statue of Saint Barbara in Kutná Hora, Komenského náměstí

The statue of Saint Barbara stands on Komenského náměstí in Kutná Hora, right in the heart of this UNESCO-listed town. It is a modest but historically meaningful landmark on the route between the town's famous cathedral dedicated to the same saint and the old center of what was once a major silver-mining settlement.

Who does the statue represent?

The figure depicts Saint Barbara, patroness of miners, metalworkers, and anyone whose work involves fire or going underground. Kutná Hora grew rich on medieval silver mining, so devotion to this particular saint ran deep here — she even lent her name to the town's grandest church. The statue on Komenského náměstí is one of several depictions of Saint Barbara scattered around town, each a reminder of how central mining once was to daily life.

What does the statue look like?

Carved from limestone and slightly smaller than life-size, the figure stands in a classic Baroque contrapposto pose, weight shifted to one side, head turned toward the shoulder with a downcast gaze. Saint Barbara is dressed in richly pleated robes and wears an embossed, gilded metal crown. In her right hand she holds a chalice, one of her traditional attributes, recalling her martyrdom and the last communion she is said to have received before death. Her left hand rests on a small tower-like structure at the base — another recognizable attribute referencing the tower in which, according to legend, she was imprisoned by her father. The pedestal bears a carved inscription, "SUBTILO PRAESIDIO," along with the date 1680, marking when the statue was made.

Where did the statue come from?

This early Baroque work ranks among the oldest sculptures still standing in the streets of Kutná Hora. It has not always occupied its current spot: the statue returned to Komenského náměstí in 2010, restoring it to the historic center after roughly two centuries away from this part of town. Before that, it had stood elsewhere; following restoration work and a decision by the local authorities, it was brought back, once again giving the square a visible link to the town's mining-era devotion to its patron saint.

Why is it worth a look?

The statue of Saint Barbara is a quiet but genuine fragment of a town that lived off silver mining for centuries. Standing at Komenského náměstí, it rewards a closer look — the gilded crown, the folds of the robe, the chalice, and the tower base all tell the same three-and-a-half-century-old story of a patroness watching over her miners. It makes a natural short stop on a walk through the historic center, especially on the way to or from St. Barbara's Church.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the statue located? On Komenského náměstí, in the historic center of Kutná Hora.

When was it made? In 1680, according to the inscription on its pedestal.

Why is Saint Barbara depicted in Kutná Hora specifically? The town grew out of medieval silver mining, and Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners, so her cult was especially strong here.

Has the statue always stood in this spot? No — it returned to Komenského náměstí in 2010 after nearly two centuries away from this part of town.

What is the saint holding? A chalice in her right hand, while her left hand rests on a tower-like structure — both traditional attributes of Saint Barbara.