Kutna Hora: how to get there and what to see? The famous Czech city Kutna Hora Castle Kutna Hora Czech Republic.
Prague is a paradise for Russian tourists: a hundred types of beer, fried sausages, marinated sausages and all this against the backdrop of breathtaking architecture. Getting out of such a comfort zone is a quest for the most desperate.
But we need to see the rest of the Czech Republic. And vacation is a one-time thing. Therefore, we get up, proudly leave the cafe and go on an excursion to Kutna Hora. This charismatic city 66 km east of the capital will be able to surprise you. There is not only a huge ossuary, there is also a silver mine, and much more. You can have a nice walk.
And all sorts of little things, like "How to get there" And “Where should I have lunch?”- has not been a problem for a long time. Now we will organize everything.
Let's open our small guide.
Two words about history: Kutna Hora was also not built right away
First there was the monk Antonius. He lived for himself, did not bother anyone, and worked in the vineyards. But one day he took it and dozed off on one of the hills of what is now Kutna Hora. Some people dream of a table of chemical elements, but ours The monk dreamed of silver. He woke up and went to look for the place he saw in his dream. I found both the place and the hidden silver bars. He left his cassock there and went home.
And a few years later a city grew around that hill, which is now called “The mountain of the old monastic robe” or... Kutna Hora.
It was in this city that the “silver rush” later happened. So the unofficial name of the city is “the main treasury of the country.”
Silver mining. The work of miners is difficult and important.
How does the former Kuttenberg live today?
The population of the city is 20.5 thousand people. But There are tourists here all the time: ominous Ossuary. In addition, the city center is considered a world heritage site by UNESCO - another reason to visit Kutna Hora.
This city is an introvert's dream. Despite the fact that there are no travelers here, there are never many people on the streets. You can walk for half a day and hardly count 10-20 people around.
A good city, not crowded, calm, UNESCO loves it.
What to see in Kutna Hora? Except bones!
There are definitely enough attractions for a day of active recreation:
Ossuary
This is such a very strange church, inside which almost everything is made of human bones (chandelier, lamps, coat of arms, etc.).
The Church is strange, strange, terrible, terrible.
Friends, existence is perishable.
Entrance: for adults - 90 CZK, for children - 60 CZK.
Opening hours: from 9:10 to 16:18.
Where: Zámecká, 284 03.
Cathedral of St. Barbara
The second largest and most Gothic Czech church. Saint Barbara patronized the miners, who in the past made up a significant part of the city's population.
The temple is named in honor of Saint Barbara of Iliopolis, a Christian great martyr. Beautiful on the outside...
... and everything inside is interesting, especially the ceiling - covered in coats of arms.
Admission: for adults - 50 CZK, for students, children - 30 CZK.
Opening hours: from 9:10 to 16-17:30
Where: Barborská, 284 01.
Jesuit College
And in a modern way - the European Art Center. This amazing building has been here since 1667.
The paved road along the Jesuit College leads from the Cathedral of St. Barbara to the Cathedral of St. James.
There are sculptures along it - like on the Charles Bridge.
Admission: for adults - 80-200 CZK, for students - 40-100 CZK, children under 6 years old - free.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Where: Barborská, 284 01.
Plague Pillar
A 16-meter high architectural reminder of the most severe epidemic of the bubonic plague.
The plague never returns.
Either because there are antibiotics, or because there are plague pillars.
Where: Šultysova, 284 01.
Silver Museum
Tourists are offered two excursions: “City of Silver” and “Path of Silver” (with a descent into the mine).
Their silver museum is called “Gradek”, that is, “Small Castle”.
The exhibit sits and mints silver coins.
You can try it too.
Entrance: 70-120 CZK.
Working hours: from 9-10 to 16-18, Monday - closed.
Where: Barborská, 28.
Stone well
Today it is not operational, but used to be part of the city water supply.
Some call it a well, others call it a fountain.
But there is a feeling that it is neither one nor the other.
Where: Rejskovo náměstí, 284 01.
Former mint
It is also the Vlassky yard, where the first pennies were minted. Here you can listen to history and numismatics, or you can go down to the cellars and visit the “Discovery of a Mysterious Face” exhibition. It is dedicated to robbers, witches and their trial.
