The Colonnade & Singing Fountain

An Architectural Masterpiece

The Main Colonnade of Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) is far more than a building — it is the beating heart of the spa town and one of the most impressive examples of Neo-Baroque spa architecture in Europe. The elegant cast-iron construction extends over a length of 119 metres and, with its delicate ceiling structure and ornamental columns, forms a covered promenade that has sheltered spa guests from sun and rain for over a century while they drink the healing waters of the mineral springs.

The present colonnade was built in 1888-1889 to designs by the Viennese architects Miksch and Niedzielski, replacing an older wooden structure. The cast-iron construction was revolutionary for its time, reflecting the technical optimism of the late 19th century. The colonnade has been restored several times, most recently in comprehensive renovations in the 1970s and 2000s, and today shines in its original splendour.

The Springs of the Colonnade

Beneath the roof of the colonnade are several of Marienbad's most important mineral springs, which guests can drink directly from the ornately designed fountain spouts:

• Cross Spring (Křížový pramen): Marienbad's most famous spring, documented since 1679. Its water is rich in iron and is recommended for gastrointestinal complaints and kidney problems.
• Ferdinand Spring (Ferdinandův pramen): Named after Emperor Ferdinand I, it is particularly rich in minerals and is used for metabolic disorders.
• Carolina Spring (Karolinin pramen): A mild spring that is particularly suitable as an introduction to the drinking cure.
• Rudolf Spring (Rudolfův pramen): Named after Crown Prince Rudolf, it has a particular effect on the urinary tract.

Each spring has a unique mineral composition and different therapeutic properties. Spa physicians create an individual drinking plan for each patient, specifying the spring, quantity, temperature and drinking times.

The Singing Fountain

Directly in front of the colonnade stands one of Marienbad's most beloved landmarks: the Singing Fountain (Zpívající fontána). This unique interplay of water, music and light was inaugurated in 1986 based on a design by engineer Pavel Mikula and has been a highlight of every Marienbad visit ever since.

How Does the Singing Fountain Work?

The fountain consists of a circular basin approximately 18 metres in diameter, equipped with hundreds of nozzles that produce precisely choreographed water figures through a computer-controlled system. These are exactly synchronised to a selection of music — from classical compositions (Dvořák, Smetana, Chopin) to film scores and modern pieces. The water jets literally "dance" to the music, creating a mesmerising audiovisual experience.

Show Times

The Singing Fountain performs from May to October at every odd hour (7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00). The evening performances after dark are particularly atmospheric, as the fountain is additionally illuminated with coloured lights. Each performance lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and is free to attend.

The Ferdinand Havelka Colonnade

In addition to the Main Colonnade, the Ferdinand Havelka Colonnade deserves mention — a smaller but architecturally equally charming structure in the upper part of the spa park. It houses the Ferdinand Spring and offers a quieter, more intimate setting for the drinking cure. The colonnade is named after the distinguished spa physician Ferdinand Havelka, who made significant contributions to the scientific study of Marienbad's healing springs in the 19th century.

History and Cultural Significance

The colonnade has always been far more than a functional promenade. In the 19th and early 20th century, it was the social centrepiece of spa life — a meeting place where crowned heads, poets, musicians and the European aristocracy promenaded. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner and King Edward VII were among the most prominent visitors who took their drinking cure beneath the colonnade's roof.

Even today, the colonnade remains the centre of spa life. Each morning and evening, spa guests stream to the springs with their characteristic drinking cure cups (Lázeňský pohárek) to drink their medically prescribed mineral water — a tradition that has scarcely changed in over 200 years.

Around the Colonnade

The colonnade lies at the heart of the beautifully landscaped Spa Park (Skalníkovy sady), designed by the renowned landscape architect Václav Skalník in the 19th century. The park features expansive green spaces, historic pavilions, a cast-iron music pavilion and manicured flower beds. It is the ideal starting point for the terrain cure walking paths that lead into the surrounding forests.

Practical Information

The colonnade is freely accessible year-round. The mineral springs flow continuously and can be drunk from free of charge at any time — bring your own cup or purchase a traditional Lázeňský pohárek from one of the many souvenir shops. The Singing Fountain operates seasonally from May to October. Admission is free.

The colonnade is easily reached on foot from the town centre — it is located at the southern end of the main street (Hlavní třída), just a few minutes' walk from all major spa hotels.