The cold mineral water springs near Cheb (in German: Eger) were already known in ancient times, which is indirectly evidenced by findings from prehistoric settlements placed near the source Palliardi. The first written mention of the sources refer to the 11th century, the early modern period is used to describe all the scientific capacity of the time (among other things, Georgius Agricola in 1545). The wider use occurred in the seventeenth century, when the rest were established in 1661 and houses the first bottler of water. "Eger Water" was sold in the nearby and further surroundings. Was also exported to Germany, where for instance in 1700 reportedly exceeded its sales volume of water coming from all German spas.
In 1793, by the decree of Emperor Franz I. was established at Cheb springs spa, in 1795 the place was named to Kaiser Franzensdorf (“Emperor Franz Settlement”) and in 1803 renamed to Kaiser Franzensbad (Franzensbad). The Golden Age spa culminated in 1912 when the city was visited by 65 000 patients. From this period there are the Hall of Glauber Springs, empire Colonnades of the Luční (“Meadow”) and Solný (“Salt”) Springs, Neo-Renaissance building of Spa II, a circular Pavilion of the Francis Spring, the Community Centre, Spa III and other buildings.
Over twenty springs from shallow wells and boreholes are used for spa purposes. Sources are of different mineralization, of diverse ions ratio and of different carbon dioxide content. The water belongs to the cold, very strongly mineralized, sulphate-chloride-hydrogen carbonate, sodium and in some cases also ferruginous acidulous type.
Franzensbad is known as the first mud bath in the world where in addition to medicinal hot-spring mineral water, gas (free carbon dioxide), sulphur-ferruginous boggy soil and peat were used. Heart and circulatory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and female diseases including infertility are treated here.
Fig.:
1. Little Franzis –symbol of the town
2. Pavilion of the Francis Spring 100 years ago
3. New Colonnade 100 years ago
4. Hall of Glauber Springs 100 years ago
5. Preparing of peat baths (late 19th century)