Czechia THIS OUT
Explore castles and cathedrals beyond the bustling streets of the capital and uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting country
high-end shopping. Even the second-hand luxury shops seemed more expensive than Ireland, but they did have excellent-quality goods.
See shops like Armadio and Luxury Bags and look out for other small exchange shops on the same street, all very close walking distance from each other.
My first day trip outside of Prague was to Central Bohemian
Region, Kutná Hora. After navigating the confusing system in the central train station, I finally managed to get the correct train. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions, almost everyone speaks a little English.
Kutná Hora is a Unescolisted town brimming with historical marvels. Lose yourself walking the ancient cobblestone pathways, where Gothic cathedrals and 14th-century architecture stand as testaments to a bygone era.
Explore the ornate splendour of the Cathedral of St Barbara, a breathtaking masterpiece of gothic architecture that took centuries to complete. This is worth the trip alone, but there’s so much more to this cobbled, ancient area. Visit the local chocolate shop selling incredibly good treats — it even has a tiny Chocolate Museum where you can read up on the history of the company.
Everywhere you look, there’s an ornate church or a 12th-century decorative building with gothic stonework. Stop for lunch at Turistka at the foot of the slope leading to St Barbara’s Cathedral — it feels like a pocket of contemporary style in an ancient place.
It serves delicious, healthy food but also bakes all its own cheesecakes and cakes with excellent coffee. Czechia’s coffee is of a high standard in general — I didn’t get substandard cup on my entire trip.
FOR art, there’s GASK, the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region, positioned in the old Jesuit College in the heart of Kutná Hora. The building itself is magnificent and renovated to best show the artwork inside. Exhibitions made up of unique installations and art are held here all year round.
Of course, the Kutná Hora area also has castles. Built in 1806, Kačina Château is one of the most important buildings of Empire-style architecture in the Czech Republic. Do a tour and visit the grand library of the Chotek family, which now contains over 40,000 volumes of educational and fine literature from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Seeing the intricate, multiple designed parquet floors throughout the castle rooms is a highlight.
The Kutná Hora region is probably most famous for The Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Church of Bones. It is one of the most unusual chapels you will ever see and macabre as it sounds, it’s rather beautiful.
The bones that currently reside here were exhumed from this site in the 15th century to make room for the town’s expansion, as well as new burials. They apparently lay stacked in the basement of this gothic church until 1870, when a woodcarver named Frantisek Rint was appointed to excavate and organise them.
The result is both spectacular and shocking. You can see various different structures including a chandelier and a giant coat of arms all made from the bones from over 60,000 bodies.
Another day trip option from Prague is a visit to Karlstejn Castle. Some parts date back to the 11th century, with some final touches added in the 19th century. Be forewarned, there are lots of steps and steep climbs so it’s only accessible to people with a fairly good level of fitness.
The whole area is very tourist-friendly, with lots of options for lunch and dinner along the road up to the castle. Try Asian fusion KarlStejn34 Bistro for great lunch options. It recently won a Google Maps award for best-reviewed restaurant in the region.
If you feel up for a 10-15km hike after your castle visit you could visit the quarry Velká America (Czech Grand Canyon).
You might be wise to download the Czech app mapy.cz as it offers local hiking trails that Google Maps may not pick up.
Along the routes there are corresponding signs consisting of coloured strips — red, blue, green or yellow — depending on which mapy. cz route you’re on.
Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Prague or venturing into the picturesque countryside, from its gothic wonders to its culinary delights, Czechia promises a travel experience like no other.