Kutná Hora’s mining wealth gave rise to the beautiful St. Barbara’s Cathedral, named after the patron saint of miners. A miner’s chapel dedicated to Barbara first stood on this rocky point around 1300. Building of the cathedral began in 1388 but disruptions of various kinds over the years meant the construction wasn’t actually completed until 1905. Its baroque touches come courtesy of the Jesuits who took over in the early 1600s and did a bit of redecorating.
Entering the soaring space note the 20 tall pillars dividing the church and the illumination from 50 large windows. The stained glass windows were designed by František Urban and installed at the beginning of the 20th century. The main altar is a neo-gothic five-wing altarpiece with a relief depicting the Last Supper. It was actually created in 1905 based on descriptions from the original late gothic altarpiece from 1502 which was removed by the Jesuits and not preserved.
The Cathedral of St. Barbara is a masterpiece of late Bohemian gothic. It’s both a national cultural monument and a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.