Kutná Hora

A city full of silver reflections and royal glory whispers its mysterious stories on every corner. Just one step and you will find yourself in ancient times of glory, which does not decline here even in the 21st century. 

The city, which was once the heart of medieval mining, is today one of the most important historical pearls of the Czech Republic. Kutná Hora experienced an unprecedented boom thanks to the mining of silver, which local mines provided in huge quantities. Plan a stop at the Czech Museum of Silver and remember the most famous era of the city. You can look directly into the depths of a medieval mine, which was a significant source of wealth. Its considerable quantity was reflected in the construction of magnificent buildings that made the city not only a popular tourist destination, but also part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The embodiment of the cold beauty of early Gothic, whose goal was to express the purity of the local faith, is the magnificent Church of St. Barbara. Another monumental icon of the city is the Vlašský dvůr (Italian Court), in whose historical exhibition you will learn many interesting facts about the development of the city. You can visit the royal mint or descend into the cellars for a mysterious lost treasure. The minted coin, which you create with your own hands, will become a symbolic memory of the place where Prague groschen were once minted.

• Interesting fact: The Cathedral of St. Barbara is unique not only for its Gothic beauty, but also for its fascinating history. The construction, which began in 1388, lasted for more than 500 years with breaks. Originally, the church was supposed to be as large as the cathedral in Prague, but due to financial problems after the decline of silver mining, it was eventually completed in a smaller form. Nevertheless, visitors will be captivated by its monumental vault, the leaking frescoes and the tent roof resembling stretched sails in the wind.

A frosty atmosphere envelops the famous ossuary in Sedlec, as its interior is decorated with human bones. Combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent Sedlec Cathedral, which was improved by the famous architect Jan Blažej Santini Aichel. You will also feel the genius of the place in the oldest of the Kutná Hora churches, the Church of St. James. It adorns the very heart of the city, from which a tangle of picturesque streets winds.

• Tip for you: In addition to the monuments, enjoy cultural and gourmet experiences in the streets of Kutná Hora. Every visitor will surely be able to discover their own treasure here. Coffee lovers will not be disappointed with a cup of their favourite fragrant drink that awaits them while sitting in the Na Kozím pláčku café. You can also enjoy a caffeine boost from selected coffee beans in the very centre of cultural events, in the GASK gallery of modern and contemporary art. In addition to exhibitions, gallery collections and a rich accompanying programme, you will find the Art Gallery Café here. 

Don’t forget to taste the craftsmanship of past generations in Kutná Hora. Lidka Chocolate will take you into the world of award-winning chocolate with a family tradition that has won the hearts of sweet lovers. See for yourself its unique taste and quality at the Kutná Hora Chocolate Museum and Chocolate Factory . The book printing house will then draw you into the world of printing. You will definitely not find a “do not touch” sign on the exhibits here. Quite the opposite – here you have to put your hands to work and try working with historical machines, thanks to which you can print your own postcard. You can see and use, for example, a Boston printing press, a Christian Dingler hand press, an Intertype typesetting machine or various bookbinding tools, including lever scissors, hand cutters and gilding tools.

What’s next?

Although Kutná Hora offers an abundance of activities, it is worth extending your trip and looking beyond the city limits. Anyone who heads south-west will be drawn into the world of aromas, flavours, and experiences offered by the Malešov craft brewery. In the summer, the village organizes regular guided tours of the Malešov fortress. Those who are not afraid of heights should head to Kaňk. You cannot miss the massive stone tower of the Havířská bouda lookout tower, which will allow you to savour the view of the region and a multi-course menu. In the evening, the observation terrace turns into a romantic restaurant with its quick cuisine, as if created for a dinner on the occasion of a celebration or anniversary.