Kutna Hora is a city in Bohemia, which is called the treasury and the jewel of the Czech Republic. Rich saves of silver attracted a lot of attention to the region and later made the history of the city. But other than that, there are many interesting places to visit and we will find out what they are.
Kutná Hora is an ancient city with a rich, centuries-old history, 60 kilometers east of Prague. In addition, tourists name this place a real city-museum, due to numerous cathedrals, churches and architecture.
History
The name of the city Kutná Hora means “Mountain of an old monastic robe”. According to the legend, one monk fell asleep on a hill and saw silver ingots in a dream. When he woke up, he actually found them and covered them with his monastic robe. Later this place started its development and raised throughout the Czech Republic.
The city was founded in the first half of the 13th century. In addition, in Kutna Hora there was the Royal Mint and there the masters made Prague’s coins.
Kutná Hora was rightly called the “treasury of the country” because its wealth helped the development of the whole Czech kingdom. But during the Hussite wars, the city was badly damaged, and by the middle of the 16th century it fell into decay. The city has preserved its unique appearance almost of the Middle Ages to the present day.
Moreover, due to its historical significance and architectural masterpieces and the central part was listed in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Main Sights of Kutná Hora
The Chapel of All Saints and the ossuary in Sedlec
This attraction will impress even the most demanding tourists. Many décor elements are made or human bones, which is both scary and fascinating at the same time.
It is probably the most famous landmark of Kutna Hora. The building in the Gothic style occupies a place in the center of the cemetery. The material used to decorate the interior is very unusual – about 40,000 human bones. The whole picture is almost breathtaking, especially a huge chandelier in front of the altar and a masterpiece of the emblem of a once-possessed land.
Ticket price:
- Students, disabled – 40 CZK;
- Adults – 90 CZK.
Work hours:
- November – February – daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April – September – daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October, March – daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Barbara’s Cathedral
This is another famous sight that brought popularity to Kutna Hora. St. Barbara’s Cathedral is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest as well as most significant in the Czech Republic. The building can be seen from almost any spot in the city.
Most noteworthy that it was built over a long period of time and contained many styles. The real decoration of the cathedral is huge stained-glass windows which tell the history of the city. Richly decorated cottages, imposing body size, pristine frescoes will leave an unforgettable impression after visiting.
Ticket price:
- Children and for students – 40 CZK;
- Adult – 60 CZK.
Work hours:
- November – March – daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April – October – daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vlassky courtyard
The complex of buildings of the Vlašský courtyard belongs to the 13th century and was initially aimed as a defensive structure. Over time it has been a town hall, school, military hospital, the residence of kings. In the history of the city, it is mostly referred to the place were Prague’s coins were made.
Vlašský Courtyard contains a historical museum that will tell about the development of the monetary business. Visitors have a unique opportunity to see the process of making coins and learn more interesting facts about mystical side of Kutna Hora.
Besides, locals say that if you sit on the fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder, then you will definitely become rich.
Ticket price:
- Children and for students – 45 CZK;
- Adult – 85 CZK;
- Family – 215 CZK.
Work hours:
- November – February – daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April – September – daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October, March – daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jesuit College
The Jesuit College is a two-store baroque building where the Jesuit Order showed concern for children and the younger generation. A broad road to the college was decorated as the Charles Bridge in Prague.
In 1773 Pope Clement 14th abolished the Jesuit order. Until 1997, the college belonged to the military and housed barracks, a hospital, a military educational institution. Restoration work took place in 1776, 1843 and 1856, during which the interiors were renovated, the central tower was demolished, the covered gallery was destroyed.
In 1998, the former Jesuit College became the Czech Museum of Fine Arts. Now it’s the Center for Contemporary Art, where you can discover the history of the Jesuit College; to see the works of Czech art of the 20th and the 21st centuries and exposition devoted to animated cinema.
Entrance tickets:
- Adults – 80-200 CZK;
- Students under 26 years old, pensioners – 50% discount;
- Children under 6 years – free of charge.
Working hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medieval silver mine in Hradek museum
This fortress is unique because it existed even before the city appeared, and with time turned into a stone castle. Now it is a home for the museum of silver “Hradek”. Under the roof you will see the smallest details of the process of mining. In addition to examining the museum halls, tourists can descend under the ground in a medieval silver mine and discover narrow galleries, see mountain lakes, learn the coinage.
Ticket price:
- I tour – “City of silver”
- Children and students – 40 CZK;
- Adults – 70 CZK;
- II excursion – “Silver road”
- Children and students – 80 CZK;
- Adults – 120 CZK.
- Both tours:
- Children and students – 90 CZK;
- Adult – 140 CZK.
Work hours:
- May, June, September – Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- July and August – same days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October, April from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Along with the Cathedral of St. Barbara it is also included in the list UNESCO. Its majestic and difficult architectural solutions have survived and reached our times, thought the interior of the temple is very modest. Most noteworthy, that some wooden carved elements of the interior that stand out are confessional, figures of angels and saints, benches for parishioners.
Another impressive feature of the church is large windows. On sunny days the place is full of light which makes it look gentle. In addition, the contrast of dark building and bright sunlight create special atmosphere.
Ticket price:
- Children and students – 20 CZK;
- Adult – 30 CZK.
- Free of charge every first Wednesday of the month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Work hours:
- May – October from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where to eat
Of course, it is impossible to cover all these amazing sights being hungry. That is why we have prepared a list of the best restaurants and cafes in Kutna Hora. Choose what you like the most and try delicious national and international dishes!
- V Ruthardce (Address: Dačického nám. 15);
- Barbora Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast (Address: Kremnická 909);
- Dačický – Old Bohemian Tavern and Restaurant (Address: Rakova 8);
- U Sňeka Pohodáře (Address: Vladislavova 333/11);
- Piazza Navona (Address: Palackého nám. 90/11).
Where to stay
If you need more than one day to discover everything in Kutna Hora we will help you with the options of where to stay. Furthermore, there are many places with good service:
How to get from Prague to Kutna Hora
There is the instruction of how to get there by bus, train and car. Be sure to check time as it may change.
Prague – Kutna Hora by bus
You can get to Kutna Hora from Prague by bus 381, from Háje station. This is the terminal station of the red metro line (C) with the arrival in Kutná Hora, aut.st. MHD. Tickets cost about 70 CZK.
Prague – Kutna Hora by train
Direct train departs from the main railway station of Prague and arrives at the central station of Kutna Hora every two hours. The first train leaves at exactly 6 a.m. and the last in 10 p.m. The journey time is 56 minutes, the ticket price is 106 CZK one way. Here you will find more info – Czech Railways.
Prague – Kutna Hora by transfer or car
You can also choose a transfer from Prague for 100-130 Euro or rent a car. It will take about 1 hour to cover it. The distance between Prague and Kutna Hora is 79.5 km.
Main sights in Kutna Hora review
Kutna Hora displays an amazing combination of history and architecture. But for many churches and monasteries, pay attention to the Royal Mint Court. Moreover, if you want to get the most out of the trip there we offer you private tours with local guides. Nobody knows the city as the locals, hence now you can get this experience too!
