz Website: www.karlovarske-divadlo.cz Virtuální infocentrum Karlovy Vary Tel.: +420 773 378 559 The variegated repertoire suits all age and social groups. The theatre stages the best pieces from the production of the Czech theatre scene and concurrently presents successful Czech and international authors, often as country premieres. The Karlovy Vary Theatre was built according to the design of acclaimed architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer in the years 1884 and 1886. The grand opening took place on 15 May 1886 with the performance of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. THE INTERIOR OF THE KARLOVY VARY MUNICIPAL THEATRE The painting decorations were entrusted to renowned Viennese artists, brothers Gustav and Ernest Klimt along with Franz Matsch.

The trio of young artists (aged between 22 and 25 years) left behind a permanent hallmark in the form of a monumental masterpiece – a hand-painted curtain with a motif celebrating the art of poetry. The magnificent work of art is complemented by a fresco above the forestage and paintings on the vaulted ceiling. The sculptural decorations, which particularly stand out in the foyer, are the work of yet another Viennese, Theodor Friedl. His signature is also apparent on the group of statues depicting the Muses on the forefront, as well as on the Antique griffins guarding the entrance. All lighting fittings, the chandelier,and especially the charming Rococo lamps on the staircase were designed by architects Fellner and Helmer. tel: +420 353 225 621mail: info@karlovarskedivadlo.czweb: http://www.karlovarske-divadlo.cz/ WE ALWAYS ENJOY IT HERE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO A GALA CONCERT OF OPERETTA MELODIES AND EVERGREENS House at the Three Moors Special offer: 10% discount!

One of the oldest restaurants in Karlovy Vary is located directly at the hotel. Historical interior with first class wine cellar offers specialties of Czech and international cuisine. The non-smoking restaurant with pleasant service is available not only for hotel guests. What else you might be interested Bohemian glass, chiefly referred to as Bohemia crystal, is glass produced in the regions of Bohemia and Silesia, now parts of the Czech Republic. It has a centuries long history of being internationally recognised for its high quality, craftsmanship, beauty and often innovative designs. Hand-cut, engraved, blown and painted decorative glassware ranging from champagne flutes to enormous chandeliers, ornaments, figurines and other glass items are among the best known Czech exports and immensely popular as tourist souvenirs. The Czech Republic is home to numerous glass studios and schools attended by local and foreign students. Oldest archaeological excavations of glass-making sites date to around 1250 and are located in the Lusatian Mountains of Northern Bohemia.

Most notable Czech sites of glass-making throughout the ages are Skalice (German: Langenau), Jablonec nad Nisou, Železný Brod, Poděbrady, Karlovy Vary, Kamenický Šenov (German: Steinschönau) and Nový Bor (German: Haida). Several of these towns have their own glass museums with many items dating since around 1600. Jablonec nad Nisou in particular is famous for the local tradition of manufacturing glass costume jewellery. Its long history is documented by large collections in the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou. The meaning of crystal versus glass changes according to the country. The word "crystal" means, in most of the western world, the presence of lead. In the European Union, labeling of "crystal" products is regulated by Council Directive 69/493/EEC, which defines four categories, depending on the chemical composition and properties of the material. Only glass products containing at least 24% of lead oxide may be referred to as "lead crystal". Products with less lead oxide, or glass products with other metal oxides used in place of lead oxide, must be labeled "crystallin" or "crystal glass".

[1] In the United States it is the opposite - glass is defined as "crystal" if it contains only 1% lead. In the Czech Republic, the term "crystal" is used for any exquisite, high quality glass. Leaded crystal means crystal containing more than 24% lead oxide. The presence of lead in crystal softens the glass and makes it more accessible for cutting and engraving. Lead increases the weight of the glass and causes the glass to diffract light. Glass can contain up to 40% lead, if maximum hardness is desired. On the other hand, crystal can contain less than 24% lead if it has a high proportion of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction. Bohemia, a part of the Czech Republic (formerly part of Czechoslovakia, formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, originally part of Czech Kingdom or Kingdom of Bohemia), became famous for its beautiful and colourful glass during the Renaissance. The history of Bohemian glass started with the abundant natural resources found in the countryside.

Bohemian glass-workers discovered potash combined with chalk created a clear colourless glass that was more stable than glass from Italy. In the 16th century the term Bohemian crystal emerged for the first time in history to distinguish its qualities from the glass coming from other places. This glass contained no lead as is commonly suspected. This Czech glass could be cut with a wheel. In addition, resources such as wood for firing the kilns and for burning down to ashes were used to create potash. There were also copious amounts of limestone and silica. In the 17th century, Caspar Lehmann, gem cutter to Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, adapted to glass the technique of gem engraving with copper and bronze wheels. During the era, the Czech lands became the dominant producer of decorative glassware and the local manufacture of glass earned international reputation in high Baroque style from 1685 to 1750. Czech glassware became as prestigious as jewellery and was sought-after by the wealthy and the aristocracy of the time.

Czech crystal chandeliers could be found in the palaces of the French king Louis XV, Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria, and Elizabeth of Russia. Bohemia turned out expert craftsmen who artfully worked with crystal. Bohemian crystal became famous for its excellent cut and engraving. They became skilled teachers of glass-making in neighbouring and distant countries. By the middle of the 19th century, a technical glass-making school system was created that encouraged traditional and innovative techniques as well as thorough technical preparation. In the second half of the 19th century, Bohemia looked to the export trade and mass-produced coloured glass that was exported all over the world. Pairs of vases were produced either in a single colour of opaque glass or in two-colour cased glass. These were decorated in thickly enamelled flower subjects that were painted with great speed. Others were decorated with coloured lithographic prints copying famous paintings. These glass objects were made in huge quantities in large factories and were available by mail order throughout Europe and America.

Many of them were not fine art but provided inexpensive decorative objects to brighten up ordinary homes. Reverse glass painting was also a Czech specialty. The image is carefully painted by hand on the back of a pane of glass, using a variety of techniques and materials, after which the painting is mounted in a bevelled wooden frame. Glass artisanship remained at a high level even under the Communists because it was considered ideologically innocuous and it helped promote the good name of the country. Czech glass designers and manufacturers enjoyed international recognition and Czech glassware including art works such as sculptures was displayed and awarded in many international exhibitions, most notably in Expo 58 world fair in Brussels and in Expo 67 in Montréal. Today, Czech crystal chandeliers hang, for example, in Milan's La Scala, in Rome's Teatro dell'Opera, in Versailles, in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg or in the royal palace in Riyadh. Various sorts of glassware, art glass, ornaments, figurines, costume jewellery, beads and others also remain internationally valued.