St. Barbara's Church

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

Saint Barbara's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Kutná Hora. It is one of the most famous Gothic churches in central Europe and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. St Barbara is the patron saint of miners (among others), which was highly appropriate for a town whose wealth was based entirely upon its silver mines.

Construction of the church began in 1388, but because work on the church was interrupted several times, it was not completed until 1905. The first architect was probably Johann Parler, son of Peter Parler. Work on the building was interrupted for more than 60 years during the Hussite Wars and when work resumed in 1481, Matěj Rejsek, Benedikt Rejt and Mikuláš Parler, assumed responsibility.

The original design was for a much larger church, perhaps twice the size of the present building. Construction, however, depended on the prosperity of the town's silver mines, which became much less productive. So, in 1588, the three-peaked roof had been completed and a provisional wall was constructed. A little later it was occupied by Jesuits who gradually changed the structure into Baroque style, though parts still remain in Gothic style.

The final process of repair and completion took place at the end of the 19th century, under architects J. Mocker and L. Labler.

Originally there were eight radial chapels with trapezoidal interiors. Later on, the choir was constructed, supported by double-arched flying buttresses.

Internal points of note are the glass windows, altars, pulpits and choir stalls. Medieval frescoes depicting the secular life of the medieval mining town and religious themes have been partially preserved.

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Details

Founded: 1388
Category: Religious sites in Czech Republic

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Isaac Archuleta (11 months ago)
A beautiful Cathedral with many exhibits and opportunities to learn more. Very similar to St. Vitus in Prague. There are opportunities to go to the second floor and there is significantly less crowds. We had areas all to ourselves at times. Include it in your train and car visit from Prague!
Milán Kóbor (11 months ago)
It surely is breathtaking. The garden surrounding it is majestic as well and the architecture is sublime. Admiring it from afar is probably the best decision. My only concern is the closing hour schedule. Thats all
Regards Suki (12 months ago)
The most beautiful cathedral i've ever been able to visit. Definitely worth a visit but weekdays might be best as more shops in the area would be open and restaurants too. You can go inside 160Kč for an adult. No photography or videoing allowed. No dogs allowed. Inside is spectacular and you can also follow steps in the corner to go upstairs and look down from above and also out to the front balcony which also give a beautiful view.
S RG (12 months ago)
Fantastic place, especially if you are lucky enough to visit it when it's not crowded. It is Church, but in a way it is a museum, and souvenir shop, and art gallery, place for learning about history, about art of construction, religion. I never seen something like that, big enough, but not to loose yourself.. it is interesting to go with kids if they are old enough to enjoy it! Impresive!
Athanasios Tsagkalidis (14 months ago)
I didn't expect I'd be so amazed by this temple. An Architectural gem, with a vast variety of monuments around and a unique light inside the temple due to the unusually large windows. Certainly worth visiting!
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