Mariánské Lázně is the second most famous, world-known city of the Karlovy Vary region, Karlovy Vary being first. Although the oldest mention of the local curative springs comes from the year 1528, the beginning of balneology dates back to the turn of the 18th century when the first spa house was erected and springs began to be used for therapeutic purposes. Like Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně’s springs became very popular at the end of the 19th century, another boom period coming between the two world wars. The city of Mariánské Lázně was and still is visited by the great personas of politics, culture, science and sport. Let’s remember English Queen Edward VII., writer J. W. Goethe, composer F.Chopin or tennis player I. Lendl. The balneal facilities of Mariánské Lázně specialize in the treatment of the disorders affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, locomotion organs and airways. Forty springs – both cold and hot - rise here. Spa guests as well as others tourists can enjoy the ultimate comfort of a number of luxury hotels and spa sanatoria such as the Hotel Esplanade - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), the Hotel Agricola - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), the Hotel COOP Kriváň, the Schlosshotel Barta Sanatorium - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), and the Hotel Bohemia - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad). The city also offers the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of tastefully maintained parks and promenades the most beautiful of which is the new Baroque colonnade from the years 1888-1889 that links the pavilions of Křížovy pramen (Cross Spring) and Rudolfuv pramen (Rudolf’s Spring). Right next to them you can find the very popular Singing Fountain (Zpívající fontána). The city’s cultural program contains colonnade concerts, sacred music concerts given in churches, and the Chopin’s International Festival that has enjoyed its paramount reputation for many years. Active rest and sport spirit meet on the premises of the eighteen-hole golf course Royal Clubu Mariánské Lázně, this amenity of top world parameters is surrounded with the Parkhotel Golf - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) Hotel and the Hotel Esplanade - Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad). Tennis courts can be found in the city center. In winter, skiers are welcome to try the properly maintained skiing slope with ski lifts artificial snow above the Koliba Hotel.