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A world-famous Czech Film Festival returns July 1-9

The town of Karlovy Vary (also known by its German name Carlsbad) was founded in 1350 by the Czech King Charles IV. For centuries, tourists have flocked to the town to enjoy its impressive architecture and to relax in its natural hot spring spas, famous for their healing power. The town's visitors over the years have included Casanova, Beethoven, Mozart, Franz Kafka, and Alphonse Mucha.

These days, the town is most famous for the renowned Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which is considered one of the world's major film events. The festival was founded in 1946, making it one of the oldest film festivals still in existence.

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival is held every year in July. The 2011 festival kicks off on Friday, meaning thousands of visitors will soon descend upon Karlovy Vary to view more than 200 new films from around the world. The Film Festival always welcomes a number of high-profile guests; although many show up unannounced, confirmed guests for this year’s festival include John Malkovich and John Turturro.

The festival is most famous for its full-length feature films and documentaries. The rules stipulate that all film entries have not been shown in competition at any other international festivals. Nearly all films will screen in English or with English subtitles.

A bus from Prague will get you to Karlovy Vary in around 2 hours. Whether you go to attend the festival, relax in the hot spring spas, or simply wander around, you will always remember visiting this magical city.

For more information, head to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival's official website.