Dubí

Nestled at the foot of the Ore Mountains lies Dubí, a spa town with a history as rich as the minerals bubbling beneath its surface. Dubí wasn’t always a place of tranquility and healing. The first whispers of Dubí emerge from the late 15th century, a mining settlement echoing with the clang of tin miners’ tools. This wasn’t a spa town yet, but a gritty outpost carved from the mountain’s edge. Dubí, named for the vast oak forests that once blanketed these hills, would soon transform. The town later became known for its glass and porcelain production. This craftsmanship, coupled with the discovery of healing mineral waters, set the stage for Dubí’s emergence as a spa destination. In 1860, Anton Tschinkel, a local porcelain factory owner, saw the potential of the mineral springs. He built the first spa, Diana’s Spa, which opened in 1862. This was followed by Theresa’s Spa in 1879, its mineral waters offering relief to patients recovering from brain and spine surgeries. Today, Theresa’s Spa remains the heart of Dubí, a testament to the town’s enduring connection to healing and wellness. Beyond the spa, Dubí offers a blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders. The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary stands as a testament to the town’s history. This stunning replica of Venice’s Madonna dell’Orto church, commissioned by the Clary-Aldringen princes, was completed in 1906. It serves as a striking example of Venetian architecture, a surprising and elegant addition to the Czech landscape. Dubí’s legacy also extends to the world of porcelain. This is the birthplace of Czech blue onion porcelain, the “cibulák” pattern that has graced tables and shelves since 1885. Visitors can explore the Porcelain Museum in the House of Porcelain with Blue Blood to see exquisite examples of this craft. For a more immersive experience, the Český porcelán factory offers tours. Here, you can witness the creation of these iconic pieces, from the preparation of porcelain mass to the delicate application of the blue onion motif. Dubí, a town forged in the heart of the mountains, has evolved from a mining settlement to a spa town. It’s a place where history, healing, and artistry intertwine.