Kutná Hora District: Silver History and Sacred Architecture

In Kutná Hora District, the history of silver can be discovered in its buildings and mining heritage. Kutná Hora grew through silver mining and became a royal town in the 14th century. Frescoes in the Gothic Church of St. Barbara depict scenes from the secular life of the medieval mining town. The church’s imagery thus brings urban life and the history of mining together.

Kutná Hora and Sedlec: Architecture and History

In Sedlec, the former Cistercian cathedral was restored in the Baroque style by Jan Blažej Santini in the early 18th century. One ticket includes admission to both chapels of the ossuary and to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist. Ticket arrangements may change; check which admissions are included before your visit.

Silver Mining and Experiences

The Silver Trail at Hrádek takes visitors on a themed journey from medieval mining through silver processing to coin minting. Its stops also include a horse-powered trejv and an authentic medieval mine. A 33-metre staircase leads down to the mine; visitors wear traditional miners’ clothing, helmets and lamps. As visitor arrangements may change seasonally, check the latest information in advance. The trail covers several aspects of silver extraction, while the descent into the mine focuses on the underground side of the subject.

At Zruč Castle, the Milota of Kolowrat Trail includes axe throwing, archery, climbing, balance obstacles, fishing and skittles. The activity is subject to weather and seasonal conditions. Take these conditions into account when planning to include the trail in your itinerary.

Kačina Castle and Wine

Kačina houses the Museum of the Czech Countryside in an Empire-style castle. Its features include a Chotek library, salons, a historic pharmacy and a historic theatre. Guided tours cover the history of the Chotek family, the daily lives of servants and the transformation of aristocratic estates in the 19th century. The themes therefore range from one family and its surroundings to changes in life on aristocratic estates.

The winery in Kutná Hora offers an enogastronomic tasting, pairing five local wines with food made from locally sourced ingredients. Menu details may change. Wine tastings at the Monastery of St. Ursula in Kutná Hora include tours of the historic monastery cellars. Opening and booking details may vary; check the latest information if you plan to enjoy this experience.

Nature and Trails around Žleby and Kačina

Žleby Castle Park covers about 24 hectares. Its design incorporates the steep castle slope and a canyon-like meander of the Doubrava River. The park provides habitat for more than 50 species of small birds and songbirds; it also includes a reserve with white and fallow deer. The Kačina Natural Monument offers a different natural focus, with preserved hardwood floodplain forests, wetlands and wet meadows. The area is also known for rare insects.

A red-marked route runs from Žleby via Ronov nad Doubravou, Žlebské Chvalovice, Krkanka and Rudov to the ruins of Lichnice Castle. Markings and access may change; check both in advance. A railway station is about a 15-minute walk from Žleby Castle. A bus stop is on the square directly below the castle, and two car parks are near the castle complex. Transport and parking information may change; check it before travelling.

The experiences mentioned have distinct focuses: Kutná Hora highlights silver history and sacred architecture, while Kačina combines museum and castle history with nature themes. The trails and activities around Žleby and Zruč offer their own particular highlights.

Discover more destinations: Zruc Nad Sázavou, Uhlírské Janovice, Mocovice, Černíny-Krasoňovice, Vlastejovice, Čestín, Caslav, Zbraslavice, Stipoklasy, Zleby, Zhor, Rataje Nad Sázavou, Rataje Nad Sázavou-Malovidy, Souňov, 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, Sudějov, Nové Dvory U Kutné Hory, Šebestěnice, Žáky, Třebešice, Vinaře, Vlačice, Vodranty, Bohdaneč, Kácov, Zbizuby, Petrovice Ii, Adamov U Tupadel and Krchleby.

To the overview of destinations: Central Bohemia.