Czech Republic: Kutna Hora

[bjorn]

Suicidal sight-seers, - or even those with a zest for life - will like the town of Kutna Hora. Kutna Hora was the place to die in medieval times. People believed its cemetery was sacred. The holiness of the ground was a sure way to guarantee the buried a place in heaven. During the Plague, many dying people traveled to Kutna Hora to be buried. By 1318, over 40,000 bodies accumulated and the ossuary was created.

The cemetery and ossuary are still the town's main attractions. In the 19th century, a monk created a macabre masterpiece of flowers, crosses, even a working chandelier - with various human bones from the 40,000 dead.

In addition to death, there are some lively attractions like hiking trails, colorful cafes and lavish cathedrals. It's a short walk from the ossuary to the Cathedral of Saint Barbara. One of the most beautiful churches of Europe, it took over 150 years to complete. The Ursuline Convent, which houses an exhibition of antiques, is also worth exploring.

When to go:
Kutna Hora is popular with morbid day-trippers, or anyone who wants a low-key break from the bustle of Prague. Anytime is a good time to visit. Winter will add to the sense of the macabre.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
In the 14th century, Kutna Hora was the second largest town in Bohemia after Prague. From the town's boom years in the 14th century to its decline in the 16th, much of the town's impressive buildings were constructed. The town cathedrals and churches, the ossuary, and the baroque plague column are from this time period.

Cost:
Cheaper than Prague, less expensive than Western European locations, Kutna Hora is an inexpensive day trip.

Getting Around:
Frequent trains (about 15 a day) can get you here from Prague within an hour or hour and a half. The 5 buses each day will get you here about as quickly, as well.

Once you arrive, it's about a mile stroll to see all of the town's tourist attractions.

Language:
Czech. Learn some before visiting. German, Russian, or French is useful.

Party/Social Scene:
You'll find plenty of other travelers on the hiking trails or resting at one of the local cafes.

Other Info:
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