Kutná Hora - Tour of the city 2

We begin our tour of the historic centre at the jewel in the crown of Kutná Hora – the gothic church of St. Barbora (1). Next to it is the former Kaple Božího těla (Chapel of Corpus Christi) (2) with its terrace from which there is an unforgettable panorama view of the city. From here we go down the wide street that is, using the example of Charles Bridge in Prague adorned with statues of saints and borders the extensive Jesuit college complex (3). The inconspicuous and picturesque Ruthardská ulička leads you to the Church of St. Jakub (4) and the former seat of the Kings of Bohemia, the Vlašský dvůr (5). This was once the central mint, and the famous Prague groschen were struck here. From the gateway to the Vlašský dvůr we continue straight ahead and then turn left into Palackého náměstí. We enter through the arcades up to the Plague Column (6), around which we turn left onto Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) with the Kamenný dům (7). We then turn left down Lierova Street, at the end of which you will see the Kamenná kašna (stone fountain). On your way there we shall stop at the baroque Church of St. John Nepomuk (8). From the Stone Fountain (9) we go down through Komenského náměstí to Barborská Street. We then arrive at the Czech silver museum – Hrádku (10), and we shall certainly not miss the opportunity of taking a peek into the middle ages in the mining village, putting on a miner’s ‘perkytl’ tunic and visiting the Osel mine.

Maybe you were unaware that...

• The Vlašský dvůr was once the temporary seat of the Kings of Bohemia. A bronze plaque dating from 1595, which was originally on the old town hall, says: “Whosoever of the councillors entering the town hall for the purposes of administration, shall shed before these doors all his personal passion, wrath, violence, venom, friendship, sycophancy, and will bow down and care for your community. For however just or unjust you are to others, you must expect and be subjected to the judgement of God.”
• Even the red light in the Church of St. John of Nepomuk can be considered to be unique, and can only be seen in May and June. At this time of year the sun’s rays shine through the stained glass windows and clearly light up the image of St. John Nepomuk.
• The present form of the ossuary was designed by the architect J. Santini, and the interior by František Rinta. Doe that name mean anything to you? It is no wonder that is might not, as he entered the history books only on a single occasion, and he was the person who designed the unusual decorations made completely from human bones.