Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, Kutná Hora offers visitors a captivating blend of history, architecture, and character. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it proudly showcases its medieval charm and cultural richness. Although some of its top attractions come with an entry fee, you’ll find no shortage of free experiences that are equally rewarding. Whether you’re drawn to historic landmarks, peaceful parks, or scenic strolls through cobbled streets, Kutná Hora warmly welcomes every kind of traveler.
1. Stroll Down Barborská Street
Start your journey on Barborská Street, a charming avenue lined with striking statues and the impressive Jesuit College. This romantic street has even appeared as a backdrop in films like Les Misérables. To capture the best photos, plan your visit during the golden hour, when the soft, warm light beautifully highlights the surroundings.
2. Admire St. Barbara’s Church
At the end of Barborská Street stands the magnificent St. Barbara’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece dedicated to the patron saint of miners. The church’s intricate architecture and frescoes depicting medieval mining life make it a must-see. While there’s a fee to enter the interior, the exterior and surrounding areas are free to explore.
3. Visit the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)
Just outside the city center, you’ll find the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel uniquely decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people. Although entering the ossuary requires a ticket, you can still explore the peaceful surrounding cemetery without any cost and soak in its tranquil atmosphere.
4. Explore the Gothic Stone Fountain
Situated in Rejsek Square, the Gothic Stone Fountain was constructed in 1495 to address the town’s water shortage caused by extensive mining activities.
5. Visit the Italian Court (Free Exterior Visit)
The Italian Court, once the royal mint, is a testament to Kutná Hora’s historical significance. While there’s an entrance fee to tour the interior, the exterior and surrounding areas can be admired for free.
6. Visit the Kutná Hora Chocolate Museum
Step into the delicious world of Czech chocolate at the Kutná Hora Chocolate Museum, dedicated to the legendary Koukol & Michera (Lidka) chocolate factory. Once one of the most famous chocolate makers in Europe, this small but delightful museum offers a peek into its rich history. The entry to the museum is free but any donations are welcome.
7. Relax in Jesuit College Park
Next to the Jesuit College and St. Barbara’s Church, you’ll find the Jesuit College Park, a serene green space offering panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. Benches, shady trees, and the scenic walking paths make it a perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a picnic.
8. Discover the Church of Saint James
Located just a five-minute walk from the Italian Court or the main square, the Church of Saint James is a stunning yet often overlooked Gothic masterpiece. It actually predates the more famous St. Barbara’s Church and features one of the tallest church towers in Bohemia.
9. Enjoy the Viewpoint of St. James
Tucked just beside the Church of Saint James, the Viewpoint of St. James offers one of the most underrated panoramic spots in Kutná Hora. From here, you can gaze across the town’s historic rooftops, with sweeping views toward St. Barbara’s Church, the Jesuit College, and the surrounding Bohemian countryside.
10. Take a Break in Sady Bedřicha Pacáka
Just a short walk from the city center, Sady Bedřicha Pacáka is a peaceful park named after a local 19th-century politician and journalist. It’s a quiet, shady spot ideal for relaxing under trees, enjoying a picnic, or reading a book.
11. Visit the Plague Column (Column of the Virgin Mary Immaculate)
Located in the center of town, the Plague Column in Kutná Hora—also known as the Column of the Virgin Mary Immaculate—is a striking Baroque monument built in the early 18th century. Erected as a symbol of gratitude after the town survived a devastating plague outbreak, it features intricate sculptures and religious symbolism honoring the Virgin Mary.
12. Step Into the Historic Corpus Christi Chapel
Just a short walk from St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the Corpus Christi Chapel is a lesser-known gem that holds one of the few fully preserved High Gothic interiors in the Czech Republic. Originally built in the late 14th century as part of a planned charnel house, it was later transformed into a chapel.
Final Thoughts: Discovering Kutná Hora Without Spending a Fortune
Kutná Hora is a town where history, architecture, and culture come alive around every corner—and you don’t need to spend a lot (or anything at all) to enjoy its magic. From peaceful parks and scenic viewpoints to hidden chapels and centuries-old streets, there’s a richness here that goes beyond ticketed attractions.