In the courtyard of the yard... mint...
In the center is another fountain-monument to the Kutnogorsk miner.
Admission: for adults 85 CZK, for students and children - 45 CZK.
Opening hours: from 9-10 to 17-18.
Where: Havlickovo namesti, 522.
Cathedral of St. Jacob
The tower of this cathedral is visible from almost any part of the city, which helps to navigate Kutna Hora.
The tower with the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. James is visible from everywhere...
But…
Now there is a repairman. The tower and main facade are in the woods.
But there is beauty on the inside.
Where: Barborská, 51 284 01.
Stone house
An ancient building on which a pottery sign with Eve and Adam is still preserved. Inside there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the city and crafts.
The stone house is the one with the red tiled roof. It is located on a narrow street, and from the facade it does not completely fit into the frame, so you usually have to photograph it a little from the side. Once upon a time, a rich butcher lived here. And now there is an exhibition.
Let's take a closer look at the façade - true Gothic, the details matter!
Where: Kamenny dům, 284 01.
Ursuline Convent
Previously, nuns of the Order of St. Ursula lived here, and now they conduct excursions and sell local wines.
At the monastery of the Order of St. Ursula there was a church gymnasium.
Where: Jiřího z Poděbrad 17, 284 01.
Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Virgin Mary
An unusual temple in which you feel the light and space on your skin from the first minute.
They say that in size in the Czech Republic it is second only to St. Vitus Cathedral. They're probably joking...
Admission: for adults 50 CZK, for students and children - 25 CZK.
Once a month (first Wednesday) from 13:00 to 17:00 - free admission.
Opening hours: from May to October, schedule: 9:00-12:00, break, 13:00-17:00.
Where: Vitězna 1.
City map on asphalt
Where: near the Cathedral of St. Barbara.
Well, maybe not quite near the cathedral and not quite on the asphalt... but this is what it is - a map of the city.
Youth... As usual, nothing is sacred.
Cigar and Tobacco Museum
You rarely see its description in tourist brochures. Those who come with a group may not even be given a hint about it. But this museum of tobacco products is one of the most famous in the world (on this topic).
Smoking is harmful!
It was organized by Philip Morris. Yes, yes, the same one who invented Marlboro. She knows a lot about promotion and advertising, so the museum will be interesting even for those who have not taken a single puff over the years of their life.
Antique strange cigarettes.
Entry: free.
Opening hours: from 10:00.
Where: you can find the museum by moving towards the Ossuary. It is located on the left side of the street.
Why did you choose a group tour? It’s scary to go to the Ossuary alone!
A group tour is a convenient way to see Kutná Hora. It's cheap (26-35 EUR per person) and comfortable. There is no need to delve into transport schedules, look for museums, or plan routes. All this is handled by the tour operator.
Route "Prague - Kutná Hora". How to get there on your own?
How to get there from Prague?
By train
He'll get there in about an hour. The trip will cost 110 CZK. You can view the train schedule.
Choose carefully: most trains have transfers, but there are also direct routes.
The main railway station of the city is Kutná Hora Hlavni Nadrazi.
Already at the Kutna Hora train station? You can take a ride around the city. There are three stations:
- Kutná Hora Hlavni Nadrazi (Main Station);
- Kutná Hora město (Have you decided to see the Cathedral of St. Barbara? This is your station);
- Kutná Hora-Sedlec (Do you want to go to the Ossuary? This is your place).
By bus
The bus will take you to your destination in an hour and a half. The fare is about 68 CZK. You can choose a convenient flight.
Bus station in the Sedlec area.
Departure from Prague from Háje bus station. You can get to the latter by metro (line C, final station).
There are two buses running around the city itself:
- on weekdays No. 1;
- on weekends No. 7.
The ticket price for any of them is 9 CZK.
By car
If you have a license, a rented car is a great option. You will get there quickly, without unnecessary transfers and stops.
Even in the very center of the city you can park for free.
But - watch the markings and signs...
We've worked up an appetite. Where should I eat now?
A considerable distance has been covered, it’s time to reward yourself with a hearty lunch in Czech style. Where are they served?
