A view of Stribro over the Mze River.
Tucked into the gentle hills of Western Bohemia, Stříbro--whose name literally means silver—is a quietly captivating town whose history glints with the legacy of medieval mining, Renaissance architecture and serene riverside trails. In a country known for grand tourist hubs, Stříbro feels like a hidden chapter — perfect for travelers who like history served with a side of peaceful discovery.
Another Beauty That Drew Me In
Stříbro is another one of those towns that struck me the first time I saw it. From its graceful Masaryk Square and Renaissance town hall to the storybook stone bridge that seems to step out of another century, Stříbro is a quiet surprise surrounded by green slopes and the winding Mže River.
In a recent blog post, I wrote about the town called “Tuesday” (Úterý) and I talked about how I was immediately struck by its specialness that seemed immediately apparent to me despite its small size the first time I rode into it. For me, the city called Silver struck me the same way the first time I visited it back in 2020, which was on the same trip during which I visited Úterý for the first time, as well. Ever since that “pandemic trip,” one of many within the Czech Republic when I couldn’t leave the country, I had always wanted to return to Stříbro, just as I had wanted to return to Úterý. This past summer I finally did.
The stone bridge and bridge tower in Stribro with the town visible in the bacground.
On that 2020 trip through Western Bohemia, we passed by Stříbro many times in the car to get to wherever that day’s destination was, then back though it in the evening to get back to our hotel, and even from the main road on which we traveled that only grazed the historical center, I could tell that Stříbro was a place I wanted to visit.
And we finally did – on the last day of that trip. Stříbro did not disappoint – on the contrary: it more than lived up to what I imagined from those trips in the car. Stříbro begins to delight almost immediately as you cross over the Mže River either on foot across the city’s famous stone bridge and under its remaining defense tower, or by car up the winding Plzeňská Street with the town, together with the tower of All Saints Church, rising above you and the water. 
The tower of All Saints Church in Stribro.
Either by car or by foot, all roads seem to lead to one place in Stribro: Masaryk Square (Masarykovo Náměstí), a huge expanse ringed with architecturally beautiful and lovingly restored buildings, with its impressive town hall dominating the whole scene. It’s like walking into a beautifully decorated concert hall or ballroom, and yet you’re in the open air in a small town.
In addition to the square and its architecture, a walk back down the hill through one of the old town gates leads you to remnants of the town’s historical defense walls and towers and a lovely path along them with greenery on the other side. Having the chance to see historical town walls is not a common thing – most of the architectural sites in the Czech Republic are surviving buildings in historical city centers, with the town walls long gone and development on the “other” side of where the walls used to be. 
An old town gate in Stribro.
Stribro not only has its walls, but the “boom and bust” nature of its history (as well as its perch on a tall hill) have meant that there’s not much development outside of the walls, a substantial portion of which still stand. So, you get to be in the vicinity of a city while walking in naturally green surroundings. And you also get to sense what a medieval city would have been like, with all of the action (and crowdedness, I’m sure) taking place inside the walls (where it was safe) and not much happening outside of them (where it wasn’t so safe).
Quick Overview & History
The name Stříbro tells you everything about the town’s beginnings. It was born from silver—first mined here in the 12th century, with written records appearing by 1183. But the real boom came when King Ottokar II of Bohemia founded a royal mining town between 1240 and 1250, granting it full town privileges in 1263.
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As in many medieval mining tales, the first glint of silver was likely spotted by accident—perhaps by shepherds or wandering prospectors who noticed the shimmer of ore in a streambed. Once word reached the crown, the king swiftly took control, since mining rights in Bohemia traditionally belonged to the monarchy.
The town’s royal mining status brought both protection and prosperity, and by the 16th century Stříbro was thriving, its Renaissance façades reflecting the wealth of its veins below. 
Beautiful facades on Masaryk Square in Stribro.
Walking through the old streets today, you can almost feel that past energy—the way the narrow lanes funnel toward the square, how the bridge leads naturally to fortified gates.
Stříbro’s rise and fall mirrored that of Kutná Hora, another silver town I know well and often guide visitors through. But Stříbro saw its fortunes fade due to Kutná Hora’s richer mines, and the Hussite Wars, plague, and the Thirty Years’ War took their toll on both cities. Lead mining revived in Stříbro in the 17th century and lasted into the 20th, but the town never quite regained its former prominence. After World War II, the expulsion of the German population once again reshaped the community—a story familiar to many Czech border towns, including Úterý. Today, what remains feels almost like a perfectly framed memory: a preserved snapshot of Renaissance ambition and quiet endurance. The Jewish Community in Stříbro
Unlike nearby Úterý (Tuesday), Stříbro once had a Jewish community dating back to the medieval period. Its members contributed to trade, crafts, and local business life, enduring alternating periods of tolerance and persecution.
During World War II, the community was devastated under Nazi occupation, and it never recovered after the war. Today, traces remain only in a few historic sites. Former Synagogue The former synagogue stood at Mánesova 16, in the courtyard of what was known as the Rabbi’s House. The building is now a private residence. When I visited, not only was it not accessible, but I couldn’t find any visible marker or plaque—perhaps one day the town will rectify this oversight. Jewish Cemetery Apparently, the Jewish cemetery lies about 1.5 km northwest of the town center, near the road to Kšice, but I did not have the chance to visit it. From what I’ve read, around 20 to 100 gravestones remain, most from the 20th century, carved in marble, granite, or limestone with Hebrew and Yiddish inscriptions, a reminder of how much history can linger even when voices fade. Architectural Legacy
Stříbro’s skyline is a frozen echo of its golden era. Many of its buildings date from the 14th–16th centuries, when mining wealth peaked. Ironically, the town’s later stagnation helped preserve its beauty—few modern intrusions disturb the medieval core.
