The Royal Silvering Returns to Kutná Hora
The historical event known as Royal Silvering of Kutná Hora marks the beginning of the tourist season in Kutná Hora, a charming town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vibrant festival transports visitors back to the year 1404, taking them to a time 620 years ago at the start of the 15th century. Over two days, the entire town, along with the royal residence at Vlašský dvůr, comes alive with an imagined tale about the arrival of the Czech and Roman King Wenceslas IV. and his royal court. Participants, including both actors and audience members, get to experience the majestic era when the Silver City was flourishing. The proud townspeople are excited to host the king and kick off the Fair. Additionally, attendees can visit Kutná Hora attractions at a reduced price.
During this “silver” weekend, guests can enjoy stepping back into the year 1404 and take part in an exciting lineup of events organized by the miners for King Wenceslas IV. Activities include thrilling jousting, tournaments on horseback, traditional folk and court dances, live music, demonstrations of crafts, a medieval marketplace, archery, an evening court celebration, a Silver Sunday Mass, and multiple parades through the historic part of the town. The festival script, crafted by Svetlana Hrabánková, PhD, is designed to bring to life legendary stories and everyday events from that era, showcasing both conflicts and engaging tales of the royal court and townspeople.
Tournaments, music and the royal couple
The festival features exciting activities like knights’ jousting, lively dancing, captivating music, falconry, a historical marketplace, a Knights’ Lair, and various medieval crafts. All of these elements come together to create an engaging story surrounding King Wenceslas IV’s visit. While some activities are a must-have for the Silvering, such as the ceremony to welcome the King, the specific scenes and performances may change each year. This year, the event will return to 1404, as local people prepare numerous celebrations for their King Václav IV.
Be prepared for jousting (including a weapons demonstration in a lair), exciting horse riding tournaments, medieval folk and court dances, authentic music, samples of medieval crafts—with opportunities to try making a candle or stamping a coin like a Prague groschen. Additionally, there will be impressive demonstrations of period weaponry and the chance to try archery. Enjoy entertaining performances from jugglers, puppet shows, or a Sunday puppet show featuring a Sock Battle. The Silver Mass, held in the King’s presence, adds a solemn and reflective moment to the festivities.
A fanfare plays in the Church of St. Barbara as the renowned “Silver Mass” ushers in the King and Queen Sophie of Bavaria, along with their court and the distinguished individuals of Kutná Hora. The town becomes a stage for a lively gathering of knights participating in jousting tournaments declared by King Wenceslas IV. The sounds of Gothic music fill the air, inviting everyone to dance in the streets and taverns of Kutná Hora. Meanwhile, the usual clang of the mint in Vlašský dvůr fades away, replaced by the joyful noise of the King and his court’s presence. The vibrant colors of the High Gothic period, along with numerous banners and historical costumes, transform the picturesque streets of Kutná Hora into a stunning backdrop for this authentic historical celebration.
On both days of the festival, there’s an excited atmosphere at all of the entrance gates to the venue. You can conveniently purchase tickets online, which can be shown at the entrance for access. Your electronic ticket will be swapped for a wristband as soon as you arrive. Admission for the full-day activities (from 10am to 11pm) is priced at 300 CZK, while the evening entry (from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM) costs 120 CZK and tickets for Sunday are only 150 CZK. People with disabilities and PWD/P get in free of charge, while their companions will have to pay the full price. Those dressed in gothic attire benefit from a reduced price of only 100 CZK (gothically attired children can enter for free).
