Kutná Hora District – Silver, Castles and Landscapes

Silver History, UNESCO Culture and Unique Excursions

Kutná Hora District combines the history of a medieval silver-mining town with castles, river landscapes and unusual visitor experiences. Kutná Hora developed through silver mining and became a royal town in the 14th century. The historic centre of Kutná Hora, the Church of St. Barbara and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Sedlec together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Church of St. Barbara is a Gothic landmark. Its interiors preserve frescoes depicting the secular life of the medieval mining town of Kutná Hora. In Sedlec stands the former Cistercian cathedral, which Jan Blažej Santini restored in the Baroque style in the early 18th century. One ticket includes admission to both chapels of the Ossuary as well as to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist in Sedlec.

From the Silver Mine to the Castle Landscape

At Hrádek, a silver route is one of the region’s signature experiences. It covers medieval mining, silver processing, coin minting, a horse-powered trejv and an authentic medieval mine. The medieval mine is accessible to visitors via a 33-metre-long staircase. Traditional miners’ clothing, helmets and lamps are used. This means that history is conveyed not only through buildings and exhibitions, but also through the working world below ground.

Žleby Castle offers another way to experience the region. The red-marked trail from Žleby continues through Ronov nad Doubravou, Žlebské Chvalovice, Krkanka and Rudov to the ruins of Lichnice Castle. Concrete transport points directly at the castle help with orientation: a railway station is about a 15-minute walk from Žleby Castle, a bus stop is located in the square immediately below the castle, and two car parks are situated near the castle complex.

The Žleby castle park is also noteworthy in its own right. It covers about 24 hectares and makes use of the steep castle slope and a canyon-like bend of the Doubrava. More than 50 species of small and songbirds occur there; there is also a reserve with white deer and fallow deer.

Castles, River History and Regional Flavours

At Zruč Castle, the Milota of Kolowrat educational trail describes activities such as axe throwing, archery, climbing, balance courses, fishing and bowling. The Story of the Sázava River exhibition in Zruč nad Sázavou focuses on vanished water-related crafts as well as the plants and animals of the Sázava.

Kačina houses the Museum of the Czech Countryside in an Empire-style castle. Its rooms include the Chotek Library, salons, a historic pharmacy and a historic theatre. The guided tours cover the history of the Chotek family, the everyday life of servants and the changes affecting aristocratic estates in the 19th century. The natural landscape also includes the Kačina natural monument, with preserved hardwood floodplain forest, wetlands and wet meadows, known for its rare insects.

Culinary discoveries can also be combined with cultural history. Kutná Hora Winery offers an enogastronomic tasting with five regional wines and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Wine tastings at the St. Ursula Monastery include tours of the historic monastery cellars.

More Places for Your Search

For further orientation in Kutná Hora District, you can also visit these places: Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy, Rataje Nad Sázavou, Zhor, Zleby, Stipoklasy, Vlastejovice, Černíny-Krasoňovice, Mocovice, Uhlírské Janovice, Zruc Nad Sázavou, Zbraslavice, Caslav, Čestín, Kuttenberg, Žehušice, Miskovice, Chotusice, Církvice, Červené Janovice, Hlízov, Hostovlice, Rašovice, Kluky, Onomyšl, Křesetice, Nepoměřice, Paběnice, Suchdol, Tupadly, Třebonín, Úmonín, Vlkaneč, Vrdy, Záboří Nad Labem, Černíny, Chlístovice, Horka I, Zbýšov, Čejkovice, Chabeřice, Dobrovítov, Vidice, Drobovice, Horky, Třebětín, Hraběšín, Slavošov, Staňkovice, Vavřinec, Podveky, Řendějov, Košice U Nepoměřic, Ledečko, Svatý Mikuláš, Malešov, Dolní Pohleď, Samopše, Okřesaneč, Opatovice I, Soběšín, Potěhy, Rohozec, Semtěš, Schořov, Starkoč, Souňov, Nové Dvory U Kutné Hory, Sudějov, Šebestěnice, Žáky, Třebešice, Vinaře, Vlačice, Vodranty, Bohdaneč, Kácov, Zbizuby, Petrovice Ii, Adamov U Tupadel, Krchleby.

To the overarching travel overview: Central Bohemia.