|
|
|
|
Kutná Hora
Description: It may now be a sleepy provincial town, but Kutná Hora, located 60km (37 miles) east of Prague, once rivalled Prague and even London in terms of size and importance. The discovery of silver ore here in the 14th century led to the creation of the Royal Mint and the town became the political, cultural and economic centre of Bohemia. The legacy of this glorious epoch can be seen in the fine Gothic and Italianate buildings that line the cobbled streets. The most famous of all is the magnificent St Barbara’s Cathedral, built between 1388-1565 by the town’s miners (St Barbara is the patron saint of miners) to rival St Vitus’ Cathedral in Prague; the oldest, however, is the church of St James (Sv Jakub), which dates back to 1330-1420. The Italian Court (Vlassky dvyr) was once the Mint of the Czech State and the residence of the king of Bohemia; nowadays it houses an exhibition of Czech coins and medals. Other popular sights in Kutná Hora include the Gothic Stone House and Stone Fountain. Visitors with a taste for the macabre should pay a visit to the monastic church at nearby Sedlec, the interior of which is made entirely of human bones.
Contact Addresses: Information Centre – Kutná Hora, Sankturinovský dům, Palackého námĕsti 377, 284 01, Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Tel: (0327) 512 378. Fax: (0327) 515 556. E-mail: infocentrum@kutnohorsko.cz
Website: http://infocentrum.kutnohorsko.cz
Transportation: Air: Praha Ruzyně International Airport. Rail: Train: Kutná Hora Mesto Station. (From Prague, change at Kolin for Kutná Hora). Road: Coach: Kutná Hora Lorecka Bus Station (from Prague Florenc Coach Station) (journey time: 90 minutes). Car: Road to Kolin, then follow signposts for Kutná Hora (from Prague).
Opening Times: St Barbara’s Cathedral: Tues-Sun 0900-1200 and 1400-1600 (Nov-Mar); Tues-Sun 0900-1130 and 1300-1600 (Apr and Oct); Tues-Sun 0900-1730 (May-Sep). Italian Court: Daily 1000-1600 (Nov-Feb); daily 1000-1700 (Mar and Oct); daily 0900-1800 (Apr-Sep). Stone House: Tues-Sun 0900-1700 (Apr and Oct); Tues-Sun 0900-1800 (May, Jun and Sep); Tues-Sun 1000-1800 (Jul and Aug).
Admission Fees: St Barbara’s Cathedral: Kč30(adult), Kč15 (child). Concessions available. Italian Court: Kč60 (adult), Kč30 (child 6-16), free (child under 6) (Jan-May); Kč70 (adult), Kč50 (child 6-16), free (child under 6) (Apr-Dec). Stone House: Kč40(adult), Kč20 (child).
|
|