Dačický
Kutnogorsk wines and unexpected presentation of dishes are the highlight of this establishment. It's fun, noisy, cozy and colorful here. The waiters will quickly bring you a couple of glasses of beer, garlic soup and a cheese plate (note the Hermelin here). Please note, all this is at reasonable prices.
Dačický. Drink beer and eat.
Where to look: Rakova 8, Kutna Hora.
U Vlasskeho Dvora
Despite the fact that this is a hotel restaurant, the prices here are quite reasonable. As a bonus: not only the menu speaks Russian, but also some of the waiters. They offer Czech cuisine, but they can also serve you mega-meat Russian borscht.
U Vlasskeho Dvora. Eat and drink beer.
Where to look: 28. rijna 511, Kutna Hora.
V Ruthardce
It is convenient to visit this restaurant directly from the Cathedral of St. Barbara. The food here is tasty, cheap (200 CZK - beer and something meat), and most importantly - a lot (a portion of salad - 400 g, pork ribs - 900 g).
V Ruthardce. And eat and drink.
Where to look: Dačického nám. 15/10, Kutna Hora.
They were in Kutna Hora. Let them talk!
Let's listen to the reviews of those who have already walked around Kostnice and the city center:
Ksenia (38 years old, Nalchik):
“In the reviews everyone is shouting about the Ossuary, but there is something to see here even without it. The first thing they did was take us to the Alchemy Museum. Visitors are rarely brought here, and not everyone knows about this museum: it has only been open since 2002. But the “laboratory” looks very... mysterious. You immediately remember all the books and films about magic. If anyone is interested, here is the address: Sankturinovský dům Palackého náměstí 377 284 01. We paid 50 CZK for tickets.”
Egor (22 years old, Tolyatti):
“While still at home, reading reviews, I chose the Tobacco Museum to visit. The excursion turned out to be fun. I looked at the very first Marlboros and saw their many predecessors. The guides were very active, sociable, and immediately handed them thematic magazines at the entrance. And the smell of tobacco in the halls added to the atmosphere.”
Nikita (41 years old, Petrozavodsk):
“We went to Kutna Hora on our own and mainly for the Ossuary. We left there, decided to eat something and realized that we didn’t know a single restaurant nearby. On the streets, as if on purpose, not a soul. We went at random, and after a certain amount of time we ended up in Dachitsky. It looks like an ordinary bar. But we had a great lunch there. For two it was 450 CZK. Although we ordered beer, chops, and traditional soup in a “plate” of bread. My wife was only outraged that the bagels that are on every table are not free, but for 10 CZK. But she still said that if we were nearby, we’d stop by this place again.”
Bus and walking tour in Russian to the sights of Central Bohemia - to the city of Kutna Hora (with a visit to the Ossuary - a chapel decorated with skulls and bones) and the Czech Sternberg Castle.
Cost: €30 per person. Duration: 8 hours.
Are you ready for the trip? Then charge your camera and phones, wash your favorite sneakers from previous hikes (of course, you can go down into a mine in stiletto heels, the question is how to get out of there later without breaking any bones) and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a day filled with emotions. Perhaps the most unusual day of your entire Czech holiday.
General information
About 700 years ago, Kutná Hora was famous in Europe as the precious box of the Czech land, which was associated with the mining of silver ore. Gradually, the mining village turned into a rich royal city with all the privileges. In 1300, King Wenceslas II legitimized legal regulations and technical conditions, thanks to which uncontrolled mining of silver ore began. In 1541, the mine was flooded, and during the ensuing 200 years of wars, plague and famine, the city was practically abandoned. In 1770 the mine was closed. Walking today along the narrow streets, at the end of which the green forests surrounding the city begin, you forget about what trials the residents of this beautiful and prosperous place had to endure.
Another attraction of the city of Kutna Hora is an absolutely surreal monument in the city district of Sedlec. This is the cemetery Church of All Saints with a ossuary (ossuary) where the bones of more than 40 thousand victims of the plague of the 14th and 15th centuries are kept. They lay in heaps until 1870, when one of the woodcarvers hired by local landowners decided to use the nightmarish relics of the past to decorate the church. Four pyramids of bones greet visitors to the chapel, a huge lamp of skulls and bones hangs from the center of the nave, garlands of skulls frame the vaults, and the altar is decorated with monstrous decorations of bones and other nightmarish decorative details.
