Anyone who’s been to Kutna Hora will tell you that it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic. This sleepy Bohemian town, which is only a short drive from Prague, feels like a fairy tale. It is no surprise that most people who visit this town immediately fall in love with its old town. Why? Because it has a unique charm that is hard to put into words. The old town has gorgeous architecture, cute cafes and a maze of narrow lanes and hidden squares. If you are planning a trip here and wondering what are the best things to do in Kutna Hora, then you are in the right place.
This pretty town in the Central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic has all the ingredients you need for a relaxing break.
Why is Kutna Hora famous?
Kutna Hora is probably most famous for the Bone Church and Gothic Cathedral, which are, together with the historic town, on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. But this town is known for more than its architecture – the silver trade once made this town one of the richest places in Europe.
Looking at Prague today, it is hard to imagine that this town rivalled Prague in importance. Silver mining made Kutna Hora the second most important town in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia. At the end of the 13th century, approximately one-third of silver produced in Europe came from this region. This charming town was also a favourite residence of several Bohemian kings.
The best things to do in Kutna Hora
1. Sedlec Ossuary
You might not be surprised to learn that visiting the Sedlec Ossuary is one of the top things to do in Kutna Hora. Why is this Roman Catholic Cemetery Church of All Saints so famous? Well, it is because this unusual two-storey church is not a typical tourist attraction.
Even though it does not look spectacular from the outside, the Church of All Saints is famous for the bone remains of about 60,000 people. Yes, you read that correctly – the Sedlec Ossuary is famous for decorations made of thousands of human bones. Because of that, many people refer to it as the Bone Church.
In fact, all the bones you can see in this small church come from the nearby cemetery. They are the remains of people who passed away naturally or from plague epidemics or the Hussite Wars.
The Church of All Saints is the final resting place for the bone remains of about 60,000 people.
The Bone Church Kutna Hora: decoration
Here’s where it gets juicy: according to legend, a half-blinded monk stacked the bones into six large pyramids in the underground part of the church. A few centuries later, the cemetery church underwent a major reconstruction. At this time, the architect Santini added new designs of bizarre bone decoration. Today you can find in the church bone decorations such as garlands of skulls or a bone coat of arms of the powerful Schwarzenberg family. Also, do not miss a chandelier containing almost every bone of the human body when exploring the Sedlec Ossuary.
Even though some people might find this place disturbing, the Sedlec Ossuary is one of the best places to visit. It is because this Bone Church has unique Baroque architecture. Even UNESCO added the Bone Church to its precious list. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Bone Church every year. It makes the Sedlec Ossuary the most visited attraction in Central Bohemia Region.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Sedlec Ossuary in a suburb of Kutna Hora in the neighbouring town of Sedlec. After exploring the underground, do not forget to visit the first floor, where you can find a chapel.
TIP:
An entry ticket for an adult to the Bone Church costs 160 CZK (£5.60). If you have time to explore more attractions, visit a nearby Tourist Information Centre. Buy a combined ticket for 300 CZK (£10.60), and you can see 3 top attractions in the town.
Alternatively, visit the Bone Church on a special night-time tour with a monk or a nun wearing traditional clothes. During a night tour, you can see the church illuminated by candlelight and learn more about this unusual church.
2. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John the Baptist
Afterwards, visit the nearby the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John the Baptist. You can find it only a short walk from the Bone Church. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John Baptist is one of the top attractions in Kutna Hora. It is a unique monument and a UNESCO Heritage site.
ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL
The cathedral in the shape of a Latin cross was originally part of the oldest Cistercian abbey in Bohemia. It took only 30 years to build it. Silver mining on the Cistercian’s land financed its construction. It became a local masterpiece. What’s more, the cathedral became the first cathedral-type building and also the largest sacred building in Bohemia and Moravia at the time.
The Roman Catholic cathedral was once the largest religious building in Bohemia.
