Kutná Hora is a small Czech town that once rivalled Prague in wealth. Silver paid for its soaring church and royal mint. Today, however, most visitors come for the famous bone chapel at Sedlec. So, this guide covers the best sights, plus how to get there and when to go.
Quick Facts About Kutná Hora
| Country | Czech Republic |
| Region | Central Bohemian Region, about 70 km east of Prague |
| Known For | Sedlec Ossuary, St. Barbara’s Church and medieval silver mines |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site since 1995 |
| Founded | Grew from a mining camp in the late 13th century |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June and September |
| Getting There | Take a train from Prague, about one hour |
| Time Needed | One full day, or two days to slow down |
| Continent | Europe |
Where Is Kutná Hora?
The town sits in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It lies about 70 km east of Prague, on gentle hills above the Vrchlice stream. In addition, the old suburb of Sedlec is now part of the town. That is where the main railway station and the ossuary are found.
As a result, the town is an easy escape from the capital. Many travellers visit on a day trip. Still, staying one night lets you enjoy the quiet lanes after the tour groups leave. In the evening, Kutná Hora feels like a different place. Lanterns light the squares, and the church spires glow above the rooftops.
Why Visit Kutná Hora?
First, the history here is remarkable. In the Middle Ages, local mines produced a large share of Europe’s silver. For this reason, kings built a royal mint in the town. Meanwhile, wealthy citizens paid for Gothic churches and stone houses.
Second, the old centre is compact and walkable. Cobbled streets lead from the main square to the cathedral terrace. Along the way, you pass fountains, chapels and tiny cafes. Above all, the town feels far calmer than Prague. If you enjoyed our guide to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic, you will like Kutná Hora too.
Things to Do in Kutná Hora
Most sights are within a short walk of each other. However, Sedlec sits about 3 km from the centre. Local buses and trains link the two areas.
Visit the Sedlec Ossuary
The Sedlec Ossuary is a small chapel decorated with human bones. It holds the remains of roughly 40,000 to 70,000 people. In 1870, the woodcarver František Rint arranged the bones into garlands, crosses and a huge chandelier. Even so, the mood is calm rather than gruesome. Overall, it is one of the most unusual sights in Central Europe.
Explore St. Barbara’s Church
Next, walk up to the Church of St. Barbara. Work began in 1388, and the church was only finished in 1905. Its tent-like roofs and flying buttresses are a Gothic masterpiece. Inside, look for frescoes of miners and minters at work. Afterwards, stroll along the terrace lined with baroque statues.
See the Italian Court
The Italian Court was once the royal mint. Here, workers struck the Prague groschen, a silver coin used across Central Europe. Later, the building also served as a royal residence. Today, guided tours show the old minting rooms and a Gothic chapel.
Go Underground at the Silver Museum
The Czech Museum of Silver is set inside the Hrádek, a small medieval palace. Above all, the highlight is a guided walk through a real mining tunnel. You wear a helmet and a white miner’s coat. Note that the tunnels are narrow, so the tour may not suit everyone.
Admire the Jesuit College
The long Jesuit College stands right beside St. Barbara’s Church. Its terrace is lined with thirteen baroque statues of saints. Today, the building houses the GASK gallery of modern art. Even if you skip the exhibitions, the views over the valley are lovely. In particular, late afternoon light makes the stone glow.
Taste Local Food and Beer
Kutná Hora has a small but friendly food scene. For instance, many pubs serve hearty Czech dishes such as goulash with dumplings. Meanwhile, local breweries pour fresh lager at fair prices. Likewise, cafes near the main square sell cakes and strong coffee. So, take a long lunch between sights.
Wander the Old Town
Finally, save time for simple wandering. Look for the Stone House on the main square and the Stone Fountain nearby. In addition, the Cathedral of the Assumption in Sedlec shows a striking blend of baroque and Gothic styles.
Here are a few tips for your visit:
- Buy a combined ticket for the ossuary, the cathedral and St. Barbara’s Church.
- Arrive early, as tour groups reach Sedlec by mid morning.
- Wear good shoes, since the streets are steep and cobbled.
- Respect the rules inside the ossuary, where photography may be limited.
Day Trips From Kutná Hora
Several smaller sights are close by. For example, Žleby Castle sits about 20 km to the south. It has romantic towers and a deer park with white deer. Meanwhile, Kačina Chateau is a grand Empire style house just north of town. In contrast, Kolín offers a quiet old square and a historic Jewish quarter. All three are easy to reach by car.
If you prefer nature, the Kaňk hill just north of town has short walking trails. Its old mining heaps are now covered in meadows. From the top, you can see the spires of the town and the wide Elbe plain beyond.
One Historical Fact About Kutná Hora
In 1409, King Wenceslas IV signed the Decree of Kutná Hora in the town. It changed the voting rules at Prague’s university to favour Czech scholars. As a result, many German masters left Prague. In short, a decision made here shaped the history of Central European learning.
How to Get to Kutná Hora
Reaching the town from Prague is simple. Choose the option that suits your plans:
- Train: direct trains leave Praha hlavní nádraží and take about one hour to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží in Sedlec.
- Local link: a short shuttle train runs from the main station to Kutná Hora město, near the old centre.
- Bus: coaches leave from Prague and stop close to the historic core.
- Driving: the trip takes about 75 minutes, and paid parking is available near the centre.
Best Time to Visit
The best months are May, June and September. During these months, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. In addition, the Royal Silver Festival brings costumes and medieval markets in June. July and August are busier, especially at Sedlec. On the other hand, winter is cold and quiet. Still, the ossuary and churches stay open all year, and Christmas markets add charm in December.
Is Kutná Hora Worth Visiting?
Yes, Kutná Hora is worth visiting. It combines a UNESCO listed old town with one of Europe’s strangest chapels. Plus, it is easy to reach from Prague. For another old town with a long story, read our guide to Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this silver town rewards curious travellers. You can see bones, Gothic spires and medieval mines in a single day. Better still, the town is small enough to explore on foot. So, add Kutná Hora to your Czech itinerary and take your time on the cobbled lanes.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Ale: St. Barbara’s Church rises above the town, Unsplash License
- Petr Tomíček: Historic buildings line the old streets, Unsplash License
Wikimedia Commons
- Juandev: Kutná Hora, St. Barbara church and Jesuit college from Italian court.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Interfase: Sedlec Ossuary – Interior 2.JPG, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Interfase: Sedlec Ossuary – Exterior.JPG, CC BY-SA 4.0
