Are you planning to visit Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic and don’t know how?

You have come to the right place. I’m Andrea from Prague Tip and on this page I’m going to tell you about what to see in Kutná Hora even if you’re short on time, how to get there from Prague Tip (by train, car, or bus), and what are the best hotels or restaurants in the city.

Before we begin, a brief introduction: if you wish to visit Kutná Hora from Prague, my advice is to join an organized tour, which allows you to leave in the morning from the capital, visit the city during the day and return to Prague in the late afternoon. This way you can optimize your visiting time. There are several organized tours, here are some of them.

Kutná Hora what to see

Kutná Hora is a city located in the heart of Bohemia. Its historic center has been on the World Heritage List since 1995.

UNESCO has especially deemed St. Barbara’s Church and the nearby Church of Our Lady of Sedlec noteworthy.

At one time Kutná Hora was considered second in importance only to Prague.

The fortunes of this medieval town were due to the presence of several silver mines that over the years provided work and opulence for a good part of the inhabitants.

The town is still rich in late Gothic buildings and this is also why it is considered an interesting tourist destination.

Let’s discover together the best attractions to visit in Kutná Hora in one day.

St. Barbara’s Church

Your tour could start at the Church of St. Barbara.

This is a late Gothic cathedral built on the initiative of private citizens.

Specifically, those who wanted to erect the church were the owners of silver mines in the area.

The original project dates back to the 14th century, but due to a whole series of vicissitudes, the cathedral was not handed over to the citizens until 1905.

Precisely because of this“constructional slowness” inside the church today it is possible to admire works attributable to different artistic currents.

Among them, the Gothic frescoes, the many stone works and the pierced vault deserve special attention.

Jesuit College

As you make your way to the famous Santa Barbara Church, you will notice an early Baroque building along the way. Although your attention is likely to be drawn to the majestic cathedral, don’t forget to take a look at the Jesuit College (also known as Jezuitská kolej) later on.

The building was completed in 1750, but the Jesuits moved in as early as 1678. However, they were soon replaced by soldiers, and the former Jesuit college was used for military purposes until 1998. Today, the building has been beautifully renovated and serves as an art gallery (GASK), hosting temporary and permanent exhibitions.

GASK focuses on20th and 21st century art, and its modern interiors respect and highlight the building’s original design. If you have the time, it is worth taking a trip inside, as the rooms are quite impressive.

Italian Court

The Italian Court is another historic building of great importance.

Many Bohemian kings lived here and the royal mint was based here.

Inside the building is now planned to house the local town hall.

The structure, also medieval, consists of a stunning Royal Chapel in which Gothic and Art Nouveau elements seem to find a perfect balance.

If you wish, you can join guided tours that will tell you more about the medieval currency, the Prague Groschen, which several centuries ago was as strong as today’s euro, and the minting process.

HRADEK: Silver Museum and Medieval Mine

One of the most unique experiences to be had in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic, is to dive underground and explore the complex of underground mines and tunnels.

The history of Kutna Hora is closely linked to silver, so one of the must-do activities is a visit to the silver museum and medieval mine, simply called Hradek (also known as Hradek – Ceske muzeum stribra a stredoveky dul).

Hradek, meaning“small castle,” is an ancient residence that once belonged to a wealthy mine owner, later converted into a patrician palace.

Given its history, there is no better place to host a museum dedicated to the development of Kutna Hora, which explains its exceptional geology, tells of the mining boom period, the transition from a small settlement to a mining town, and displays displays of local minerals and silver coins.

The museum offers the opportunity to admire different coins from different eras.

By participating in the“Journey of Silver” tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the original underground mine. Wearing coats, helmets and head flashlights, you will relive the hard life of miners through the narrow underground paths.

After the underground tour is over, you will return to the surface and appreciate the process of silver processing, from the extraction of raw ore to the finished product.

Although the underground passage can be narrow and low in places, I believe that any traveler, unless suffering from claustrophobia, can walk through it safely.

Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist

Photo by Raquel Moss on Unsplash

After the Hradek, we recommend heading to Sedlec. If you are traveling by bus or train to Kutna Hora, you may choose to visit Sedlec as the first or last stop on your itinerary, but I will tell you more about that later.

You have probably already heard of theancient Cistercian monastery, a fixed point in any narrative about the history of Kutna Hora.

The cathedral, in the French Gothic style (known in Czech as Katedrala Nanebevzeti Panny Marie in sv. Jana Krtitele), was erected on the same site in the late 13th century.