In the 15th century, the Hussite army burnt down the cathedral and the nearby monastery. For the next 279 years, they both lay in ruins. In the 18th century, the architect rebuilt it and added several unique features to it. A self-supporting vault and eye-catching self-supporting spiral staircase are unusual in the world. Other highlights are beautiful paintings on the ceiling and the walls, the monk remains, and the remains of roman martyrs from the 2nd century.
Also, do not miss a treasury room where you can see the Monstrance of Sedlec. It is one of the most precious jewels of Central Europe. Recent findings suggest that it is the oldest gothic monstrance in the world. After that, visit the attic and the landing, which offer beautiful views from the top.
Visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John the Baptist is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest cathedral in Central Europe with an accessible treasury.
3. Barborska Street
Barborska Street also has to feature on your trip as it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kutna Hora. You might not know it, but Barborska streets was once a viewing terrace belonging to a Jesuit college. Later this terrace was enclosed by a low wall to create a pseudo-bridge with statues on it. Because of that, Barborska Street has a similar appearance to Charles Bridge in Prague. Once here, pay attention to 13 baroque statues of saints and breathtaking views over the valley below.
When strolling through Barborska Street, you can see a lot of historical and architectural monuments from here. What’s more, this street leads to the town’s main attraction – the Cathedral of St. Barbara.
4. St. Barbara’s Church
Mining in this town gave rise to the gorgeous St. Barbara’s Church.
It is easy to see why visiting St. Barbara’s Church is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora. This gorgeous Roman Catholic Church in the style of a cathedral is, in fact, one of the most famous Gothic churches in central Europe. St. Barbara’s Church is a national cultural monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of that, St. Barbara’s Church is one of the top attractions.
As you already know, silver mines played an important role in the history of this town. According to the legend, a miner’s chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara stood once here. Later, the mine owners decided to build St Barbara’s Church here. Due to the mining, most of Kutna Hora’s underground looks like Swiss cheese – there are kilometres of tunnels under the town. One of the reasons why they picked this place is that it does have solid rock beneath the surface.
As the name suggests, St. Barbara’s Church is dedicated to St. Barbara. She is a patron of all people who practice a dangerous profession, especially miners.
History of St. Barbara’s Church
The construction of this church took over 500 years. Originally, St. Barbara’s Church should have perhaps twice the size of the present building. However, the construction depended on the prosperity of the silver mines, which became much less productive over the years. The Hussite Wars and later not very successful silver mining interrupted works on the church several times. Later, the Jesuits took over and added baroque touches to this beautiful church.
Once inside, pay attention to ceilings, statues and stained-glass windows. Do not miss original frescoes from the 15th century. Along with religious paintings, mining motifs frequently appear in the church’s decoration – it’s unusual for churches. Afterwards, visit the terrace upstairs.
The Mine owners declared independence from the local Sedlec Monastery when they started building St. Barbara’s Church. That is why you can find miners at work not only on original paintings but also on many of the windows.
TIP:
After exploring inside, walk around the church and see it from the terrace.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Buy a discounted combined ticket for 300 CZK (£10.60), and visit the Church of St. Barbara, the Sedlec Ossuary and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St John the Baptist.
5. Jesuit College
You cannot visit Kutna Hora without seeing the Jesuit College. This early Baroque building often features in many postcards because it’s one of the popular attractions in this town. The Italian architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi designed this beautiful building which lines Barborska Street.
The Jesuits built the college next to St. Barbara Church because they did try to convert locals to Catholicism. Originally the building had three towers, but the middle one was removed for stability reasons.
Today the Jesuit College is home to an art gallery that holds both temporary and permanent exhibitions. In fact, the Jesuit College houses the second largest contemporary and modern art collection in the Czech Republic. Because of that, visiting the Jesuit College is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora for art lovers.
6. Italian Court
Many tourists want to see only the top attractions, such as the famous Bone Church and St. Barbara’s Church. However, this beautiful town offers much more. If you’ve ever wanted to walk where the kings walked before you, the Italian Court is such a place.