The stone bridge, town hall, churches, and remnants of the city walls all whisper of a once-prosperous past. As you wander, it’s easy to imagine the clang of hammers and carts of ore rolling over cobblestones centuries ago. 
A hotel on Masaryk Square in Stribro.
Must-See Highlights in Stříbro
1. Renaissance Stone Bridge with Gate
The magic of Stříbro begins as soon as you arrive—especially if you walk from the train station. The path leads across a five-arched Renaissance bridge spanning the river Mže. Built between 1555 and 1560, this 60-meter bridge retains both its tower and ornate sgraffito decorations. It’s one of only a few of its kind in Europe—comparable in atmosphere to Prague’s Charles Bridge, though far quieter (and smaller). 
The stone bridge and defense tower in Stribro.
2. Historic Town Centre & Masaryk Square
At the heart of Stříbro lies Masaryk Square, dominated by a gorgeous Renaissance town hall from 1543. Its intricate sgraffito patterns make it one of the most beautiful I’ve seen anywhere in the Czech Republic—a proud symbol of the city’s former wealth. When you arrive in town – which means when you arrive at this main square – the town hall grabs you and you almost can’t look away! 
Stribro's stunning Renaissance town hall.
Opposite the town hall stands a Baroque plague column from 1710, built after a deadly epidemic. In the cobblestones nearby, look for a small but fascinating detail: a marker for the 13th meridian, surrounded by stones from cities along the same longitude—a quiet nod to unity across distance and time.
The plague column in Stribro.
3. Minorite Monastery & City Museum
Founded in the 13th century by the Švamberk family, this former Minorite monastery now houses the Stříbro City Museum. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on archaeology, mining, and the story of Albrecht von Wallenstein (Valdštejn), whose remains were once interred here. 
The City Museum in Stribro.
It’s a surprisingly rich collection for a town of this size—and a reminder of how far its influence once reached. The museum shop also has postcards (no stamps) and some information on Stribro and the surrounding areas, though not much of it is in English.
For more on Wallenstein (sometimes called Waldstein), see the Mala Strana (Lesser Quarter) walk in my book, Prague Walks, which will lead you to the Wallenstein Garden, which features in Dan Brown’s latest book, Secret of Secrets!
The links for the above two books are sponsored links on Amazon.com.
4. Church of All Saints & Tower Viewpoint
The (originally) Gothic Church of All Saints (Kostel Všech Svatých ve Stříbře), rebuilt in the 18th century in its mostly Baroque style, now combines Gothic roots with Baroque grace. Its sunny yellow façade brightens even the grayest Central European winter day, and if you climb the 144 steps to the top of its tower, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the town’s rooftops and river valley. 
Church of All Saints (Kostel Všech Svatých) in Stribro.
5. Town Fortifications & Hussite Bastion
Remnants of medieval defenses still stand around Stříbro, most notably the Hussite Bastion near the stone bridge. These walls hint at the town’s strategic role on the Golden Route between Prague and Nuremberg—once bustling with merchants and guards. 
The Hussite Bastion in Stribro.
6. Outdoor Trails
For walkers, Stříbro offers some of the most peaceful trails in Western Bohemia. A scenic 4–6 km loop circles the town and climbs Křížový vrch, a hill lined with fourteen chapels depicting the Stations of the Cross. If you’re up for a longer walk, the route toward the Hracholusky Reservoir makes a wonderful day trip—especially if you love the blend of forest, water, and quiet countryside that characterizes so much of the Czech landscape. 
A walk outside Stribro's old walls.
Eat and Drink
There are many places to eat and drink in Stribro, but probably the best and certainly the most popular among locals and visitors alike is Excellent Restaurant (the name says it all) right on Masaryk Square. You might think that the views of the town hall from its terrace are what make it so popular, but in reality it’s the food and drink, too. So put this on your list if you visit.
There’s also a new café next to the city museum that serves good Czech wines. They have coffee and desserts, too, and they both look and smell fabulous! 
A new cafe next to Stribro's museum.
Stříbro or Kutná Hora?
Both towns share a silver legacy, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Kutná Hora is grand, UNESCO-listed, and well-trodden (though much less so than Prague), known for its Bone Church and Gothic splendor. Stříbro, by contrast, feels like its introspective sibling—smaller, humbler, but no less beautiful.
Town hall and plague column on Stribro's Masaryk Square.
If you’ve already been to Kutná Hora, Stříbro offers a refreshing contrast: a chance to explore Czech history without crowds, to wander at your own pace, and to sense the quiet pulse of a place that still glimmers with stories.
In Summary
For lovers of history, architecture, and peaceful hiking, Stříbro is a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination—a small city called Silver, still shining softly in the Bohemian hills.
For more information on travel in the Czech Republic or if you're interested in one of my private Prague tours, get in touch!
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AuthorI'm an American who's called Prague home for decades—tour guide by day, writer by passion. With several guidebooks to my name, this blog is where I dive into the city’s stories, culture, and hidden corners you won’t find in typical tourist guides. YOUR DONATION HELPS ME KEEP THIS BLOG GOING.
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