During the Hussite wars, the cathedral suffered hard times, including a devastating fire, but was extensively restored in the early 18th century.

Its inclusion on the UNESCO list is more than deserved, and although it looks imposing from the outside, we recommend that you explore its interior.

Inside, the cathedral exudes a bright and refined atmosphere. The vaulted ceiling, adorned with frescoes, is a sight to behold, as is the unique cantilevered wooden staircase.

Even if you have visited many churches in the past (and we Italians will have seen hundreds), this is a truly worthwhile experience.

The Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora

Photo by Alexandr Voronsky on Unsplash

Finally, it is impossible not to visit theSedlec Ossuary.

Fascinating, unusual, strange, bizarre, disturbing, morbid, or even shocking. These are just a few words you might hear often when talking to others about the Sedlec Ossuary, better known as Bone Church in Kutna Hora.

For me, the Sedlec Ossuary (Czech: Kostnice Sedlec) is one of the most unique places I have ever visited, not only in the Czech Republic, but in the entire world.

From the outside, the Church of All Saints looks like a typical 14th-century Czech church, but once inside, you will be confronted with decorations composed of thousands of human bones.

Any day trip to Kutna Hora would not be complete without a visit to the Sedlec Ossuary, but there are a few things you should know before you go.

First, the spaces inside the church are limited and the visit probably does not have a long duration. In fact, it is possible that in less than ten minutes you have seen everything. It is helpful to know this so you are not disappointed.

The Church of the Bones is a two-story building: on the second floor is the chapel, while the lower floor is used as an ossuary.

It is important to remember that this is a church and not just another tourist attraction. The bones on display are human remains from the nearby cemetery, belonging to people who died from wars, plague or natural causes.

Although it is a fact, some visitors in the past have not treated the place with the respect it deserves. It is a common story of tourists seeking Instagrammable poses.

For this reason, taking photographs inside the church, even with a phone, is no longer allowed. The staff is very strict about this rule and some tourists have been called to order.

Finally, it is important to note that bones are everywhere and some visitors may find them disturbing. Even the coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg house and the chandelier are made from human bones.

In the end, it all comes down to personal taste. I found the Ossuary quite fascinating.

Historic Center of Kutná Hora

Photo by Jaromír Kavan on Unsplash

The historic center of the city is a place full of historic houses, churches and other monuments, so make sure you have enough time to explore it.

Many of the main attractions are within walking distance, and by following our itinerary, you may have already seen some of the best things I’ll tell you about below.

Stone House

One must-see stop is the Stone House, a significant example of late Gothic architecture that is managed by the Czech Silver Museum.

At one time it had a residential function, but today it is home to a large museum which exhibits the beauty of 185 thousand collectibles in these rooms.

By purchasing a ticket for a guided tour of Hradek, you will receive a small discount to visit the interior of the Stone House.

Palace Square

Palace Square is the central meeting point and the real heart of the city. Even without planning, you will end up passing through this square.

Sanctuary House

The Sanctuary House, dominating Palacky Square, attracts attention with its recently renovated Baroque facade. Inside is a tourist information center, whose staff is available to answer all your questions about traveling in the area.

Plague Column

The Plague Column, a Baroque jewel of Kutna Hora, was built between 1713 and 1715 to honor the thousands who died during the plague epidemic of 1713.

Stone Fountain

Another must-see attraction is the Stone Fountain in Rejsek Square, a 15th-century masterpiece that testifies to the city’s growing need for water.

Churches of St. James, St. John of Nepomuk and Our Lady Na Nameti

St. James Church, the oldest in Kutna Hora, is another dominant presence, with its tall tower visible from almost every angle.

A short distance away is the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, with a striking pink façade and interior not to be missed.

The Church of Our Lady Na Nameti, on the edge of the Old Town, is another 14th-century gem.

History of Kutná Hora

The UNESCO city of Kutna Hora, called Kutná Hora in Czech with the use of diacritical marks, derives its name from the German word“Kutten,” which refers to the hoods of monks, or from the Czech word“kutat,” meaning“my,” along with the word“hora,” which translates to“mountain” or“hill.” This name reflects its rich and complex history.

Kutna Hora has deep roots, dating back to the founding ofSedlec Abbey in 1142, which marked the beginning of the first Cistercian monastery in Bohemia. Although signs of earlier settlement date back to the 10th century, it was not until the 13th century that Kutna Hora became a well-known destination for its silver deposits, attracting settlers from near and far.

