Discover the Equinox at Kutná Hora’s Sedlec Cathedral

The imagined pause of time occurs as rays of sunlight stream through the 14-meter west window of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist in Sedlec, located on the outskirts of Kutná Hora. These rays gradually travel through the chancel area until they illuminate the high altar. This captivating spectacle has become a beloved tradition, drawing many visitors who come to appreciate the creative craftsmanship of the cathedral’s builders. Unfortunately, sometimes the most important visitor can’t make it.

The Sun, Music and the Cistercians

If the sun happens to be obscured by clouds, the event is always paired with a concert and a range of activities to enjoy. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, 20 March, and will feature the Equinox in Sedlec Cathedral with moderator Pierre Urban and music from composer and pianist Mikuláš Tichý, who has created music for the video game “Her To Stay” as well as the theatrical production “The Glory of the Daughter.”

Equinox in Sedlec Cathedral has become not only a symbolic kick-off for the tourist season at Sedlec monuments, but also a charitable evening. The money raised from ticket sales goes to support specific charitable causes in Kutná Hora and its surrounding areas. This year, the proceeds will help families with children who have disabilities and are served by the Na Sioně Centre of the Kutná Hora Regional Charity.

The architects of Sedlec Cathedral skillfully aligned the axis of sunset with the building’s location, so that at sunset during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the last rays of the setting sun shine through the largest window of the church’s western facade, directly hitting the symbolic heart of the sacred site – the main altar. This marks the thirteenth occasion that the sunlight has graced the presbytery of Sedlec Cathedral. If weather conditions are undesirable on the day of the spring equinox, the festival organizers have prepared an alternative event called Connected by Light, which will continue over Friday and Saturday following the equinox. Lighting designer Karlos Šimek will create a light beam simulation to enhance the experience if needed.

Although the names of the builders remain a mystery, it is known that this church, which is part of the oldest Cistercian abbey in Bohemia, was constructed between 1290 and 1320. It holds the distinction of being the earliest cathedral-like structure and also the largest sacred building in Bohemia and Moravia. However, its original early Gothic design faced a significant change in 1421 when the Hussites attacked and damaged the monastery. Today, together with the nearby Kostnice in Sedlec, this church is part of a beautiful complex known as the three-leaf clover of Kutná Hora’s most notable monuments, most of which are recognized under the protection of UNESCO, including the stunning Gothic Church of St. Barbara.

Santini’s Light

For nearly three centuries, the temple remained in a ruined state until renovations began in the 18th century. The brilliant architect Jan Blažej Santini, a master known for his Baroque Gothic style, undertook the task of rebuilding it. He designed various structures that beautifully integrate light philosophy with numerical and architectural symbolism—examples include the pilgrimage site in Křtiny featuring the Church of the Virgin Mary, Charles Crown Castle, and the monastery in Kladruby. It is due, especially, to Santini, along with the unknown Cistercian builders, that this cathedral’s austere exterior conceals an interior of breathtaking beauty. Although sunlight creates enchanting effects at other moments, only twice a year, on the spring and autumn equinoxes, can visitors experience a true marvel.