The spa towns underwent an inspection before the verdict on their inscription to UNESCO

Karlovy Vary - Spa towns from seven European countries were inspected in recent weeks by commissioners of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). This is the final review before a decision on the inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cities are expected to know the commissioners' assessment probably at the turn of this year and next year, Deputy Minister of Culture Vlastislav Ouroda told reporters today in Karlovy Vary.

"Within approximately a month, both experts will prepare a report. This will be provided to the so-called ICOMOS panel, which consists of 40 leading experts from around the world who assess individual nominations every year. They will agree on a final recommendation for ICOMOS, and this recommendation will be sent to the UNESCO World Heritage office," Ouroda described the process.

In case of objections, according to him, applicants for inscription can still withdraw and supplement their nomination. If the candidate countries do not withdraw their nomination, the decision of UNESCO regarding inscription or rejection will be final and irrevocable.

The mayor of Františkovy Lázně, Jan Kuchař (PRO association), said today that the towns did not make any hasty repairs before the commissioners' visit. "It wouldn't pay off to patch something up. We tried to present the towns in the best light and did not try to cover anything up. Rather, we prepared reasons and arguments for how the town will continue to support its original authenticity," Kuchař said.

A total of 11 towns participated in the serial nomination "Famous Spas of Europe," including the Austrian Baden near Vienna, the Belgian Spa, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, the French city of Vichy, the German towns Bad Ems, Baden-Baden, Bad Kissingen, the Italian Montecatini Terme, and the British City of Bath. They share the fact that they developed from 1700 to 1930 in the vicinity of natural mineral springs. Their use led to an innovative approach that combined unique urbanism, specific architectural typology, park arrangements, and a holistic approach to health and leisure in the spa landscape.

About ten years of preparation have also led to mutual cooperation among all nominated towns. This could also be one of the positive arguments for agreeing to the inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, added Ouroda.