Church of Saint James in Kutná Hora

St James’s Church stands in Kutná Hora, a town in the Czech Republic known for its medieval silver-mining past. Built between the mid-14th and 15th centuries, the church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Peter Parler, the master builder behind Prague’s Charles Bridge, oversaw its construction. Its most striking feature is the 84-metre tower on the west front. Plans for a matching twin tower were abandoned long ago. In 1995 the church was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List alongside other monuments in Kutná Hora’s historic centre. The church’s interior holds a rich collection of art and furnishings from different periods. A notable highlight is the late-Gothic winged altarpiece carved in the early 16th century. The main nave rises to impressive vaults that echo the craftsmanship of the Parler workshop. Side chapels contain Baroque altars and painted panels, each telling stories of local saints and donors. The tower itself can be climbed for a view over the town’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. Visitors walk through the main portal into a spacious hall where light filters through tall, narrow windows. The stone floors show wear from centuries of worshippers. A spiral staircase winds up the tower, passing small lancet openings that frame glimpses of the town below. Outside, the church sits beside a quiet square lined with historic houses. The contrast between the soaring Gothic lines and the modest surrounding streets makes the visit memorable.