Hradek Silver Museum and Medieval Silver Mine in the Czech Republic, Kutna Hora Spa
Rating: 8,1/10 (1645 votes)  The Gothic Hradek Castle is an ancient building located in the town of Kutna Hora. