Kutná Hora is an ancient Bohemian town with some unique attractions that draw travelers from all around the globe. We stopped here for a short time on the way between Vienna and Prague, and it was exciting to see another part of the Czech Republic besides the big city. It made me fall in love with this region of the world all over again!
Where It Is
Located in central Czech Republic and only about an hour outside of my newly-discovered favorite city in the world (PRAGUE DUH!!!), Kutná Hora is easily accessible, whether you want to stop on your way in or out of Prague, or you want to pop on over for a day while staying in Prague (or, of course, it is a destination in and of itself…not necessary to factor Prague into the equation; I am just a little biased).
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic characterized by Gothic architecture and extravagant cathedrals, and is truly unlike anywhere I’ve ever been! Kutná Hora is similar to Prague in demographic, building design, and overall vibe, just in a smaller package in the form of an ancient mining town. As we only had a couple of hours here, we made two things a priority: the bone church, and the opportunity for our first tastes of Czech food (obviously).
Sedlec Ossuary, also known as The Church of Bones, is one of the most visited sites in all of the Czech Republic. In the 1200s, the cemetery had to be expanded when people starting learning that it contained holy soil brought back from Jerusalem (because everyone wanted to be buried there, of course). Hundreds of years later, the bones that were stored in the basement ossuary were artistially arranged all over the church. Now, Sedlec Ossuary is estimated to have the skeletons of up to seventy thousand people. It is creeeeepy; after visiting the Paris catacombs I thought I had seen it all, but this is something else entirely. Very morbid, but you have to appreciate the artistic quality of it and the reminder that we are such a small cog in the wheel of life, so it is well worth a visit to this remarkable little church.
Pivnice Dacicky: a gem among gems
Holy moly, this restaurant. It is old and Bohemian and fills you up with hearty food and beer…everything you could want from a restaurant during your time in the Czech Republic. Extensive menu, great service, and the atmosphere is just the cherry on top; it transports you back in time and makes you never want to leave! I can’t recommend it enough. Don’t argue with me, just go.
Kutná Hora is a great place to add to your list, even as a day trip while you’re in Prague (which is actually a perfect time to visit). I know that there is a ton that I didn’t get to do while I was here due to time constraints, because the town is chock-full of attractions and activities, so when I am back in Prague again (already counting down the minutes!!!), I will take a little trip out here again to explore some more.
