The dawn of the city of Teplice is linked to its mineral springs. Knowledge of healing springs in the Teplice valley dates back approximately 2000 years, which is documented by archaeological findings of Roman coins in the Pravřídlo (Primary Hot Spring) and 2000-year old Celtic coins and jewellery in the Giant Spring near Duchov. The Antique tradition of giving thanks to the healing power of mineral springs by throwing coins or other gifts into the spring has proven that the Teplice springs are among the longest known and intensively utilised springs in Central Europe.

Historical knowledge of the early Middle Ages mentions Slavonic settlements in the area and foundation of the Benedictine Monastery of St. John the Baptist, initiated by Queen Judith.In the centuries that followed, the use of the Teplice Spa increased and the City grew hand in hand.

The 16th century with its great development of balneology is an important period for Teplice. The first spa houses are established near the Pravřídlo (Primary Hot Spring), distinguished guests arrive with numerous convoys and life in the spa is freshened by a lively social and cultural spirit. Teplice goes through an economic boom and transforms from a sleepy town into a centre with an exceptional clientele.

From the second half of the 18th century, the Teplice city and spa are linked to a new noble family, the Clary – Aldringens, who gained the estate after the murder of Vilem of Vchynice and Albrecht of Wallenstein. It was this noble family that is credited for development of the spa and the entire city. During their leadership, the spa became known worldwide and famous around Europe. New spa buildings were constructed, parks were expanded and the city was visited by exceptional clients, such as monarchs like Czar Peter I in the autumn of 1712 or Saxon Electors who continued to visit the spas shortly after the end of the Thirty Years War, and renowned scientists and philosophers such as G.W.Leibnitzand others.

The period of Classicism was a golden age for Teplice. The city changed its face after the fire of 1793, with massive support from the rulers of surrounding countries proving its popularity. A whole line of new spa buildings was built and the city together with the spa acquired a truly representative character. Visits of the world’s prominent personages attracted a noble community to the city. At the time, the merit for reputation of a spa centre was the amount of aristocratic guests it received, and by these lines, Teplice was becoming the “Parlour of Europe”. It was visited by monarchs like Gustaf IV the King of Sweden, Empress Maria Louise, Prussian King Frederick William III and Dutch King Louis, brother of Napoleon. Cultural icons also contributed the city’s development. In 1812, Goethe and Beethoven met here for the first time. It was here in Teplice that Beethoven wrote his legendary “Immortal Beloved” letters. Both Humboldt Brothers, one a biologist, the other a statesman and cultural personage, visited the spa for long periods.

Teplice was also a place for international negotiations and the city maintained its renown as a European centre. The city hosted the 1860 meeting between Emperor Franz Joseph and Prussian King William, German Emperor William I underwent treatments in Teplice in 1878. The presence of world leaders and their delegations contributed immensely to the spa’s popularity, which hosted 5 to 6 thousand annual visitors, and the accommodation of foreign guests brought significant economic advantages.

A significant part of the town was Šanov, which attracted on its own more guests than Teplice, due to its peaceful environment. This is also why both places were joined in the year 1895 into one, complete town, Teplice - Šanov. In comparison to other spa towns, Teplice had the advantage that accommodation and treatments in the spa buildings were basically available continuously throughout the entire year. These advantages, together with the comparatively extensive range of indicative diseases, and for its character and its exceptional guests, made Teplice very appealing.

The origins of Dubí as a spa city begin in 1860, when Tschinkel the factory-owner built the first spa building, called “Diana’s Spa”. Treatments were based on hot, cold and steam baths with fir-needles and water from a mountain stream. Spa promenades, avenues, vistas and restaurants were established at that time. Less than 20 years later, Dubí had its own spa institution: “Doctor Brecher’s Hydrotherapeutic Institution”, where patients were treated according to the Priessnitz, Hahn and Kneipp methods. Water from a spring above the institution was used for baths. Concerts and evening parties were organised for the guests, which together with good treatment results contributed to the increasing popularity of the Dubí Spa.

In the period between the World Wars, Teplice was a very lively and socially busy city with a high level of services, attractive amusements and a rich offer of cultural events. Interest in curative stays wavered despite the high level of spa care. Due to this, massage sprays, carbonic thermal baths, rehabilitation exercises and electric treatments were added to the traditional spa procedures.