The son of Maria Theresa left an indelible mark on the memory of the Czech people. Through his bold reforms, he abolished serfdom and introduced religious tolerance, earning a reputation as a just and people-oriented emperor.
He returned to Teplice with great pleasure and was a frequent visitor. For him, the spa was not only a place of political meetings but above all an escape from rigid court protocol. Joseph II despised excessive pomp and therefore often traveled incognito under the name “Count Falkenstein.” This allowed him to avoid ceremonies, stay in modest inns, and speak freely with ordinary people, gaining valuable insight into everyday life in his empire.
The spa thus offered him an ideal combination of rest and discreet governance.
