Kutná Hora: the bone chapel and silver town near Prague

Why go

Kutná Hora is the most rewarding day trip from Prague. In the Middle Ages its silver financed the Prague groschen, a coin used across Central Europe, and the town built churches and mansions to match its wealth. When the mines ran out the town faded, which is why its old centre survives so beautifully. Add the strange and moving bone chapel at Sedlec, and you have a day that stays in the memory.

The Sedlec Ossuary

In the suburb of **Sedlec**, the small Cemetery Church of All Saints holds the **ossuary**, often called the bone church. After plague and wars filled the cemetery, which was considered holy ground, the bones of an estimated forty thousand or more people were stacked in the chapel. In 1870 a local woodcarver, František Rint, arranged them into garlands, pyramids, a coat of arms and a huge chandelier said to use every bone of the human body. It is a place of reflection as much as curiosity, so keep voices low and follow the photography rules.

Across the road, the **Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady** in Sedlec is a striking blend of Gothic and baroque, and a combined ticket usually covers both sites.

The old town

The historic centre is a couple of kilometres from Sedlec. Its masterpiece is the **Cathedral of St Barbara**, the patron saint of miners, whose tent like roofs and flying buttresses rise above the valley. Inside, look for frescoes of miners and minters at work. The approach along **Barborská street**, lined with baroque statues and the vast Jesuit college that now houses the GASK art gallery, is one of the finest walks in the country.

Nearby, the **Italian Court** was the royal mint, where you can learn how the silver coins were struck. The **Czech Museum of Silver** in the Hrádek offers a tour that takes you down into a medieval mine shaft in a hard hat and miner's coat, a highlight for families. The **Stone House** and the Gothic **Church of St James** complete the old town.

Food and drink

The town has relaxed restaurants serving Czech classics and local beer, and cafés around Palackého náměstí. Try a slow lunch with a view of St Barbara's before heading back.

Where to stay

Most visitors come for the day, so staying overnight is a pleasure: the old town is almost empty in the evening. Small guesthouses and hotels sit within the centre.

Getting there and around

Trains from Prague's main station take about an hour to **Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží**, which is in Sedlec, a short walk from the ossuary. A local train or bus then connects to Kutná Hora město station near the old town, or you can walk about thirty minutes. Check train times both ways in the Czech Railways app.

Tips

Visit the ossuary first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups. Dress respectfully, as these are religious sites. Allow a full day to see both Sedlec and the old town without rushing.

Combining with other trips

Kutná Hora sits on the main railway line east of Prague, so you can stop here on the way to Brno, Olomouc or Pardubice instead of returning to the capital.