The 'Italian' name derives from the specialized mint masters brought from Florence, Italy, to centralize coinage production.
The mint was established in 1300 to reform the currency and unify the circulation of the Prague Groschen.
The site contains a hidden royal chapel dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, discovered behind a wall during 19th-century renovations.
It served as the primary temporary residence for several Bohemian monarchs, including Wenceslaus IV.
The minting technology involved physical hammering of coins by hand, which remained the standard process here for centuries.
Underground tunnels from the building connect to the extensive medieval silver mine network beneath the city.
The 'Prague Groschen' minted here was one of the most stable and widely used currencies in Central Europe during the Middle Ages.
The Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr) in Kutná Hora served as the central mint of the Kingdom of Bohemia starting in the late 13th century. It takes its name from the Florentine experts who arrived to modernize the minting process under King Wenceslaus II. The complex was repurposed from a fortified treasury into a royal palace and administrative seat. Visitors can explore the preserved minting workshops where the Prague Groschen was historically produced. The interior houses an extensive collection of historical coinage and royal artifacts. The site remains a core part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation for the Kutná Hora historic center. It functions today as a museum documenting the history of mining and medieval currency production.
The internal courtyard with its ornate gothic windows and historical architectural details.
Request a guided tour to gain access to the minting workshops and royal audience hall.
Visit the small internal chapel, which is often overlooked by casual tourists.
Check the official website for specialized coin-striking demonstrations held on specific dates.
Do not mistake the exterior facade for a modern building; the site is a multi-layered historical complex that requires a guided path to fully appreciate.
Open year-round, though specific tour availability varies between high and low seasons.
Photography is restricted in specific interior areas; follow all posted signage regarding flash usage.
