A jewel of spa architecture celebrates a major milestone
Mariánské Lázně Healing Spa, Ensana Hotels, commemorates this year the 130th anniversary of the opening of its exclusive five-star hotel Nové Lázně. The exceptional building with its unique Roman Baths was ceremonially inaugurated on 1 June 1896. Hotel Nové Lázně ranks among the most significant architectural landmarks of the town and remains to this day a symbol of the union of tradition, elegance and the healing power of nature.
Birth of an architectural gem
The impetus for creating the New Baths came from Abbot Alfred Clemens, who decided on their construction, secured the financing and gave the project a clear vision. His initials A.C. and A.T. (Abbas Teplensis) are still carved into the building's pediment as a reminder of his legacy.
The architectural design of the baths and the adjoining Casino was drawn up by Marienbad-born Josef Schaffer. He found inspiration during his travels through Italy — particularly in Venice, Bologna and Florence. It was the elements of Italian Renaissance that lent the building its magnificent and timeless character. Construction took four years and always took place in winter outside the main season so as not to disrupt the spa operations.
From humble beginnings to European renown
The history of spa treatment in Mariánské Lázně stretches back to the early 19th century. In 1808, approximately eighty guests arrived in what was still an inhospitable landscape for the first spa season. Paved roads and basic services were lacking — guests even brought their own beds and food supplies. Nevertheless, the local mineral springs quickly gained fame, and visitor numbers grew steadily.
A decisive turning point came in 1872 with the arrival of the first train. Thanks to the railway, the town opened up to Europe, and visitor numbers surged. Existing capacities were no longer sufficient, and a major reconstruction became necessary. Before the renovation in 1890, the old New Baths had 42 cabins, including those for so-called steel baths. "Steel bath" (Stahlbäder) was the popular 19th-century term for a bath in the Ambrose Spring. The water was so iron-rich that it stained the tub rust-red and promised patients "steely health". After Architect Schaffer's alterations, their number doubled.
Roman Baths — the crown jewel
Part of the Nové Lázně complex is a true architectural treasure — the Roman Baths. This magnificent historical space captivates at first sight. The glazed ceiling floods the interior with soft daylight that reflects off the surfaces of the two pools and underscores the monumentality of the entire hall.
The vault is supported by twenty-one soaring columns of dark-red Salzburg marble with capitals of white Carrara stone. The extraordinary atmosphere is completed by rich details: coloured tiles, gilded gargoyles in the shape of lion heads and other precisely crafted ornamentation evoking the grandeur of ancient baths.
The Roman Baths are not merely part of the historical building — they are its heart. They rank among the most valuable and best-preserved examples of late-19th-century European spa architecture and retain their unique beauty and dignity to this day. A third pool with a counter-current was added during the modern reconstruction. A sauna (80 °C), sanarium (50 °C), steam bath and Kneipp therapy are available.
Royal tradition
The New Baths soon became a destination for European aristocracy. One of the most distinguished guests was British King Edward VII, who visited Marienbad a total of nine times. His use of the carbonic baths in his private "Royal Cabin" became a symbol of the prestige of local treatments.
The cabin has preserved its original fittings to this day, including a copper steam boiler, a historical heater and unique decorative elements. The doors to the loggia in the Royal Cabin are adorned with original painted glass panels from the famous Tyrolean Geyling workshop, which shimmer in all colours in the sunlight. The tiles are luxurious majolica, and paintings of birds hang on the walls. A stay in the cabin was meant to evoke the atmosphere of a garden pavilion amidst nature.
Alongside the "Royal Cabin", the hotel also boasts the equally ornate "Imperial Cabin" of Austrian monarch Franz Joseph I. The historic meeting of the two monarchs on 16 August 1904 became an event of European significance and is commemorated today by a bronze sculpture group on Goethe Square.
In 1905, Edward VII founded the Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně — the oldest golf club in Bohemia, which has operated continuously ever since. And the royal tradition continues: in 2005, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, stayed at Nové Lázně.
A spirit of progress and innovation
Marienbad has always been synonymous with innovation. As early as 1820, steam and shower baths were introduced here, followed shortly by peat wraps and gas baths using carbon dioxide from the Maria Spring — a treatment still considered unique to this day. More about this unique therapy on the CO₂ therapy page.
Today, Nové Lázně offers modern treatment methods alongside traditional procedures, including oxygen therapy. The building has undergone sensitive modernisation to meet contemporary medical standards while preserving its authentic historical character.
Part of world heritage
Mariánské Lázně has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2021 under the Great Spa Towns of Europe project and has held the status of a climatic spa since 2023.
Nové Lázně is today the largest historical balneotherapy facility in the Czech Republic. Mineral springs, notably the Forest Spring and the Ambrose Spring, are piped directly into the building and form the foundation of comprehensive spa care, rehabilitation and modern diagnostics.
130 years and still going
The celebration of the 130th anniversary of Hotel Nové Lázně is not only a reminder of its rich history but also a confirmation that the principle of "Healing Power of Nature" remains a firm part of the spa tradition. The combination of natural resources, medical expertise and continuity of care represents the value upon which this exceptional hotel has stood for more than a century.
More about the hotel and current offers at ensanahotels.com. Details about accommodation in Marienbad.
