Kouřim, town in the Czech Republic
Kouřim is a small town in Kolín District that originated in the Middle Ages with roots reaching back to ancient Slavic times. The town center features a large market square lined with stone-paved streets, bordered by well-preserved city walls and gates, with a 13th-century church and historic town hall dominating the plaza.
The town was probably founded around 1250 by King Václav I and first mentioned in writing in 1261. A major fire struck in 1334, but the town was quickly rebuilt and later became a center of Hussite activity during the wars of the early 1400s.
The name Kouřim comes from Slavic roots that reflect the area's early settlement history. Walking through the stone-paved streets and visiting local shops selling handmade goods and traditional foods shows how the community maintains its craft traditions and celebrates local festivals throughout the year.
The town is easily reached by car or public transport from Kolín and works well as a day trip destination. Wear comfortable walking shoes since exploring the stone-paved old streets and visiting outdoor museums with traditional farm buildings requires time on foot.
The town has been used as a filming location for movies and television shows because its authentic old streets and buildings look like a different era. The site also contains traces of ancient Slavic settlements from prehistoric times hidden beneath modern streets, with archaeological finds visible at several locations throughout the town.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
