Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, Medieval cathedral complex in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic.
Kutná Hora is a medieval town centre in the Czech Republic, anchored by the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. Both buildings display high vaulted ceilings, carved stone details, and stained glass windows that reflect the skill of craftspeople across different eras.
In the 14th century, silver mining transformed Kutná Hora into a wealthy royal city, prompting the construction of these grand churches and public buildings. The town then became a major centre for minting silver coins that served as the primary currency across the Kingdom of Bohemia.
The Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec shows through its blend of soaring arches and ornate decorations how artistic tastes changed across generations. Visitors come to see this bridge between two artistic periods reflected in the walls and details throughout the building.
Wear sturdy shoes since you will walk between the two main buildings and explore their interiors, which each have different layouts and levels. The best light for seeing details indoors comes in late morning when sunlight reaches through the windows.
The Church of St Barbara was built using wealth from silver mining, meaning every stone and carving was directly funded by the town's mineral riches. This prosperity shows in the elaborate carvings and the building's scale, which would otherwise have been affordable only to royalty.
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