Kuks Attractions
Kuks is a former baroque spa resort in Eastern Bohemia, built on the banks of the Labe River. The natural mineral spring was discovered by Count Franz Anton von Sporck on his own property which he had inherited, along with a huge fortune, when he was seventeen years old. Sporck spent the next two decades building Kuks which turned out to be more than just a spa. This fabulous resort contained all of the usual spa amenities including baths, hospital, chateau and accommodations, as well as a theatre, racetrack and other entertainment venues. He held river pageants, hunts and had his own private orchestra. Kuks became one of the premier spa resorts in central Europe, even frequented by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Following the death of Sporck, Kuks fell on hard times. No one was interested in maintaining the spa. Two years after Sporck's death a huge flood on the Labe wiped out many of the buildings and the spring itself suffered irreparable damage.
What remains today are the restored hospital, the chapel designed by Giovanni Alliprandi, the Sporck mausoleum, the pharmacy, and a collection of allegorical statues by Matthias Braun. It is still impressive to see and worth a visit.
Following the death of Sporck, Kuks fell on hard times. No one was interested in maintaining the spa. Two years after Sporck's death a huge flood on the Labe wiped out many of the buildings and the spring itself suffered irreparable damage.
What remains today are the restored hospital, the chapel designed by Giovanni Alliprandi, the Sporck mausoleum, the pharmacy, and a collection of allegorical statues by Matthias Braun. It is still impressive to see and worth a visit.