The boom in silver mining turned Kutna Hora into an important political and economic center, a city that even challenged the supremacy of Prague. During the 14th century, Kutna Hora shone as a financial center, producing the famous Prague“groschen,” a common currency throughout medieval Central Europe.

However, the height of its greatness was followed by a decline in the 16th century, when silver coin production ceased and the city gradually lost its privileges.

Despite hardships such as wars, fires, and floods, Kutna Hora has preserved many architectural treasures and mansions of wealthy inhabitants, evidence of its glorious past. Today, its main attractions, both above and below ground, continue to enchant visitors with their fascinating history and timeless beauty.

Where is it located and how to get to Kutná Hora from Prague

Kutna Hora is about 80 kilometers from Prague, so it will take between one and two hours to reach the city, depending on your means of transportation.

You can travel by train starting from Prague Central Station, or by renting a car so you can stop along the way. If there is not much traffic, you will reach the city of Kutná Hora in about an hour and 15 minutes.

Let’s look together at the options for reaching Kutná Hora from Prague.

From Prague to Kutná Hora with an organized tour

The absolute best way to get to and visit Kutná Hora if you are in Prague and only have one day available is via an organized tour. Meet your guide at the Prague train station and take the train to Kutná Hora. Accompanied by a professional tour guide, you have the opportunity to visit the Chapel of Bones and see the city’s most famous sights and historic buildings. All for less than €60 per person.

From Prague to Kutná Hora by car

If you are in Prague, getting to Kutna Hora by car is very easy. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city center, with many rental companies offering free car delivery to your hotel. Daily rates are affordable and fuel is cheap. Under normal conditions, the trip from Prague to Kutna Hora takes about an hour. There are several roads to get there, but the fastest is theD11 highway. If you prefer to enjoy the scenery, you can choose more scenic roads.

From Prague to Kutná Hora by bus

If you prefer the bus, there is a direct line from Prague to Kutna Hora every hour. The trip takes about an hour and 40 minutes and the ticket is cheap. You can take the subway (red line) from downtown Prague to Haje, where you can board the bus. The Kutna Hora bus station is about 1 kilometer from the center, so it is easy to walk there.

From Prague to Kutná Hora by train

The best way to get to Kutna Hora without driving is by train. Trains leave from Prague Central Station every two hours and the trip takes less than an hour. A one-way ticket costs about 115 to 120 CZK (less than €5). The Kutna Hora Město train station is about one kilometer from the city center, so it is easily accessible on foot. Be sure to purchase your ticket to“Kutna Hora Město.”

Where to stay in Kutná Hora: the best hotels

Most tourists decide to visit Kutná Hora on a day trip from Prague, but if you plan to spend more than a day in this charming Bohemian city, here are a number of hotels I recommend staying in.

• Chateau Trebesice (budget option): this hotel is not in the center of Kutná Hora, but The is only 100 meters from the Třebešice bus stop, 5 km from the city center. If you plan to visit and do not have a large budget available, you may consider staying at this wonderful facility.
• Hotel Mědínek Old Town (mid-range): thanks to its location right on the square, this reasonably priced hotel is a great choice. Everything is within walking distance, the rooms are cozy, and when you consider that the hotel is located right in the heart of the city, the value for money is really worth it.
• Palace Kutná Hora (luxury option): the beautifully decorated rooms are the main reason to stay at the hotel. If you add the friendly staff, tasty breakfast, and excellent location, I think this hotel will meet all your needs.

What to eat in Kutná Hora: the best restaurants

Where to eat in Kutná Hora depends a lot on your personal taste. Although this city is not renowned for good food, you will find here a list of three restaurants where I recommend you eat.

If you are in the mood for a good steak, I recommend trying Vyžlovka. For more traditional meat dishes, you can try Ruthardka restaurant (it’s a fairly touristy place, but it cooks great barbecue ribs and the like). Finally, one of my favorites is Čtyři sestry, known for vegan options and creativity in their dishes.

Kutná Hora tourism: frequently asked questions

Photo by Satvik on Unsplash

Visiting Kutná Hora: conclusions

Here we are at the end of this long article with things to see in Kutná Hora, in which we found out what to visit in one day, where to eat and sleep, and how to make the most of your vacation in this beautiful city.

If you have any doubts or questions, please leave a comment below. I will be happy to answer them.

Photo credits: Photo by Petr Tomíček on Unsplash