Kuttenberg: Silver Town, Old Town and Sedlec

• Kutná Hora, known in German as Kuttenberg, is a historic town in Central Bohemia.
• Silver mining, the old town, St. Barbara’s Church and Sedlec shape the itinerary.
• The main sights are not all part of one short walking tour.
• Prague, Pardubice, Hradec Králové and Terezín can be added depending on the route.
• Admission, tour times, opening hours, routes and possible combination tickets are checked for current information.
• Time needed and the return journey are planned together for the church, ossuary, mine and old town.

• Kutná Hora, known in German as Kuttenberg, is a historic town in Central Bohemia.
• Silver mining, the old town, St. Barbara’s Church and the ossuary in Sedlec are the main highlights.
• The main sights do not all fit into one short walking tour.
• Prague, Pardubice and Terezín can round out a cultural itinerary.
• Admission, tour times, opening hours, routes and travel arrangements are checked for current information.

Kuttenberg was originally founded by German Cistercian monks from Waldsassen. Drawn by rumors of silver discoveries, they established their monastery in Sedlec—now a suburb of Kuttenberg—in 1124. According to legend, the monks also gave the city its name: “Brother Anton” is said to have woken from sleep in the monastery courtyard and seen valuable silver ore jutting out of the ground right beside his head. To mark the spot, he took off his habit (“kutna”) and left it there. Wearing only knee-length trousers, he then told his fellow townspeople about his find.

Silver brought Kuttenberg its wealth. The city’s golden age came to an end with the Hussite Wars. Later, its silver mines could no longer compete with cheaper imports from America and Germany.

Today, visitors to Kuttenberg’s mining museum can descend into some of the disused shafts of the silver mine.

The former royal mint, the Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr), is located in the silver town of Kutná Hora. For 250 years, the “Prague groschen” were minted here. The groschen was later replaced by the thaler. Today, visitors to the Italian Court can see the royal treasury as well as the chapel and royal palace. Above its entrance, a warning to all thieves can still be read: “Noli me tangere”—“Do not touch me!” The park behind the Italian Court is also worth seeing. It stretches down to the Vrchlice River and offers beautiful views of the rolling Bohemian countryside and Kuttenberg’s Church of St. Barbara.

Kuttenberg, known in Czech as Kutná Hora, is best understood by considering its silver mining, old town and Sedlec together. The city owes its status to historic mines and buildings that still shape its appearance today. Visitors are best served by an itinerary that allows enough time for St. Barbara’s Church, parts of the old town and the sights in Sedlec. Check current transport connections, admission times and possible combination tickets before setting out.

Kuttenberg is a good choice for travelers interested in combining medieval urban history, religious architecture and the region’s former silver mining. For planning purposes, treat the old town and Sedlec as separate sections. Prague makes a suitable starting point, while Pardubice and Hradec Králové offer other towns to visit in eastern Bohemia.

A historical itinerary can include Terezín, Mělník, Pilsen, Karlovy Vary and events. Given the different directions, several overnight stays are often more practical than cramming everything into one day. Before your visit, check admission times for the church and ossuary, as well as tour schedules.

Kuttenberg is best understood by treating silver mining, the old town and Sedlec as separate parts of the visit. St. Barbara’s Church, historic squares, former mines and the sights in Sedlec do not automatically make up one short, flat walking route. Admission times and guided tours therefore have more influence on the order of your visit than the map does.

For an itinerary through Central Bohemia, Prague, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, Terezín, Mělník, Pilsen and Karlovy Vary work well as individual stops. Events in the Czech Republic should only be added if the dates and route work together.

Before your visit, check travel and transport and travel preparations. The official travel information for the Czech Republic provides additional regional guidance. Confirm admission, tours, route conditions, weather and the return journey for your specific visit.

What is there to see in Kuttenberg?

The old town, St. Barbara’s Church, silver mining and Sedlec are the main highlights. Depending on your ticket and interests, plan for half a day or a full day.

How far is Sedlec from Kuttenberg?

Sedlec is part of the city, but it is not right next to every sight in the old town. Include the route, transport and opening hours in your day plan.

Is Kuttenberg suitable for a day trip from Prague?

Yes, if travel, admission times and the return journey fit together. A full day is more comfortable if you want to take several guided tours and visit Sedlec.

What should I check before traveling?

Check opening hours, admission, tours, travel arrangements, the route between the old town and Sedlec, the weather and current rules in advance.