Silver mining wealth in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Only 60 kilometers southeast from the Czech Republic’s capital, Kutna Hora is an easy day trip from Prague.

I can remember visiting here in the days when I lived in Prague over (gulp!) two decades ago. Once, I missed the ‘fast’ train and had to take the milk train – it took four and a half hours to return to Prague from this pretty town. I was convinced I could have walked much faster.

Didn’t take the train on this past visit (see my earlier post on my visit this summer to Mitteleuropa), but I’m sure public transport must have improved in the meantime.

Kutna Hora is worth a visit if you’re looking for an interesting day trip from Prague. This was once the second most important city in Bohemia (after Prague). The silver mines were in operation from the 13th to then 18th century and the minting factories brought great wealth to the region. This silver wealth is on display in the stupendous gothic Saint Barbara cathedral.

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners, and they spent their precious free time in this cathedral begging for her mercy.

Miners worked 6 days a week, 12 hours a day at depths of up to 500 meters – the deepest mines in the world at the time. The wealthy constructed chapels, and the surving depictions of miners and minters of times long past are impressive.

The church is the main draw in town, but it’s a pleasant place to wander around when you’re passing through.

Enjoy your visit to Kutna Hora when you’re next in the Czech Republic.