Kutna Hora – a day trip from Prague to the Bone Church

Looking for a day trip from Prague? Check out the nearby town of Kutna Hora with one of the most unique (and creepy…) sights in the world – Sedlec Ossuary, the Bone Church!

Looking for the top sights in Prague for the rest of your trip? Check out my blog on the top 10 things to do in Prague, and also this guide to the best things to do in Prague (affiliate).

Getting to Kutna Hora from Prague

There are lots of companies offering a guided tour to Kutna Hora as a day trip from Prague to the Bone Church, and you can book one of these if you want a no-hassle trip and just get taken to the key sights. However, it’s so easy to get to Kutna Hora by public transport from Prague that I’d definitely recommend making your own way there, as that way you’ve got the freedom to explore and spend as long as you like there.

I travelled by train from Prague’s main train station. The journey only takes around an hour and you pass through some lovely Bohemian countryside. However, the downside is that Kutna Hora train station is about 2km from the centre of Kutna Hora and the key sights, so it’s a bit of a walk (around 40 minutes) or a short bus ride into the centre to start your day of sightseeing. Check the Czech train timetables on their website for the most up to date information about times and prices.

Sedlec Ossuary – The Bone Church

This is the reason why most people do a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora, and it’s definitely the most iconic sight in the town. From the outside it looks just like any ordinary medium-size chapel, nothing too special but perfectly nice. But it’s the inside that is just…different. It’s decorated with over 40,000 human bones. Bones from all parts of the human body. The chandelier is made out of bones…

There’s a pile of skulls. The Schwarzenberg family’s crest is made from bones. It’s creepy but also fascinating and spectacular.

The bone decorations in Sedlec Ossuary originate from the mid 1800s. The Church was originally built next to an area where thousands of people who had died in the Plague were buried. But then in 1870 the bones were used to decorate the chapel. And this is the result!

Other sights in Kutna Hora

When you’ve had your fill of looking at bones, there are a few other things to do in this small town. I’ll be honest, there’s not huge amounts here beyond the Bone Church, but plenty to have a wander around in the afternoon before heading back to Prague.

St Barbara’s Cathedral

Don’t worry, there aren’t any bone decorations in this one. St Barbara’s Cathedral looks much more impressive from the outside. Dating back to the 14th century, but finished much more recently, this cathedral is another reminder of this region’s past wealth.

Old Town

Kutna Hora also has a really pretty old town, so it’s nice to just wander around the cobbled streets. And there are plenty of cafes or pubs to stop for a beer or two as well.

Jesuit College

Built in the early 18th century, the Jesuit College is now an art gallery. It’s really pretty to just walk along outside, past the stone statues of Saints lining the wall.

Enjoy your time in Kutna Hora – a day trip from Prague to the Bone Church! Don’t forget to check out my blog on the top 10 things to do in Prague for some less creepy sights, and also this great guide to Prague (affiliate). Or if you’ve already been to Prague, why not visit nearby Vienna for some more fascinating sights and history?