Tylův památník

Tylův památník (also called Tylův dům, or Tyl House) is a modest townhouse in the historic center of Kutná Hora, marking the birthplace of Josef Kajetán Tyl, born here on February 4, 1808. Tyl went on to write the lyrics of "Kde domov můj" ("Where Is My Home"), the song that later became the Czech national anthem. Visitors rushing toward St. Barbara's Cathedral often walk right past this quiet building — which is a shame, since it tells a good story about how a small town keeps the memory of its most famous native alive.

What is the building's history?

The current house stands on Gothic foundations, but its present appearance dates back to a rebuilding after a major city fire in 1823. Before that, the building was known as "Dům u zlatého hřebene" (House at the Golden Comb) — a name rarely used today but still found in historical accounts of Kutná Hora's burgher architecture.

Since 1862, a relief portrait of Tyl has adorned the façade, along with an inscription noting his birth on the spot. This plaque is what makes the house easy to spot among its neighbors, and it's worth pausing for a moment to look at the detail up close.

What can you see inside?

The house holds two permanent exhibitions. The first is devoted to the life and work of Josef Kajetán Tyl, a central figure of the 19th-century Czech National Revival, remembered above all as the author of the words to the national anthem. The second exhibition, run in cooperation with the Czech Museum of Silver in Kutná Hora, covers the town's underground spaces and the history of their exploration — a subject closely tied to Kutná Hora's mining past, when the town was one of Europe's most important silver-mining centers for centuries.

This pairing of two seemingly unrelated themes — a writer's biography and the history of mining — makes the small site more interesting than it might first appear.

How to get there and when to visit?

Tylův památník sits right in the heart of Kutná Hora, within walking distance of the town's main sights, including St. Barbara's Cathedral and the Sedlec Ossuary. Kutná Hora itself is well connected to Prague, reachable by train in under an hour, which makes it a popular day-trip destination.

Because small sites like this one can occasionally close temporarily for conservation or renovation work, it's worth checking current opening hours on the Kutná Hora tourist information website or with the Czech Museum of Silver, which oversees the exhibition, before planning your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Josef Kajetán Tyl? Josef Kajetán Tyl (1808–1856) was a Czech playwright, novelist, and journalist, and one of the leading figures of the Czech National Revival. He wrote the lyrics to "Kde domov můj," which later became the Czech part of the national anthem.

Is Tylův památník a museum? It's a small building with two permanent exhibitions — one biographical, focused on Tyl, and one on Kutná Hora's underground spaces, curated by the Czech Museum of Silver.

How long does a visit take? Given the small size of the exhibitions, a visit usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your interest in the subject.

Is it worth combining with other Kutná Hora sights? Yes — the house is close to the historic town center, so it's easy to fit into the same walk as St. Barbara's Cathedral and the other old-town landmarks.