Suchdol
About the location
The market town of Suchdol is located near Kutná Hora at the northwestern foothills of Vysoká Hill. The town takes its name from “dry valley,” a common designation for settlements in this region.
A bit of history
Suchdol has deep historical roots and lies in one of the oldest settled areas of the Czech Republic. The first written mention of the town dates back to the 13th century, when it was ruled by Raclav of Suchdol. Its origins, however, are certainly much older. In the 19th century, the town’s history was enriched by the stay of František Kmoch, a well-known Czech composer and conductor who took up his first teaching post here.
Where to go in Suchdol and its surroundings
One of the most significant historical monuments of the town is the Suchdol Fortress. This Gothic structure, probably built in the 13th century by aristocrats from Kutná Hora, had a square-shaped layout and was protected by a moat and a rampart. The fortress included a tower and a one-story Gothic palace. After the Hussite Wars, the fortress changed owners several times until the 16th century, when it passed into the hands of Jan Popel of Vesec, who converted it into a Renaissance chateau. Today, parts of the original Gothic structure, including the perimeter walls and the entrance gate, remain preserved.
Another important historical landmark is the Church of St. Margaret, which dates back to around 1280. Originally built in the Gothic style, it was later modified with Baroque elements in the 18th century. One of its most unique features is the Gothic portal at the center of the western wall, a rare feature in medieval architecture.
Atop the aforementioned Vysoká Hill lie the remains of a 17th-century summer palace, known as Belvedere, along with the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. Built by Count Špork, the palace was devastated by fire in the 19th century and never restored. Today, only the imposing perimeter walls stand as a reminder of its historical significance.