When to come
From April to September, when music festival concerts take place in a natural amphitheater in a forested river valley.
Don't miss it
- The main square is a wonderful place for reflection.
- Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady of the 12th century, built by the Cistercians.
- Mining Museum in the Hrádek building near St. Barbara's Cathedral.
- Adits of the 17th century, extending 500 m into the depths of the mountain.
- Royal residence of Wenceslas IV.
- Gothic Church of St. Jacob with a spire 83 m high.
Should know
The American dollar was named after the silver tolar from Kutna Hora.
Hello friends. Not far from Prague is the medieval town of Kutná Hora. In its heyday it was called the “treasury of the Czech Republic.” The city possessed untold wealth, and therefore was once considered second in importance after Prague. We will tell you today what treasures are hidden in it.
Kutná Hora is about an hour by train from Prague. How to get there is described in detail below.
We spent the whole day traveling here. We barely managed to climb everything.
Kutná Hora, formerly called Kuttenberg, was founded in the 13th century.
The first settlements appeared when silver mines began to be developed here.
According to legend, one of the local monks dreamed of silver bars, and when he woke up, he found them exactly where they were in his dream.
Over time, settlements began to appear around the mines. Later they united and became a city.
Under the Hussite warriors, Kutna Hora was severely destroyed. And by the middle of the 16th century, the mines were depleted and the city fell into decay.
But despite this, it is still considered a miniature capital and still attracts a sea of tourists.
Walk around the city
The most famous landmark of Kutná Hora is the chapel or Church of All Saints. Surely you have heard such a word as, - this is what she is. Stands near the cemetery.
And the decor of the chapel is made of a rather unusual material... bones. From the bones of the deceased for whom there was no place in the cemetery.
The coat of arms of a famous family, a huge chandelier under the ceiling of the ossuary, candlesticks, an altar, lamps, and everything - everything here is made of skeletons. And masterfully.
The Church of All Saints is located in the Siedlce district. Despite the fact that the Ossuary can simply evoke a storm of feelings from admiration to disgust, many tourists come here.
Another asset of this city is an architectural masterpiece from the UNESCO list.
This amazing building is visible from many parts of the city. Its peculiarity is that it was built and designed by several architects, and therefore absorbed not only different eras, but also the creative thoughts of different masters.
This late Gothic building is decorated with huge stained glass windows, an organ, sculptures of mythical creatures, ancient frescoes, and coats of arms of craftsmen's guilds.
Next to the cathedral, another memorable building was built - the Jesuit College.
It was built in the 17th century, when the cathedral was given to the Jesuits. The shape of the college building is similar to the letter F, which is supposed to be reminiscent of Emperor Ferdinand II.
Another “treasure of the city” is the Vlassky Dvor or the former mint.
This is a whole complex of buildings, the earliest of which were erected in the 13th century.
The courtyard was conceived as a defensive structure, but also served many other functions. It entered the history of the city mainly as a mint.
The Prague penny was minted here.
Nowadays, among other things, there is also a historical museum where you can trace how coins were created.
It is interesting to look into the medieval silver mine and the Hrádek Silver Museum.
These attractions are located near Vlassky Dvor.
Hrádek was also a defensive structure. Now this fortress houses a silver museum, where you will study in detail the process of mining this metal. And those who are especially curious will be able to go down into the mine.
Another building marked by UNESCO is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist. This is a complex structure from an architectural point of view. At the same time, its interior is very modest.
The Chapel of the Corpus Christi also deserves special attention.
- The Ursuline Monastery, where now they not only conduct excursions, but also prepare delicious wine
- Church of the Mother of God on Namneti
- Baroque Church of St. John of Nepomuk. Built in the 18th century, it looks like a remake against the backdrop of the city’s ancient buildings. We went into it to compare the old and the new, to feel the difference, in general, out of curiosity.
