The cities of the Czech Republic have retained the spirit of history. In the south of this beautiful country you will find ancient cities with Gothic architectural diversity and originality. Every corner of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is filled with romanticism and modernism. One of these cities is Kutna Hora, a place of silver mines with a long history.
It is also called the Czech treasury. One of the most visited places in the world. It is always crowded, crowds of bewitched tourists with open mouths, accompanied by a guide with dashes, mix from one object to another. In the Middle Ages Kutna Hora (Czech Republic) was considered the second capital of this beautiful country in terms of beauty and wealth, and was also the center of the silver industry.
Today, the population has declined slightly and amounts to no more than 20,000. The city has so far retained its original appearance. Walking along the cobbled streets that once miners and kings used to walk around, you will feel the atmosphere of antiquity and unique charm. Everything breathes history here.
Tourists come to the city to see first-hand great sights and feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. What is the only one of Kostnitsa (Kutna Hora) - a collection of human bones in the literal sense of the word. This unusual place is not for the faint of heart. It causes visitors to completely different emotions. Today we will get acquainted with the main objects of the city in more detail.
City of Kutna Hora: how to get to your destination?
- By train: there are several railway stations in the city. Trains run every hour. Travel time will be no more than an hour.
- Bus lines: in Prague there is a bus station called Florenc, from where comfortable buses regularly leave. The duration of the trip is 1.5 hours. Ticket price is approximately 58 CZK.
- By car: we leave from Prague, turn east, move along line 38 through the city of Kolin. The distance of the path is 60-80 km.
Historical reference
Legend has it that a monastery was previously located on the site of the city. One monk, while working, decided to take a break and dozed off. Whether in a dream or in reality, he saw silver sprouts, hence the name Kutna Hora appeared. In the Middle Ages, the city experienced a “silver rush”, its mines supplied almost a third of this metal to Europe. This place was visited by real pirates and adventurers. Thanks to silver, the city became very rich and significant. With the proceeds, the Temple of St. Barbara was erected.
Dormitories and schools were built for young people - completely free. Many years have passed since that era, but this place still remains majestic and has universal value. Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole earth is pitted with underground mines, where people from different parts of the globe flock. In summer, interesting and informative excursions to these historical places are held.
Historic Sites & Attractions: Kutna Hora
The most creepy and at the same time bewitching is the Chapel of All Saints, or the Ossuary. It is located in a picturesque place Siedlec - a kilometer from the station on the outskirts of the town. The interior of the skeleton is truly awesome, made entirely of human bones. According to reliable data, 40 thousand remains were used for these purposes. Some refer to the chapel as a bone church. Its construction dates back to the 14th century.
The history of this facility is rather sad. In 1421 there was a fire here, and the entire adjacent territory of the Siedletsky Monastery was badly damaged. Until the 18th century, no one was engaged in its restoration. In 1784 a wealthy family of Schwarzenberg bought the bones and decided to give the monastery a presentable appearance. The reconstruction was carried out by a talented wood craftsman who turned the chapel into a real work of art.
It took a lot of time. The main material was human remains, which the decorator first sanitized and then bleached with chlorinated slaked lime. Under the influence of this solution, the bones became white. Having studied the material and appreciated the beauty and smooth lines of the ribs, the miniature phalanx, he created the Schwarzenberg coat of arms. It turned out unusual and infernal.
Also from the remains were made garlands, donors, candelabra and flowerpots. He captured his autograph on the wall with the help of bones. Strong emotions and experiences are caused by Kostnitsa. Kutna Hora is proud of this creation and honors it. The first impressions of tourists are very powerful, it seems that he found himself in an ominous place - with the Satanists or in the tomb. There isn’t enough a guide in a black robe and lampshades fitted with human skin - everything else is available. With surprise, visitors look at the immortal creation, imitating a Gothic monastery.
Sacred place
The main attraction and architectural monument of the city is the Cathedral of St. Barbara (Kutna Hora). It is often compared to the church of St. Vitus. The interior of the temple is decorated in the Baroque and Gothic style. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with frescoes that depict mint workers and miners. The last update was carried out in the 20th century. The mesh vault, decorated with the arms of the guilds of artisans, attracts attention.
