Statue of Hygeia

Location: In the interior of Vřídelní kolonáda (Hot Spring Colonnade) in the centre of Karlovy Vary
Year of creation: 1878
Author: Vincenz Pilz
Date of unveiling: 1 June 1879
Accessibility: Accessible during the opening hours of the Hot Spring Colonnade

How to get there

Route 1: The Hot Spring Colonnade is situated directly in the spa centre of Karlovy Vary above the Teplá River in the vicinity of Divadelní náměstí (Theatre Square).

Route 2: Bus No. 2 will take you from Tržnice (Market) city bus terminal to Divadelní náměstí (Theatre Square) in the spa centre. The Hot Spring Colonnade is only about 150 metres from the "Divadelní náměstí" (Theatre Square) terminal bus stop.

History of the monument

The statue of Hygeia was cast from iron by Viennese sculptor Vincenz Pilz at the foundry of Anton von Fernkorn in Vienna in 1878. As the Greek goddess of health and hygiene, Hygeia was one of the most frequently used symbols of the healing effects of the springs in Karlovy Vary. The statue was unveiled during the opening ceremony of the newly built cast-iron Hot Spring Colonnade on 1 June 1879 at the start of spa season.

The figural above-life size statue was made of cast iron in Classicist style and it portrays lightly dressed Hygeia in a seated position. A snake symbolising the healing power is wrapped around her right arm and in her left hand, the goddess is holding a small bowl with water, which she is offering to the snake. You may admire the statue in the promenade hall of the Hot Spring Colonnade during opening hours.