Kutná Hora
Silver-mining town with St. Barbara Cathedral and Sedlec Ossuary.
Ideal: Ideal for history, Gothic architecture, day trips, and distinctive cultural stops.
Thanks to its silver mines, it was once Bohemia's richest city after Prague; from 1300 the Prague groschen minted here became currency across much of Europe. St. Barbara Cathedral was dedicated to miners' patron saint and paid for directly by mine owners. The most startling building is the Sedlec Ossuary nearby: in 1870 woodcarver František Rint arranged the bones of more than 40,000 people into chandeliers, coats of arms, and columns. The cemetery became so crowded because a bishop spread soil brought from Jerusalem here in 1278.
Why go?
- To see one of the most important historic Czech cities outside Prague
- To experience St. Barbara Cathedral and Gothic architecture
- To add a different, intense history stop beyond the classic Prague route
Travel tip
If planning a day trip, check transport times in advance and leave time to walk within the town.
