Marianske Lazne

Mariánské Lázně (Czech pronunciation: [ˈmarɪjaːnskɛː ˈlaːzɲɛ]; German: Marienbad) is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic. The town, surrounded by green mountains, is a mosaic of parks and noble houses. Most of its buildings come from the town's Golden Era in the second half of the 19th century, when many celebrities and top European rulers came to enjoy the curative carbon dioxide springs.

Marianske Lazne in The War That Came Eary
Marianske Lazne was overrun almost immediately in September 1938, when Germany went to war with Czechoslovakia.

Marianske Lazne, which had always been a popular international tourist destintion, was at the time hosting tourists from many countries. Nationals of neutral countries, including Jews, were detained to await repatriation to their home countries. Czechoslovak nationals and those of other Allied nations made the acquaintance of German occupation policy.

Peggy Druce was among the tourists caught behind the lines when Marianske Lazne fell. Before leaving Philadelphia, her friends had suggested that she cancel her trip on account of the looming diplomatic crisis and likelihood of war. She dismssed these concerns with the belief that the great powers would step back from the brink and not allow a total war to break out while another war was still fairly fresh in memory. She was clearly proven wrong.