In addition to the interesting buildings, it is interesting to look at the stone fountain - a polygonal structure of the late Gothic style. Previously, drinking water was stored there for city residents.
Like other European cities with history, Kutna Hora survived the plague. In honor of its completion in 1715, a plague pillar made in the Baroque style was erected.
Similar tall columns were erected throughout Europe as a sign of gratitude for healing from the plague.
What to see near Kutná Hora
Zleby Castle. Here you can get acquainted with the life of a medieval knight, an extensive collection of armor, paintings, weapons, furniture and other things.
Lock . An impregnable Gothic structure that withstood many sieges.
It is very convenient to buy a tour of both Kutná Hora and the castles at once. Moreover, you can combine several castles into one excursion, or you can take only one of them.
Tip: Kutna Hora is a real museum city. Everything here is imbued with antiquity, everything has its own rich history. Therefore, do not skimp and take the whole day to explore the city.
Where to stay in Kutna Hora
If you want to prolong the pleasure and see all the sights at your leisure, it is better to stay overnight in one of the hotels in the city.
Now many housing options have appeared on the service AirBnb. We have written how to use this service. If you do not find a free hotel room, then look for accommodation through this booking site.
We offer good options for hotels and hostels in the center of Kutna Hora
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Kutná Hora on your own is from Prague by train.
You will spend only an hour and about 100 CZK on the road. When purchasing a ticket, we advise you to check whether the flight is direct so as not to waste time. Otherwise, you will have to change trains in Kolin.
In addition to the main station in Kutná Hora there are 2 more stations: Kutná Hora město and Kutná Hora-Sedlec.
A motorized car "motorachek" runs to these stations from the main station. First it stops at Kutná Hora-Sedlec, get off if you want to visit the Ossuary. And the final station is Kutná Hora město - from there it’s a 15-minute walk to the Cathedral of St. Barbara.
Kutna Hora on the Map
Friends, we wish you interesting travels. Subscribe to our blog and see you soon.
Hello friends! From time to time I am asked whether it is worth visiting Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic. I will list the arguments, and you will decide on this issue. In the town of Kutná Hora, the attractions are numerous and are included in the world heritage list. The history of the town began in the 13th century and is associated with silver mining; the location is quite close to Prague.
This is a view from the observation deck from the Cathedral of St. Barbara to the terrace with 13 sculptural groups against the backdrop of the Jesuit hostel:
The Jesuits came to Kutna Hora in 1626. Since this order paid great attention to the education of children and youth, a dormitory for the younger generation was built near the cathedral. The building was erected according to the design of the famous Italian architect Orsi.
Churches and other sights of Kutná Hora
As I indicated at the beginning of the article, there are at least a dozen religious buildings in Kutna Hora alone. And how many other objects! This Gothic church is located on the way from Sedlec to Vlassky Dvor and is called the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nameti:
It was built on the site of a market where silver ore was bought. Silver dust after trading procedures was carefully swept up, so the site was called “mark.” The remains of the swept ore were smelted separately, and the proceeds were invested in the construction of the church. The temple has preserved a richly decorated stone pulpit, an interior from the early 16th century.
In the center of the town, visitors examine the original medieval structure in the shape of a prism. It is called a fountain or stone pond:
The fountain was located under the roof of the prism and even served as a distributor of water flow to other objects. From here, water was supplied through wooden pipes to the Vlaš Courtyard, to Hrádek and to simple public fountains.
Behind the stone fountain (pictured left) is the later Baroque cathedral. It is dedicated to John of Nepomuk and was built in the mid-18th century. The entrance gate is decorated with baroque sculptures:
If anyone finds themselves in Kutná Hora in May-June, and even on a sunny day, be sure to visit the Church of John of Nepomuk. They say that at this time the sun's rays penetrating through the red stained glass window illuminate the sculpture of the saint so that it seems as if he is bleeding...
It would take a long time to list and describe the sights of Kutná Hora. This article presents only the largest objects. This information, in my opinion, allows us to cast aside any doubts about visiting the unique Czech town. Getting from Prague to Kutna Hora without contacting an agency is not difficult. I outlined how to make this trip using the train service in. Read, create your own routes and travel!
Your euro guide Tatyana
