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Things to do in Kutna Hora

• Discover Kutná Hora: Medieval Silver Mining Town & Bone Chapel Tour

  
  

  A visit to Kutná Hora offers a compelling escape from Prague, located just an hour away by coach. This medieval town is rich in history and known for its UNESCO-listed landmarks. One of its most talked-about sites is the Sedlec Ossuary, often referred to as the Bone Church, where the remains of around 40,000 individuals are arranged into decorative elements such as chandeliers and coats of arms. The experience is both unusual and unforgettable, offering a glimpse into the region’s past in a deeply visual way.

  The tour also includes a stop at St. Barbara’s Church, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture built in honor of the miners’ patron saint. The church features elaborate stone carvings and vaulted ceilings that highlight the town's artistic and religious significance. Visitors are also guided through the Italian Court, once the royal mint of Prague, where they learn how the town’s silver wealth shaped its prosperity during the 14th and 15th centuries. With an expert guide providing context and background, each site becomes more meaningful and informative.

  This six-hour excursion is designed to cover the town’s most important attractions while still allowing for a relaxed pace. All transportation is arranged in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, and entry to key sites is included, saving time and effort. The guided format ensures that travelers gain deeper insight through stories and historical details often missed on self-guided visits. The trip provides an efficient yet enriching way to explore one of the Czech Republic’s most notable historical towns.

  
  
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• Kutna Hora: Bone Chapel & UNESCO Heritage Tour

  
  

  Located just an hour from Prague, Kutná Hora offers a compelling mix of history and unique atmosphere. A key stop on this day trip is the Sedlec Ossuary, known for its elaborate arrangements of human remains from over 40,000 individuals. Though photography is not allowed inside, the visual impact of the bone display leaves a lasting impression. Another highlight is St. Barbara’s Church, an impressive Gothic cathedral known for its detailed architecture and high vaulted ceilings that reflect the town’s religious and artistic heritage.

  The tour also explores the historic center of Kutná Hora, which once competed with Prague in cultural and economic importance during its silver mining peak. Notable stops include the Italian Court, a former royal residence and mint, and the oldest Cistercian Monastery in Bohemia. Walking along Ruthardka Street gives a sense of medieval life, while the Stone House and Plague Column offer further insight into the town’s complex past. Traveling by train adds to the experience, offering scenic views of the Czech countryside, while a knowledgeable guide helps connect each landmark to Kutná Hora’s significant role in Bohemian history.

  
  
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• Visit the Stone House (Kamenný dům)

  
  

  The Stone House stands out with its striking late Gothic exterior, adorned with detailed stone carvings that reflect the wealth and craftsmanship of its time. Originally owned by a prosperous merchant family from the silver trade, the 15th-century building now functions as a museum that explores everyday life in medieval Kutná Hora. Inside, the exhibits offer insights into domestic life, displaying silver tableware, period furniture, clothing, and handcrafted objects. Models illustrate historical mining operations and the town's development, while a dedicated section on minting showcases rare coins and explains how silver was turned into currency.

  Upstairs, the museum features an engaging display focused on the architectural evolution of Kutná Hora, with photographs and diagrams tracing changes in building styles. Rather than emphasizing political events, the museum highlights the lived experiences of ordinary people, giving visitors a more personal connection to the town’s past. The building itself, with its vaulted ceilings and Gothic windows, serves as an exhibit in its own right. Though smaller than other attractions, the Stone House provides a meaningful and visually rich look into the cultural fabric of medieval urban life.

  
  

• Explore St. Barbara's Cathedral

  
  
  
  
  

  St. Barbara’s Cathedral stands as one of Kutná Hora’s most striking landmarks, with its Gothic architecture reflecting over five centuries of construction and craftsmanship. The exterior features flying buttresses and stone gargoyles that lend a dramatic and ornate character to the structure. The front facade is easily recognizable with its three distinctive tent-like roofs that can be seen from many points in the town.

  Inside, the cathedral is filled with color and detail. Stained glass windows cast shifting light onto the stone floors, while the vaulted ceilings display medieval frescoes that depict scenes from the mining and minting traditions that once fueled the town’s wealth. One of the most unique parts is a chapel featuring images of miners at work, complete with tools and traditional clothing. The terrace outside the cathedral also offers broad views of the valley below. Built by Kutná Hora’s affluent mining families, the cathedral honors St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners, and served as a symbolic balance to the religious influence of the nearby Sedlec Monastery.

  
  

• Visit the Sedlec Ossuary

  
  

  The Sedlec Ossuary is honestly one of the most unique places I've ever come across. This small chapel is decorated with the bones of between 40,000 to 70,000 people, arranged in incredibly artistic ways. There's a massive bone chandelier hanging from the ceiling that contains at least one of every human bone, and you'll also find bone chalices, bone candelabras, and even the Schwarzenberg coat of arms recreated entirely with human remains.

