Did You Know?
During the Middle Ages, Kutná Hora was home to Europe's largest silver mine and minted much of the coinage for Europe. It was also a favorite residence of Bohemian kings.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,
and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome,
charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one
little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
~Mark Twain~
Prague Guidebook
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The only guidebook you'll need if you're visiting Prague & the Czech Republic. It was our Bible both before and during our trip. |
Day 5Thursday, September 27: Kutná Hora and the Silver Age The day at a glance: We boarded a comfy private bus this morning that whisked us through the beautiful Czech countryside to a town that had its heyday over 500 years ago - Kutná Hora. The town was once one of the richest towns in Europe because of its silver mines and coin mintage. Those days are gone, but there are still many sights to see, including a silver mine tour, St. Barbora's Cathedral and the provocative Sedlec Bone Church. My kids & I went to an optional Folklore Show in the evening featuring traditional Czech food, drink, music and dance -- touristy and wonderful! |
We got a personal tour of the Gothic tower behind the Alchemy Museum in Kutná Hora
from an Englishman by the name of Michal Pober. He is the somewhat offbeat
director of the Museum. Interesting man & museum. |
St Barbara's Cathedra in Kutná Hora, founded by and dedicated to miners. |
Old Bohemian tavern in Kutná Hora named
Dačický Restaurant. This was one of our favorite restaurants of the week. Just great! |
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| The highlight of our trip to Kutná Hora
was a tour of the old silver mines, led by retired miner Mr. Bedrich Matuska.
This was once Europe's largest silver mine. Fascinating and fun! |
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| We stopped at the Sedlec Bone Church on our way out of Kutná Hora to take a look at
what happens when you mix creative medieval monks with the bones of 40,000 dead people. Kinda creepy! |
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Video Clip (00:57)
Folklore Dancers (including Heather dancing as an audience participant!) |
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| We spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Folklore Show. Song, dance, drink, food... what's not to love? Heather even had a chance to dance with some of the Czech boys performing at the show. We sat next to a fun couple from Israel and had a wonderful time. |
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