Step back in time and visit the Italian Court, or Vlašský Dvůr, as the locals call it. The Italian Court is a symbol of wealth and importance in the town.
What makes the Italian Court so famous?
The Italian Court is famous because this palace served many functions during its long history. The history of this building dates back to the late 13th century when it was a town castle. Later, the palace housed a royal mint and was a temporary residence of the Bohemian king during his visit to Kutna Hora’s silver mines.
The palace got its name after Italian mining specialists who began stamping silver coins here in 1300. That is when King Vaclav II (King Wenceslaus II) implemented his monetary reform. At this time, Kutna Hora was at the epicentre of wealth, so it made sense to create the Royal mint near the country’s richest deposits. Currency experts from Florence created a central mint and the silver Prague groschen, which replaced the thin scattered mints around the country. It became one of Europe’s strongest currencies of the time.
Nowadays, the Italian Court houses a museum of coin minting, which is one of the top attractions in the town. Also, you can find the city hall and government administrative centre in the building. Once inside, see an extensive collection of coins and exhibits that recreate working conditions in the mint. See coin makers workshops and learn how workers had to make about 2,000 coins a day by hammering designs into round silver pieces. Before you leave, stamp your coin at the Italian Court. Also, do not miss the royal chapel and the 15th-century Audience Hall with its impressive murals.
Exploring the Italian Court is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora because this building was the seat of the Central Mint of Prague and a part-time royal residence.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Italian Court on Havlickovo Square (Havlíčkovo náměstí) near the Church of St. James. There are two different tours that you can take when exploring the Italian Court:
- tour highlights the mining process and the silver industry in this town
- tour follows the path of the royal family.
7. Church of Saint James
Did you know that Kutna Hora has its own leaning tower? Yes, that is right, there is a church, which is, in fact, not standing very upright. Church of Saint James is that church, and you can find it in the heart of the medieval town. Its tall clock tower is visible from almost every angle in the old town.
The construction of the Church of Saint James began in the 14th century. The most important donors were minters from the nearby Italian Court. However, when choosing a location, they were not very lucky. The site turned out to have unstable ground due to silver mining. Originally this gothic church had two towers. However, due to the unsuitable soft terrain, the second tower was never completed. The unfinished part of the planned second tower is clearly visible on the exterior. Today, the Church of Saint James has only one 86-metre tall tower and is leaning. Because of that, some call it a Leaning Tower of Kutna Hora.
Visiting the Church of Saint James is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora because it is the oldest church in the town. Moreover, the Church of Saint James has a leaning tower, which makes it a unique attraction. However, not many tourists realise that, and only a few visit the church.
Even though you cannot climb the tower, it is well worth a explore this unusual church. Once inside, pay attention to the large windows on the west façade. Also, see two organs and beautiful gothic choir benches.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A golden cross at the top of the tower stands straight even though it gives the impression it does not.
8. Stone Fountain
If you have time, do not miss the gothic stone fountain. This beautifully decorated stone fountain is one of the masterpieces from the late 15th century. The same architect who worked on the Church of St. Barbara and Prague’s Powder Tower built this eye-catching fountain. The large-scale mining operations in the region interrupted the natural flow of drinking water. The stone fountain served as a source of drinking water for the locals until 1890. Originally this twelve-sided fountain had a roof. It also had wooden pipes, which transported water from a spring four km away. Even though you cannot spot them today, it’s well worth seeing the stone fountain – it is beautifully illuminated after dark.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the stone fountain in the centre of Rejsek Square (Rejskovo náměstí).
9. Stone House
Just a short walk from the stone fountain you will find the Stone House. This richly decorated house with stone carvings is a valuable piece of work. In fact, the Stone House is one of the most important monuments of Late Gothic architecture in the Czech Republic. Because of that, the Stone House is another popular attraction in Kutna Hora. It’s a part of the historic core of the city, which UNESCO inscribed on its World Heritage List.
