Cologne in the Czech Republic. Gothic cathedral and chapel of skulls in Jerusalem on the Elbe

Name: Kolin
Rating: 5

Kolín is a very charming Czech city in the Central Bohemia region, located on the Elbe River about 50 km east of Prague and 12 km north of Kutná Hora. This inconspicuous and underrated city prides itself on being royal. It impresses with its medieval architecture and rich Jewish history, which is why it is sometimes called Jerusalem on the Elbe. It's the perfect day trip for history buffs and leisurely walks. The church here took our breath away, and its story took heart! Next to it, we looked inside the skull chapel. See what Kolin in the Czech Republic has to offer!

Sights and attractions in Cologne. What is worth visiting? Map of Cologne attractions!

You won't believe how many curiosities are hidden in this small town. Kolín is a compact gem for travelers, easily accessible and full of contrasts. A medieval basilica, a chapel of skulls, atmospheric streets, Jewish souvenirs, a slightly neglected promenade with Cologne Venice and other unique features. Check out the best attractions of Cologne in the Czech Republic!

Charles Square with the town hall in Kolin

Charles Square in Kolín is surrounded by picturesque Baroque tenement houses with colorful facades. The nice square is dominated by the town hall, whose origins date back to the fifteenth century, but the reconstruction from 1887-89 gave it Neo-Renaissance features. In addition, the characteristic Baroque Plague Column from 1682, commemorating the great epidemic, attracts attention. It is also worth taking a look at historic houses on the market, such as the White Swan or the Veigerts House.

St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Kolin

St. Bartholomew's Church in Kolin is a Gothic cathedral from the 13th century. A pearl of sacred architecture with a tall tower and a richly decorated interior, including frescoes and altars. The entrance to the tower provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. We did not expect such a magnificent temple when planning this city! It was created in the late 1980s. Of the 13th century, but the fire of 1349 became an impulse for expansion. At that time, on the initiative of Emperor Charles IV, the famous architect and master builder Peter Parléř, the second builder of Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral, who began a thorough reconstruction of the Cologne temple in 1360, was summoned.

Unfortunately, the fires did not bypass this city. This is how I will tell you the very sad but true story of Janek Zima. A boy whose world collapsed at the age of 12. On the fateful day of 1796, he decided to hunt for birds sitting in a tree by the church. The shot brought great misfortune. The tree caught fire, and from it the roof of the church and, as a result, the whole city. The boy survived, but was accused of causing a cataclysm. Condemned to many lashes, he survived, but his family turned their backs on him. He was also denied work and food. So he became a beggar for life. The church was destroyed in the vast majority, and it was rebuilt only after many years.

Chapel of Skulls in Kolin

At the walls of the church, a chapel of skulls was hidden in their shadow, which we managed to visit. The decor of the ossuary in Kolin is impressive, although much smaller than the chapel of skulls in Kutna Hora, which I highly recommend to you. The cemetery in Kolin was established in 1850, when the local cemetery was liquidated.

Jewish Quarter - ghetto, synagogue and Jewish cemetery in Kolin

Kolín is famous for one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the Czech Republic. A large Jewish community has lived here since the Middle Ages, but World War II interrupted this stage of the city's development. A large ghetto was created here at that time. To this day, however, the medieval quarter hides the former rabbinical school and the 16th-century synagogue, which now invites tourists as a museum of the history of Cologne Jews. The early Baroque synagogue on the Elbe River in Kolin is one of the oldest in the Czech Republic. Called the "Jewish jewel", it houses exhibitions reminding of a difficult history. Why did she survive? Because she could not be seen from the street and thus did not disturb the Nazis.

Sad threads are also evoked by the old cemetery, i.e. the Jewish cemetery dating back to the 14th century. Unfortunately, we got to it too late and it was already closed. And it is said to have more than 1,700 tombstones. Because of this history, Kolin is sometimes called "Jerusalem on the Elbe".

Kolin Castle

Kolín Castle is a Gothic stronghold associated with the period of the Hussite wars. The stronghold in the 15th century was built on the premises of a previously destroyed Dominican monastery. Today, it is an interesting monument of medieval defensive architecture, standing in the Kolín II district and open to the public. The founder of the castle is Bedřich of Strážnice, a clergyman and military leader who built a stronghold in 1437 as a base during religious conflicts. The history is well illustrated by the name of the Lapis refugii fortress ("Stone of Refuge").

Other things to do in Cologne:

Museum in the former parish school - an interesting exhibition in front of the cathedral
The gunpowder tower from the 14th century reminds of medieval fortifications, stands behind the Elbe, where you will also find the Gothic church of St. Vitus
The park and the promenade on the Elbe with bridges and views of the river, we admit that this part of the city, although nice and interesting, could be even better developed and renovated. Thanks to its picturesque location by the river, it could create a more beautiful picture and encourage even more leisurely walks
Water tower - built in 1930, now offers a viewpoint
Former Hospital with the Church of St. John the Baptist
All Saints Church ruins
World Water Park
Dvořák Museum with prehistory

History of Kolin

Kolín was founded around 1261 by Przemysł Ottokar II, these areas have been inhabited since prehistoric times. The presence of Slavs dates back to the 6th century. In the Middle Ages, the city developed thanks to trade and fortifications. The proximity of the rich Kutna Hora had a great impact on its prosperity. The fragile city suffered from fires, plagues and wars. For example, during the Hussite wars in 1421 or during the Thirty Years' War, when the Swedes plundered them. In the nineteenth century, it slightly declined and lost its importance due to the railway connecting Prague with Olomouc. Interestingly, in 1932, a power plant with the highest chimney in the Czech Republic was built here. A significant element in the history of the city is the Jewish community, which lived here from the fourteenth century until World War II.

Getting to Kolin

You can reach Kolin by car from Poland using the D1/D11 motorway. It is about 400 km from Silesia. You will find parking lots in the center, we parked for free at the market. You can also easily get here by train or bus from Wrocław through Prague or from Katowice. This will take a few hours. From Prague to Cologne, the direct Leo Express train takes about 30 minutes.

Accommodation in Kolin

We visited Kolin during the day and did not sleep in this city, because we spent the night in the nearby Kutna Hora, in the Hotel Garni Na Havlíčku. You will find a large selection of accommodation in Kolin in the form below.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

Our Cologne video

We also invite you to our film, where we also visit this atmospheric town, although the main theme is the nearby Kutna Hora.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.

Kutna Hora, distance: 10.2 km
Central Bohemia, distance: 10.3 km
Pardubice, distance: 41.3 km
Prague, distance: 56.1 km
Karlstejn Castle, distance: 73.1 km
Czech Karst, distance: 81.9 km
Chojnik Castle, distance: 94.9 km
Szczeliniec Wielki, distance: 95.6 km
Sky Walk Tower in Świeradów Zdrój, distance: 97.4 km
Świeradów Zdrój, distance: 98.5 km