The Italian Court is a palace in Kutná Hora. Originally, it was the seat of the Central Mint of Prague, named after the Italian experts who were at the forefront of the minting reform. After its reconstruction at the end of the 14th century, the Italian Court became a part-time royal residence.

For many centuries, the Italian Court was the centre of the state economic power: it contained the royal mint and was the residence of the king during his visits to Kutná Hora silver mines. The history of building reaches back to the late 13th century, when it served the function of a town castle: a safe storehouse of the silver ore and an important part of the town fortifications. It was separated from the town itself by moats, which survive in the lower section as cellars; the water in the moat also protected the castle from fires.

Following the reform of the mints by King Wenceslas II, all of the previously functioning coinage-works were situated in the Italian Court and coins of a unified value “the Prague groschen” began to be struck. During the 14th century the castle was completely rebuilt; although the greatest flourishing of the building activity came at the end of the century, under the reign of Wenceslas IV. The reconstruction was done by the workshop of Petr Parléř, which was then completing the church of St. James and starting his work on St Barbara's Church.

The royal mint and the office of the supreme master minter came to an end in the 18th century after the great fire of 1770; the town hall was relocated into the Italian Court.

Currently, the building serves as a museum of coin minting; the most interesting interiors, such as the royal chapel and hall of audience are open to the public.

Inside the authentic cellars here is the museum “Unveiling of the mysterious face of Kutná Hora.

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Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alejandro L. (2 months ago)
This was a place we didn't want to miss in our kutna hora trip and let me tell you it was amazing. Firstly, the guide was extremely attentive and explained everything with a lot of detail, if you like history in general you will enjoy this a lot, really. Additionally, two members of the group didn't know English and the guide let me do some translations for them without any problem in addition to the Spanish written guide which, despite being a bit outdated it was still really functional for most of the visit. In general I really want to thank the team because we enjoyed the visit a lot and we were amazed by the place and the guide. Fully recommended and I really hope you have such a wonderful experience if you visit it too. Thanks once again for making this visit something special.
Nadia (14 months ago)
I visited the Italian Court today, and a lovely lady gave me a very detailed tour of the whole place. She was very patient and friendly, and knew everything about the history of Kutná Hora and all the details of the place. She also gave me insight into the locals and traditions of the city. I must sincerely apologize that I didn't get to properly thank her for the amazing tour as I was rushing for the train and completely forgot. I hope she sees this and accepts my apology:) I strongly recommend a tour of the Court to everyone visiting the city.
Rushikesh (2 years ago)
It's kind of an okay experience. Not so great. If you have visited the Hradek museum, it simply can be avoided if you are short on time. Tickets are available on the first floor, and please don't get confused with the other building. It's actually an administrative building.
Caïna Verrin (2 years ago)
Only had a little wonder in here but it was stunning and is totally worth exploring more while you’re here. There is a FREE toilet nearby too which is just a blessing. Recommend
José de Jesús Ramírez Ponce (3 years ago)
Beautiful place with a lot of history, kudos to Tomáš our guide in English
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