Guide to Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre, Church of St. Barbara, and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec

Overview

Kutná Hora is a historic town located approximately 70 kilometers east of Prague, Czech Republic. This medieval town offers an enchanting blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, rich history, and unique attractions that make it a must-visit destination for tourists. Among its many attractions, the Church of St. Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec are two of the most prominent and significant sites to explore.

Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre

Kutná Hora’s historical town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The town was once one of the wealthiest in Europe due to its silver mines, which attracted merchants and craftsmen from all over Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, you can still see evidence of this prosperity in the well-preserved buildings and architectural styles throughout the town.

St. James’ Square (Náměstí svatého Jakuba)

St. James’ Square is one of the main squares in Kutná Hora and is surrounded by beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The most notable structure on the square is the Church of St. James, which dates back to the 14th century and has a distinctive red roof. Other important buildings include the Town Hall (Radnice) with its iconic astronomical clock, and the Italian Court (Italský dvůr), which was once home to the wealthy Italian merchant families who played a significant role in Kutná Hora’s development.

Church of St. Barbara

Located just south of St. James’ Square, the Church of St. Barbara is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in the Czech Republic. Construction on the church began in 1388 and took over 100 years to complete due to frequent interruptions caused by wars and fires. The church is dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, as Kutná Hora was a significant silver-mining town during medieval times.

The Church of St. Barbara features stunning Gothic architecture, including pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate sculptures and carvings. The interior is equally impressive with its three naves, towering columns, and stained glass windows depicting various scenes from the life of Saint Barbara. Don’t miss the elaborate altar, which is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic woodcarving in Europe.

Sedlec Ossuary (Kostnice v Sedlci)

Located about 3 km southwest of Kutná Hora, the Sedlec Ossuary is a unique and somewhat macabre attraction that has made it famous worldwide. The ossuary was established in the mid-14th century when bones from an existing cemetery were moved to a small chapel located within the Sedlec Abbey complex. Over the centuries, as plagues and wars ravaged Europe, more and more bones were added to the ossuary, eventually numbering over 40,000.

The Sedlec Ossuary is best known for its intricate bone arrangements, which have been created by various artists over the years. The most famous of these arrangements is the Charnel House, or “bone church,” where the bones are artfully arranged to form elaborate patterns and designs on the walls, ceiling, and even a large chandelier made entirely of bones. The ossuary also contains a large coat of arms made from human skulls, as well as various other bone sculptures and displays.

Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec (Katedrála Navštívení Panny Marie)

Adjacent to the Sedlec Ossuary is the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, a magnificent Gothic church dating back to 1357. The cathedral was originally built as a chapel by the monks of the Sedlec Abbey and was later expanded into a large church over the centuries. The current structure was completed in the late 19th century.

The Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec boasts beautiful stained glass windows, ornate carvings, and a stunning Baroque altar. One of the most notable features is the large wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the early 15th century. Visitors can also climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Practical Information

• Getting there: Kutná Hora can be easily reached by train from Prague’s main railway station (Hlavní nádraží) in about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive.
• Admission fees: Admission to the Church of St. Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec is free. However, there may be a small fee for visiting the Sedlec Ossuary (around 90 Czech koruna).
• Opening hours: The opening hours for each attraction may vary, so it’s best to check before you visit. Generally, they are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months.
• Guided tours: Guided tours are available for all three attractions in various languages. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Kutná Hora offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of medieval Europe. With its stunning architecture, unique ossuary, and charming town center, it’s an essential destination for any traveler exploring the Czech Republic.