The house dates back to the pre-Hussite era – it was the home of the local entrepreneur from the 15th century. Today, the Stone House serves as a local museum and is a testimony to how people used to live in the mining town. The museum has an exposition focused on the earlier history of the town. The Stone House is under the management of the Czech Museum of Silver in Hradek.
10. Plague Column
You may not know it, but you can find plague columns in many Czech and Slovak towns. This town also has one – it is protected as a cultural heritage. Why is this 16-metres high baroque column one of the tourist attractions? It is because it is a memorial to thousands of victims killed during the plague pandemic. The author of the Jesuit College statues built this beautiful column with a statue of the Virgin Mary and mining motifs. You can find it on Šultysova Street, in the centre of the old town.
11. Czech Museum of Silver
Whatever you do, do not leave Kutna Hora without visiting the Czech Museum of Silver. As you already know, the history of this town is closely linked with silver and mining. The discovery of silver transformed it into one of the richest cities in medieval Europe. Because of that, visiting the Czech Museum of Silver is one of the unique things to do in Kutna Hora.
When visiting the Czech Museum of Silver, you can learn more about the history and life in the town and witness the conditions of silver mining. What’s more, you will have a chance to explore the medieval mine in the heart of the town.
You can find the museum in a 16th-century palace, which was once part of the town’s fortifications. This old residential palace, called Hradek (Small castle in Czech), once belonged to a wealthy mine owner. Today it houses the Czech Museum of Silver, which offers two guided tours:
- Silver City circuit
- Journey of Silver.
Silver City circuit in the Czech Museum of Silver
Silver City circuit is a self-guided tour, which traces the history and development of Kutna Hora as the centre of the mining industry. If you decide to book a Silver City tour, don’t miss expositions about the town’s history in medieval times. Also, you will spot the silver coins minted in this town. The Silver City circuit tour lasts up to one hour, and the ticket costs 70 CZK for an adult (for children 40 CZK).
Journey of Silver in the Czech Museum of Silver
If you are looking for a unique attraction, the Journey of the Silver circuit in the Czech Museum of Silver is a perfect option for you. This unusual tour involves a different experience – the tour takes you deep underground into one of the mines. Yes, that is right, you will get a helmet with a lamp, and a miner’s coat, and you will explore the original mine. You will see the scars on the walls from the miners’ hammers and places where they once held the candles. What’s more, the Journey of Silver tour allows you to learn about the mining methods during the Middle Ages and coin minting. Moreover, you can see a replica of the miners’ village, the machinery and equipment.
Imagine the miners crawling through the narrow paths and how they processed raw silver.
Booking a Journey of the Silver tour in the Czech Museum of Silver is one of the top things to do in Kutna Hora. Why, you may ask? Because this fully guided tour takes you underground into old tunnels where you can experience how the miners worked in the tunnels. Joining a Journey of the Silver tour in the Czech Museum of Silver is an experience you will never forget.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Journey of the Silver tour in the Czech Museum of Silver lasts about 1 hour and a half. It is a popular tour – make sure you book it ahead, especially if you would like a tour in English. A ticket for the Journey of Silver tour costs 140 CZK. Closed on Mondays, in January, February, March and December.
12. Kutna Hora brewery
If you are a beer lover, your journey should include a stop at the Kutna Hora beer factory. Mestansky pivovar is a small independent industrial brewery which offers guided tours. Visiting Mestansky pivovar is one of the best things to do in Kutna Hora because you can look around the entire brewery. On a one-hour tour, you will learn about brewing technology and its production. Anyone over the age of 18 can even taste the local beer at the end of the tour.
Did you know?
Kutna Hora established its brewery as early as the 15th century – it became famous for its quality beer. It remained until the modern age when Heineken bought and closed it within a short period.
