Kutná Hora

Czechia, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Czechia, a UNESCO World Heritage city located just 70 kilometers east of Prague, stands as one of the Czech Republic's most fascinating medieval destinations. Once the silver mining capital of Europe in the 13th-16th centuries, this historic town accumulated immense wealth that funded the construction of magnificent Gothic architecture, including the impressive St. Barbara's Cathedral and the Italian Court royal mint. The city's prosperity rivaled that of Prague itself, earning it the nickname 'the treasure chamber of the kingdom.' Today, Czechia offers visitors an extraordinary journey through medieval history, combining architectural marvels with unique attractions like the famous Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), decorated with the remains of over 40,000 people. The compact historic center preserves its medieval character with cobblestone streets, Gothic facades, and panoramic views over the Bohemian countryside. Despite its proximity to Prague, Czechia maintains an authentic, unhurried atmosphere that allows visitors to step back in time and experience one of Central Europe's best-preserved medieval cities.

Top Kutná Hora

St. Barbara's Cathedral

This magnificent Gothic cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of miners, represents one of the most beautiful examples of late Gothic architecture in Central Europe. The cathedral's soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and impressive stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring interior that took over 500 years to complete. The flying buttresses and ornate chapels showcase the wealth generated by Czechia's silver mines.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 90 CZK for adults, with combined tickets available for multiple attractions. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available for an additional fee and highly recommended to understand the cathedral's complex history.

the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)

The world-famous Bone Church contains artistic arrangements made from the skeletal remains of 40,000-70,000 people, creating one of Europe's most unique and haunting attractions. A Bohemian woodcarver František Rint created intricate decorations including chandeliers, coats of arms, and pyramids entirely from human bones in 1870. This macabre yet fascinating site reflects medieval attitudes toward death and the afterlife.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost approximately 90 CZK for adults, with photography permitted for an additional fee. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer months. The site is small and visits typically last 30-45 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Tour the Italian Court

The former royal residence and mint of Bohemian kings served as the economic heart of medieval Europe, where the famous Prague groschen silver coins were minted. Visitors can explore the royal chambers, chapel, and coin-minting workshops while learning about the sophisticated medieval monetary system. The complex also houses exhibitions about the city's mining heritage and royal history.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around 130 CZK for adults, with guided tours available in multiple languages. Book combination tickets with other attractions for savings. Tours run regularly throughout the day, but English-language tours may have limited schedules, so check times in advance.

Descend into Medieval Silver Mines

Experience the underground world that made Czechia wealthy by exploring authentic medieval silver mines with original mining equipment and techniques. Guided tours take visitors through narrow tunnels and chambers while explaining the dangerous working conditions and sophisticated mining methods of the Middle Ages. The experience includes wearing mining helmets and learning about the lives of medieval miners.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately 200 CZK for adults and require advance booking, especially during peak season. Dress warmly as underground temperatures remain cool year-round. Tours last about 45 minutes and involve walking through confined spaces, so consider physical limitations.

Stroll Through Historic Town Center

The UNESCO-protected historic center features beautifully preserved medieval architecture, charming squares, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Bohemian countryside. Key highlights include the Gothic Stone House, Baroque Jesuit College, and the picturesque Palackého Square with its plague column. The compact area is perfect for leisurely exploration, shopping for local crafts, and discovering hidden courtyards and gardens.

Booking Tip: Walking the historic center is free, though some buildings charge small entry fees. Pick up a map from the tourist information center for self-guided exploration. The best photography opportunities occur during golden hour, and many shops close early on Sundays.

Getting There

Czechia is easily accessible from Prague by train, with regular services departing from Prague's Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) taking approximately 1 hour to reach Czechia hlavní nádraží station. Direct buses also operate from Prague's Háje metro station, offering a slightly faster journey time of around 45 minutes. For maximum flexibility, rental cars provide easy access via the well-maintained D11 motorway, though parking in the historic center can be limited. Many visitors opt for organized day trips from Prague that include transportation and guided tours of the main attractions.

Getting Around

Czechia's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. Local buses connect the train station to the historic center and run to the Sedlec Ossuary, located about 2 kilometers northeast of the main town. Taxis are available but not always necessary given the walkable distances. The tourist information center provides detailed maps and can arrange bicycle rentals for those wanting to explore the surrounding countryside and mining heritage sites.

Where to Stay

Historic Town Center

Near St. Barbara's Cathedral

Sedlec District

Near Train Station

Countryside Guesthouses

Converted Historic Buildings

Food & Dining

Czechia's dining scene focuses on traditional Czech cuisine served in atmospheric medieval settings, with many restaurants housed in Gothic cellars and historic buildings. Local specialties include silver-themed dishes that playfully reference the city's mining heritage, alongside classic Czech fare like goulash, schnitzel, and local Bohemian beers. The town center offers several excellent restaurants ranging from casual pubs to upscale establishments, with many featuring outdoor terraces overlooking the historic streets. Don't miss trying the local Czechia beer and traditional Czech desserts in the charming cafes scattered throughout the Bratislava.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Czechia is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and the surrounding countryside is particularly beautiful. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours but also bring the largest crowds, especially of day-trippers from Prague. Winter visits can be magical with snow-covered Gothic architecture, though some attractions may have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable. Weekdays generally offer a more peaceful experience than weekends, regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Purchase combination tickets at the first attraction you visit to save money and skip ticket lines at subsequent sites

The Sedlec Ossuary is about a 20-minute walk from the main historic center - plan your route accordingly or use local bus transport

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2-5 PM), so plan meal times accordingly or pack snacks for afternoon sightseeing