The Czech city celebrating its 30th anniversary as a World Heritage Site: it has two cathedrals and a church full of bones.
The city of Kutná Hora is one of the most popular getaways for visitors to Prague due to its proximity to the Czech capital and its attractions. However, in 2025, there's an even greater reason to travel there: the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List , a celebration that will bring with it countless events throughout the year.
It's not as well-known as Karlovy Vary or Pilsen, but it holds a curious history, museums, monuments, and even a surprising ossuary. This year, it will also offer a packed program of activities to commemorate the recognition of its historic center , with the Church of St. Nicholas and the churches of St. Barbara and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Sedlec, as a World Heritage Site.
A trip to the City of SilverKnown as the 'City of Silver ', Kutná Hora was for centuries the "treasury box" of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The discovery of this precious metal in the region dates back to the 10th century, but it wasn't until three centuries later that the mining fever began that attracted German settlers and led to the growth of the town. In response to this boom, King Wenceslas II promulgated the Ius Regale Montanorum , a mining code that regulated the industry and consolidated Kutná Hora as the financial center of Bohemia , thanks to the production of the famous Prague groschen .
The city's economic splendor was reflected in the construction of majestic buildings such as the Italian Court, home to the Mint, and the Cathedral of Saint Barbara , an emblem of the miners' independence. However, the Hussite War in the 15th century and miners' revolts marked the beginning of its decline. Silver mining continued until the 16th century, but the depth of the deposits and a lack of investment led to the closure of the Mint in 1727. Despite being relegated to the background during the Industrial Revolution, its historical and architectural wealth has made it a key cultural destination , as evidenced by its inclusion on the UNESCO List.
What to visit in Kutná HoraA trip to Kutná Hora is not complete without visiting its most iconic monuments , many of them linked to that glorious past in which it competed with Prague. The first stop must be the so-called Italian Court , the economic center that unified the monetary production of the Kingdom of Bohemia, which includes the Old Mint and the Royal Palace . Restored in the 19th century, it now offers interactive tours about the history of currency, mining, and court life. Its exhibits are perfect for all ages and include demonstrations of medieval coinage and local legends.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site can be followed in the Sedlec district, home to the Church of St. Barbara , patron saint of miners and a gem of late Gothic architecture. Construction began in the mid-14th century with the intention of competing with Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral, but due to the decline of mining operations, it was not completed until five hundred years later, without achieving its goal. Inside, there is a valuable gallery with late Gothic and Renaissance paintings , elegant columns, and chapels with interesting mining-inspired decor.
You can continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. John the Baptist , which was the convent church of the oldest Cistercian monastery in Bohemia (1142). In addition to housing one of the oldest and best-preserved Gothic monstrances in Europe, its most recent reconstruction incorporated unique elements such as its Bohemian flat vault and cantilevered staircase.
The Sedlec Ossuary is one of the most visited sites in the Czech Republic. Located in the All Saints Cemetery Church, it houses the remains of more than 40,000 deceased , exhumed at the end of the 15th century and arranged in creative ways. Legend has it that it was a nearly blind monk who began stacking the bones into large pyramids. Each composition symbolizes religious elements such as the entrance to the heavenly kingdom, light and hope (the candelabra), or angels accompanying the deceased to their final judgment. The only secular decoration is the Schwarzenberg coat of arms , created around 1870 as a thank you to the Schwarzenberg family who helped save the ossuary.
Museums for everyoneCulture lovers can add the Museum of Book Printing , where the scent of paper still lingers and where you can print your own postcard; Hrádek, home to the Czech Silver Museum , which is the gateway to the city's underground and the galleries of the old mines; the Museum of Legends, Ghosts and Apparitions ; and finally, the Chocolate Museum , which recalls the importance of chocolate factories before World War II.
With these visits and a stroll through Kutná Hora's historic center, featuring the Baroque Church of St. John of Nepomuk , convents, stately homes, fountains, and the monumental Plague Column, travelers can get a sense of the city's historical significance. For the more active, the day can even end with a 6-kilometer bike ride to the Sukov vineyards and a visit to the Vinné Sklepy winery to learn about the local wines, which have been certified organic since 2009.
Special events for the 30th anniversaryTo celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO declaration, a large number of events , sporting activities, exhibitions, festivals, theater, recreations, competitions, and more have been organized. Among the highlights of the coming months is the A Day of Sound Music Festival , which will take place on June 14 at GASK, a modern art center located in a former Jesuit college, and at other venues such as the Corpus Christi Chapel and the Church of Santa Bárbara. National and international musicians will play with sounds in these venues, creating unique experiences.
The historical reenactments will take place on the weekend of June 21 and 22, featuring King Wenceslas IV with his wife Žofia and their entire entourage. Proud miners will also be present, as well as knight duels, jugglers, music, dancing, and traditional cuisine in Breüerovy sady park. And on August 9, the traditional Dačického 12 race is scheduled, which this year will offer a special route connecting St. Barbara's Church and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist in Sedlec. In the lead-up to the event, there will be children's races and musical performances.
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