However, beer production returned to the town in 2017. It operates on the premises of the former brewery. Nowadays, the Kutna Hora 12 is considered, by many, one of the best Pilsner-style beers on the market.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The minimum number for a guided tour is 5 paying people (children under 18 go for free). Hence, book your brewery tour in advance. The ticket price is 150 CZK, and beer tasting is included in the ticket price.
13. Beer Spa in Kutna Hora
Did you know that beer is a major part of Czech culture? As a nation, Czechia holds a claim to consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world. Fascinating, right? It was only a matter of time before somebody realised that bathing in beer has many benefits.
You can find traditional beer baths throughout the Czech Republic. In the past, the first beer spas were only for wealthy people. Today you can try a beer bath at Hotel U Kata. It is only 200 metres from UNESCO’s listed historic centre. The treatment lasts about an hour and is in the historic cellars.
Visiting the beer spa is one of the unique things to do in Kutna Hora because this centuries-old tradition heals your body and mind. Yes, that is right, soaking in a beer spa is, in fact, an unusual attraction. Not only a beer bath is relaxing, but also it helps to treat conditions like acne, cellulite or psoriasis. Plus, it makes your hair shinier are repairs damaged ends.
14. Chocolate Museum
If you have got a sweet tooth, make sure you tour a Chocolate Museum. Even though the Chocolate Museum is small, it is well worth a visit. Watch the chocolate-making process, find out how cocoa beans are grown and learn the story of the original brand. Afterwards, sample several kinds of chocolate, sip hot chocolate or even chocolate beer.
Visiting the Chocolate Museum is one of the best things for all chocolate lovers. Not only the museum offers tasting sessions, but also you will learn more about a local chocolate factory. You may not know it, but the former chocolate factory used to export its chocolates and bonbon worldwide.
Back in the day, the Lidka brand was one of the best chocolate brands in the world. They even won the gold medal twice at international competitions. However, the factory founder refused to hand over his secret chocolate recipe during the communist takeover. Instead, he destroyed it and fled the country.
The locals tried to replicate his chocolate without success, and the factory closed its doors in 1993. In 2019, just 6 months after renewing the chocolate production, Lidka Chocolate won its bronze medal.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Entry to the Chocolate Museum is free.
15. Try local wines
There are many things to do in Kutna Hora, and trying local wines is one of them. Perhaps you don’t know it, but winemaking has a centuries-old tradition here. However, it does not mean that you should just step into any bar or restaurant and order any wine.
There are traditional and non-traditional wine tours, such as grape harvest, by the company Vinne sklepy Kutna Hora. This family company offers a wine experience where eager wine lovers can learn more about locally grown grapes and how they are turned into delicious wine.
Vinne sklepy also produces BIO wine and holds wine tastings. But that is not all – Kutna Hora has also an educational wine cycle trail. Kutna Hora Wine trail is under 6 km long and is the first of its kind in Bohemia. It is a signposted cycle trail connecting the old town centre with the vineyards.
Now you know what are the best things to do in Kutna Hora!
Where to eat
You need to keep your energy levels up with plenty of food while exploring this town. There are plenty of traditional restaurants, and it is hard to pick only a few. Some of the best restaurants in Kutna Hora are Dacicky House and Restaurace V Ruthardce. Both restaurants are excellent options if you would like to try traditional Czech cuisine during your time. Restaurace V Ruthardce has two summer gardens which offer perfect views of the town.
Restaurace Dacicky is one of the most popular restaurants in Kutna Hora. You can find it in a unique building from the late gothic period. The Dacicky restaurant carries the name after a famous historical character who was a legendary gourmet, a lover of beer and women. Dacicky restaurant has large portions of traditional meals and prices are reasonable. It has a medieval environment and a large outdoor garden with a sitting area – it is perfect for summer.
Have you been to Kutna Hora in Czech Republic? Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments below. If you like our post, please save it to Pinterest.
Pin 15 of the best things to do in Kutna Hora for later!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:
Last updated: 05/05/20024