Church of St. James Kutna Hora

About

Church of St. James is one of Kutná Hora’s defining Gothic landmarks, instantly recognisable by its unusually tall, slender tower rising above the historic centre. Built from the early 14th century onward, it reflects the city’s prosperity during the silver‑mining boom. The tower’s height—over 80 metres—was originally meant to rival major Bohemian churches, but a planned second tower was never completed due to unstable ground caused by mining tunnels beneath the city. Inside, the church offers a serene, atmospheric interior shaped by centuries of craftsmanship. The tall nave is supported by elegant Gothic pillars, while the Baroque main altar adds warmth and dramatic sculptural detail. One of the most interesting features is the late‑Gothic pulpit decorated with intricate stone carving. The church also preserves valuable liturgical objects and several historic tombstones linked to Kutná Hora’s prominent mining families. Soft natural light filtering through the stained‑glass windows enhances the sense of height and harmony.

Kutná Hora Czech Republic

Location

The Church of St. James is located in the very heart of Kutná Hora's medieval centre, on Jakubská Street, just a short walk from the main square. It is the oldest stone church in Kutná Hora and dominates the town's skyline with its slender 86-metre tower, which is one of the tallest church towers in the Czech Republic. The interior features a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque artifacts, including Gothic choir benches from the 1480s, a Holy Trinity painting from 1734, and a painting of the Beheading of St. Jacob from 1752. Most of the furnishings date from the late 17th century. The church houses two organs: a rare Baroque gem from the end of the 17th century and the largest organ in Kutná Hora from the turn of the 20th century. Nearby attractions are all within easy walking distance. The famous St. Barbara's Cathedral is just a few minutes away on the same street. The Italian Court (former royal mint), the Czech Museum of Silver, the Stone House, the Plague column, the Ursuline Convent, and the Three Kings House are all close by. The Sedlec Ossuary is about 1.5 kilometres from the church and can be reached by foot or bus. The church's tower also offers a viewpoint overlooking the town.