Not far from the temple there is an observation deck with a panorama of the historic city. From here you can watch the Jesuit College of the 17th century. and the church of St. Jacob. Simply put, there is something to admire. In summer, the Hradek Mountain Museum , located in an old castle dating back to the 15th century, opens its doors to tourists.
The presented expositions and mechanisms are dedicated to the silver industry. Guided tours of the medieval mine are arranged for guests. Tourists must be equipped with helmets and given special lamps to illuminate the path. A fascinating walk through the dungeon will leave an indelible impression.
Church monuments
The city of Kutna Hora has many amazing holy places and buildings. These include the Church of the Mother of God, the Ursulinok Monastery, the Church of the Holy Trinity (at the cemetery), the Church of St. John of Nepomuk and St. Nicholas, the Chapel of the body of the Lord. When you get to holy places, you feel their power and strength.
Vlachsky courtyard
Today it is a museum with exhibits of coinage and an instrument of torture. It dates back to the 7th century, previously there was a mint. The museum acquaints visitors with the process of the emergence of the Prague penny and forging money. You can see old coins, admire the fountain and throw a coin into it. There is a legend: if you throw a coin over your shoulder and fall on a tray that holds a statue of a miner, you will soon become a rich man.
Chapel of St. Wenceslas
A true masterpiece of Gothic art, decorated with valuable altars. In 1904, the museum was personally decorated by famous and experienced craftsmen Maria and Frantisek Urbanova. The collection of the chapel consists of various items made for the Kutnogorsk town hall. The royal hall decorated with historical paintings was given special attention. In the cathedral church many secrets are hidden that have not lost their significance today. An important component is powerful acoustics. Symbols and paintings introduce a person to the saint.
Hradec Museum
It is a wooden structure that previously served as a defensive fortress. Capital reconstruction began in the 14th century, in those days, the structure was designed in the Gothic style, and the interior was in the Renaissance style. Periodically, the castle passed from hand to hand. There was an oil shop, a pub, a bakery, a seminary, and even a police department. And only in the 20th century did it become a museum of silver. A tour of this place will tell you about the mining industry of the medieval town of Kutna Hora (photo presented in the article).
Cesky Sternberg - Gothic castle
This building was founded many centuries ago, and still an eight-pointed star depicted on the blue flag rises above the fortress. This amazing place will introduce tourists to the history of the castle and the ancient family of the Sternberg family. The castle has a rich collection of paintings, family portraits, stucco moldings and engravings of the 30-year war. A collection of hunting trophies, historical weapons, antique furniture, glass, gold coins and porcelain is also presented.
Other objects to view
If you are lucky enough to visit wonderful Prague, do not miss the opportunity to see the Stone Fountain with a house, the Baroque Plague Pillar, the Sancturion House and the Archbishopric with real quotes from Cicero. Take a walk along the romantic Rutgardka street and admire the unusual architecture of the mansions.
Slowly strolling around the city of Kutna Hora and enjoying the atmosphere of the ancient era, do not forget to look into a cozy restaurant and try Czech beer and national dishes. In addition to the cultural and historical heritage, this place has many interesting places where you can go with children.
Prague is also famous for interesting entertainment sites. Kutna Hora is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions of local residents and enjoy a fascinating journey. If you arrive here in early June, you will be taken to a theatrical costume show - Royal Silvering. You will get the most positive, personally see the jousting tournaments and visit the fair.
In the heat, head to Dvorce, a sports and leisure center consisting of a volleyball court, grass beach, tennis tables, a pool and much more. Take a walk with the children along the mirrored corridor of the tower, similar to the Eiffel, which is located on the Petrshin Upland. Show your child a spectacular changing of the guard ceremony and take a picture with the guardsman.
Visit the museum of toys (free for children), which displays exhibits from different eras. Another unforgettable place will be the zoo. We do not recommend visiting Prague in the winter, as most museums, castles and cathedrals close. In any case, the trip will give a firework of feelings and a lot of vivid impressions.