  What makes this place even more fascinating is the story behind it. Back in the 13th century, an abbot brought back some holy soil from Jerusalem and scattered it in the cemetery, making it a super popular burial site. When they ran out of space, they started digging up the older graves and storing the bones in the chapel. Then in 1870, a woodcarver named František Rint was hired to put the bone piles in order, and instead, he created this amazing, macabre art installation. It's eerie but beautiful in a weird way, and definitely something you won't forget anytime soon.

  
  

• Go down into the Silver Mine

  
  

  Descending into the historic silver mines beneath Kutná Hora offers a powerful glimpse into the town’s past. The experience begins at the Hrádek Mining Museum, where visitors are outfitted with helmets and miners’ cloaks in preparation for the underground tour. The route follows narrow and winding tunnels once used by medieval miners, and the drop in temperature is immediately noticeable. Some passages are extremely confined, requiring visitors to crouch low to navigate through. Throughout the tour, the guide explains the mining tools, methods, and the harsh conditions that laborers endured, from cave-ins and flooding to exposure to harmful gases, all while working by the faint glow of oil lamps.

  A particularly memorable moment comes when the guide switches off all the lights, immersing the group in absolute darkness. It becomes clear how dangerous and grueling the work once was. This firsthand experience adds depth to the historical importance of Kutná Hora and the immense effort required to extract the silver that helped build its wealth and influence in the region.

  
  

• Stroll through the historic town center

  
  

  Exploring the historic center of Kutná Hora offers a quiet and authentic glimpse into the past. The cobbled streets are lined with well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, many painted in soft pastel tones. Unlike the busier areas of Prague, the town maintains a calm atmosphere that allows visitors to appreciate its charm at a slower pace. Architectural details such as stone gargoyles, ornate doorways, and mining symbols carved into facades reveal the town’s rich heritage. Tucked-away courtyards and arcaded walkways offer unexpected moments of beauty, while landmarks like the Gothic Stone House and the Baroque Plague Column add historical depth to the main square.

  Sitting at one of the outdoor cafés in the square gives visitors a chance to pause and absorb the surroundings. It is easy to imagine the town’s earlier days, when silver merchants and miners filled the streets. The entire area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its character has remained intact through the centuries. Walking through Kutná Hora feels less like a tourist excursion and more like a journey through a preserved piece of medieval Bohemia.

  
  

Where to stay in Kutna Hora

Best hotels in Kutna Hora:

• Hotel Opat (budget hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Hotel Opat is a charming 4-star hotel situated in the center of Kutná Hora’s historic district. The location is ideal, just a short walk from major attractions such as the Church of St. Barbara and the main town square.

  The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, offering modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Some rooms also feature lovely views of the city. The hotel’s on-site restaurant serves delicious European dishes, and a satisfying breakfast buffet is available to fuel your day of exploration.

  One of the best features of Hotel Opat is the free private parking, which is a rare convenience in the old town. The staff are friendly and eager to provide helpful local recommendations. With its combination of comfort, prime location, and great value, this hotel is a perfect choice for your stay in Kutná Hora.

  
  

• Apartmán Vrchlice (homestay)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Apartmán Vrchlice is a cozy and inviting apartment located just a short walk from the historic center of Kutná Hora. It offers a spacious layout with thoughtful touches, including a flat-screen TV and a terrace for relaxing outdoors. While situated in a quiet area, it’s still close to the town’s main attractions, such as the Church of St. Barbara.

  A great feature of this apartment is its convenient location near the train station, making it easy to take day trips to nearby destinations. The owners are welcoming and offer a delicious breakfast with fresh pastries and cheese to start your day on the right note.

  For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of options nearby, including hiking and cycling, with bike rentals available at the apartment. With its comfortable amenities, great location, and affordable price, this apartment is an excellent base for exploring Kutná Hora.

  
  

• Hotel Zlatá Stoupa (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Hotel Zlatá Stoupa is a delightful hotel in the center of Kutná Hora, just a short walk from the historic town center. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring large wooden furniture that adds a traditional touch. Amenities like minibars and satellite TV are available for convenience.

  The hotel's restaurant serves delicious Czech cuisine alongside international dishes. The breakfast buffet is a popular feature, included with your stay and providing a hearty start to a day of exploring the city. With its prime location, it's easy to visit the many medieval landmarks that Kutná Hora is famous for.

  The staff at the hotel are friendly and eager to help, offering local tips and assisting with tour arrangements. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and parking is offered for guests traveling by car. It's an ideal place to stay while discovering this UNESCO World Heritage city.