Kutná Hora: A Glimpse Into Medieval Czechia

• HelloAhoj
  [ahoy]
• GoodbyeNa shledanou
  [nah shledanou]
• YesAno
  [ah-noh]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsím
  [pro-seem]
• Thank youDěkuji
  [dyeh-koo-yee]
• Excuse me/SorryPromiňte
  [proh-mee-nye-teh]
• How are you?Jak se máš?
  [yak seh mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?
  [dobr-zhe. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?
  [mloo-vee-teh ahng-lee-tskee]
• I don't understandNerozumím
  [neh-roh-zoo-meem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRád bych viděl menu, prosím
  [rahd bikh vee-dyel meh-noo pro-seem]
• I don't eat meatNejím maso
  [neyeem mah-so]
• Cheers!Na zdraví!
  [nah zdrah-vee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím
  [khtyel bikh zap-la-teet pro-seem]

• Help!Pomoc!
  [poh-mohts]
• Go away!Jdi pryč!
  [ydee preets]
• Call the Police!Zavolejte policii!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh poh-lee-tsee-ee]
• Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora!
  [zah-vo-ley-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostZtratil jsem se
  [ztrah-teel yehm seh]
• I'm illJsem nemocný
  [yehm neh-mohts-nee]

• I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...
  [khtyel bikh koh-pee-t]
• I'm just lookingJen se dívám
  [yehn seh dee-vahm]
• How much is it?Kolik to stojí?
  [koh-leek toh stoh-yee]
• That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé
  [toh yeh przh-ee-lish dra-heh]
• Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?
  [moo-zheh-te snee-zheet tseh-noo]

• What time is it?Kolik je hodin?
  [koh-leek yeh hoh-deen]
• It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina
  [yeh yed-nah hoh-dee-nah]
• Half past (10)Půl jedenácté
  [pool yed-nyahk-teh]
• MorningRáno
  [rah-no]
• AfternoonOdpoledne
  [ohd-po-led-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-cher]
• YesterdayVčera
  [v-cheh-rah]
• TodayDnes
  [dnes]
• TomorrowZítra
  [zee-tra]
• 1Jedna
  [yed-nah]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tři
  [tree]
• 4Čtyři
  [chtir-zhee]
• 5Pět
  [pyet]
• 6Šest
  [shest]
• 7Sedm
  [sedm]
• 8Osm
  [osm]
• 9Devět
  [deh-vyet]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Kde je...
  [kdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Jaká je adresa?
  [yah-kah yeh ah-deh-srah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi ukázat (na mapě)?
  [moo-zheh-teh mee oo-kah-zat nah mah-peh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?
  [kdee yeh-deh dahlshee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenku (do ....)
  [yed-noh yeez-dehn-koo doh]

In the late 13th century, rich silver deposits were discovered in Kutná Hora, transforming the area into one of the most important economic centers in Europe. The silver mines attracted a large influx of miners, merchants, and craftsmen, leading to rapid urban development. The wealth generated from silver mining funded the construction of grand buildings and significantly contributed to the Bohemian Kingdom's economy.

The Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr), originally a royal residence and mint, was established in the late 13th century under King Wenceslaus II. It became the central mint of the Kingdom of Bohemia, where silver coins known as 'Prague groschen' were minted. The Italian Court is a key historical site, showcasing the opulence and importance of Kutná Hora during the medieval period.

During the early 15th century, Kutná Hora became a focal point in the Hussite Wars, a series of conflicts triggered by religious and political tensions in Bohemia. The town was besieged and captured by Hussite forces in 1420, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. Despite the turmoil, Kutná Hora managed to rebuild and maintain its economic importance.

One of Kutná Hora's most iconic landmarks, St. Barbara's Church, began construction in 1388. Named after the patron saint of miners, the church is an exquisite example of Gothic architecture. Its construction spanned several centuries, reflecting the town's fluctuating fortunes. The church's intricate design and stunning stained glass windows make it a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage.

Located in the Sedlec district of Kutná Hora, the Sedlec Ossuary, often referred to as the 'Bone Church,' is a unique and macabre site. In the 14th century, the cemetery of the Sedlec Abbey became a sought-after burial site after an abbot sprinkled it with soil from Golgotha. The ossuary, decorated with human bones, was created in the 16th century by a local woodcarver. It serves as a haunting reminder of the Black Death and the Hussite Wars.

By the 16th century, the silver deposits in Kutná Hora began to deplete, leading to a gradual economic decline. The town struggled to maintain its former prosperity, and many of its once-bustling mines fell silent. However, the architectural and cultural legacies of its golden age have continued to attract visitors and scholars alike.

In 1995, the historical town center of Kutná Hora, along with the Church of St. Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the town's architectural and historical significance, ensuring the preservation of its rich heritage for future generations.

Kutná Hora is located about 70 kilometers east of Prague. The most convenient way to get there is by train from Prague's main train station (Hlavní nádraží). Trains run frequently and the journey takes approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Florenc bus station in Prague, which also takes about an hour and a half. If you prefer driving, rental cars are available, and the drive is straightforward via the D11 highway.

Kutná Hora is a small town with most of its attractions within walking distance. For those who prefer not to walk, local buses and taxis are available. The town also has a small train network, with the main station being Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží. For a unique experience, try the tourist train that runs between major attractions like the Sedlec Ossuary and the historical town center.

The official currency of Czechia is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kutná Hora. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the town for your convenience.

Kutná Hora is generally a very safe destination. However, like any tourist area, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places. It's advisable to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, which will connect you to local emergency services. The local police station and a hospital are available in Kutná Hora for immediate assistance. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites such as the Sedlec Ossuary or St. Barbara's Church. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding the train or bus. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobrý den' (Good day). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as 'trdelník' and 'svíčková'. Don't refuse a toast; it's customary to make eye contact when saying 'Na zdraví' (Cheers).

To experience Kutná Hora like a local, visit the local markets and bakeries for fresh produce and traditional treats. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share stories about the town's rich history. Don't miss the annual Royal Silvering event, where locals dress in medieval costumes and reenact historical scenes. For a quieter experience, take a stroll in the less touristy neighborhoods and enjoy the local cafes and parks.

The official language is Czech. While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Czech can be very helpful and is often appreciated by locals.

Kutná Hora experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are mild and are ideal for sightseeing.