Kutna Hora - Discover More Of This Town In The Medieval Kingdom
Kutna Hora was founded in the 10th century, but it did not become a genuine town until the 13th century, when silver was discovered in the vicinity. The town benefited greatly from silver mining. The royal mint was built in 1300, and Kutna Hora began producing the Prague groschen coins, becoming the Kingdom of Bohemia's second most significant town.
Author:Sophia HarperReviewer:Liam JonesJun 10, 2022169.7K Shares2.2M Views
Kutna Horawas founded in the 10th century, but it did not become a genuine town until the 13th century, when silver was discovered in the vicinity.
The town benefited greatly from silver mining. The royal mint was built in 1300, and Kutna Hora began producing the Prague groschen coins, becoming the Kingdom of Bohemia's second most significant town.
The 14th century saw a lot of construction, including residential dwellings, churches, one of the country's most important monasteries, and the grand Church of St. Barbara.
Kutna Hora Fast Facts
The first traces of silver were discovered in the 10th century, when Bohemia had already been at the crossroads of long-distance trade for generations.
Silver dinars dating from 982 to 995 have been discovered in the village of Maln, which is now part of Kutná Hora.
The town was founded in 1142 with the establishment of Sedlec Abbey, Bohemia's first Cistercian monastery.
The Cistercian order was moved from the Imperial direct Cistercian Waldsassen Abbey in Bavaria, Germany, close to the border with the Czech Republic, to the Sedlec Monastery.
By 1260, German miners had begun to mine for silver in the mountain region known as Kuttenberg, which was owned by the abbey. The mountain's name is thought to have come from the monks' cowls (the Kutten) or the word mining (kután in old Czech).
Bohemia was a crownland of the Austrian Empire in 1806, and it remained under Austrian authority following the 1867 settlement.
Kuttenberg was the capital of the same-named district, one of Bohemia's 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften, until 1918. [10] After World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the town, along with the rest of Bohemia, became part of the newly formed Czechoslovakia.
During the period 1939–1945, Nazi Germany annexed Kutná Hora into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, although it was returned to Czechoslovakia following World War II.
Following the collapse of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the town became part of the Czech Republic.
Kutna Hora Map
Kutná Hora is a town in the Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region. It has a population of around 20,000 people.
The Sedlec Abbey and its ossuary were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its excellent architecture and influence on following architectural developments in other Central European city centers.
Kutná Hora is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Prague. It is located on the Vrchlice stream. The municipal territory's eastern border is a flat agricultural landscape of the Central Elbe Table lowland.
The western section is located in the Upper Sázava Hills and features the highest point in Kutná Hora, the hill Mal Kuklk, which stands at 359 meters (1,178 ft).
Chapel Of Bones
If you're fascinated by unusual architecture and attractions, a Chapel of Bonesis sure to capture your curiosity. Kutna Hora is only an hour away by train from Prague.
This old silver mining settlement on the outskirts of Central Bohemia is ideal for a day trip, but an overnight stay allows you to see nearby Tebeice Castle and the picturesque town of Cáslav.
Sedlec Ossuary, the Bone Chapel is located in the city's outskirts beneath the graveyard of the former Sedlec Abbey, is one of the most unusual religious places you'll come across.
A pretty basic entryway will take you to this scary cave-like location, dubbed the 'Church of Bones' – which doesn't leave much to the imagination.
A highly distinctive sort of décor may be seen in the church. The walls, ceiling, and pillars are covered in 40,000 human skeletons. It's pretty overwhelming, even if the term has partially prepared you for what you'll see, arranged into chandeliers, towers, and even coats of arms.
Top 3 Kutna Hora Things To Do
Aside from visiting the bone church, there are still a lot of things to try in this amazing town.
Glamp In A Fancy Tent Beneath A Castle, Tvrz Maleov
Glamping under a castle at Maleov Camp allows you to experience life as a prince. This'medieval glamour camp' is located within a five-minute drive from Kutna Hora, under the shadow of the Tvrz Maleov stronghold, which is perched high over a reservoir of the river Vrchlice.
The luxury tents tucked beneath it are white canvas constructions complete with wooden flooring, mattresses with soft linens, and a storage chest, and are supposed to replicate what aristocracy would stay in when traveling with the army. Each includes a beautiful private bathroom with hot showers, a toilet, and medieval artwork.
Guests can enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site tavern, visit the museum detailing Maleov's history, grab a drink at the Pátelsk Pivovar Maleov brewery, which serves up craft beers made in-house, or explore the castle, which has a tranquil courtyard with a fountain, large rooms decorated with period furniture, and stunning panoramic views.
Visit The Cathedral Of St Barbara, Patron Saint Of Miners
This one-of-a-kind work of high and late Gothic architecture symbolizes the power and importance of the mining city, which is linked to silver ore resources.
The cathedral is dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron saint of the miners. This architectural marvel took over 500 years to complete. The colossal cathedral's appearance is the creation of Matyá Rejsek and Benedikt Ried.
The inside will amaze you with its late Gothic and Renaissance art, and there is no ignoring the city's mining history. The narrow elegant pillars are complimented with fresco work decorating the church, which includes images inspired by mining and coin minting.
Stamp A Silver Coin At The Italian Court Kutna Hora
Continue the artisanal theme by traveling to the neighboring Italian Court and stamping your own coin. In the Middle Ages, when Kutná Hora was the epicenter of wealth, this is where silver coins were made, and it also functioned as a royal home for King Wenceslas IV.
Visitors can learn more about its history by roaming through the museum's exhibits, and then finish their trip by dressing up in medieval garb and swinging a hammer to mince a memento engraved coin.
People Also Ask
Is Kutná Hora Worth Visiting?
Kutná Hora was an excellent choice for a day excursion from Prague. The Bone Church alone was worth the trip because it was the most interesting attraction we saw during our five weeks in Europe.
What Does Kutná Hora Mean In English?
Kutná Hora (Czech pronunciation: [kutna ora] (listen); medieval Czech: Hory Kutné; German: Kuttenberg) is a town in the Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region. It has a population of around 20,000 people.
What Is Kutná Hora Known For?
Kutna Hora is a city in the Czech Republic's Central Bohemia region. It is about an hour's drive east of Prague. It is famous for its Gothic church, ossuary, and mining heritage. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance and architectural treasures.
Conclusion
During the Hussite conflicts in the 15th century, several fires damaged or destroyed Kutná Hora's buildings, including the Sedlec Monastery. Silver mining quickly regenerated the town. Joseph II's ecclesiastical reform in the late 18th century closed or tore down several of its churches. This defines Kutná Hora's architecture.
Sophia Harper
Author
Sophia Harper’s photography acts as a portal to the soul of the places she visits. Drawn to South America’s landscapes and cultures, she has spent years capturing everything from the majesty of ancient ruins to the vibrancy of urban streets.
Sophia’s work isn’t just about documenting moments; it’s about evoking the emotions and stories behind them. A dedicated photographer, she has worked with local communities across South America to capture their rich cultural narratives through her lens.
Liam Jones
Reviewer
Liam Jones has made it his mission to prove that adventure doesn’t need a hefty budget. Having traveled to over 40 countries, he specializes in finding affordable ways to experience the world, from the best street food in Bangkok to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Liam’s travel tips have reached thousands of readers, empowering them to see the world on a shoestring budget without sacrificing quality. With a deep passion for local cultures, he continues to share his travel hacks, ensuring adventure remains accessible to all.
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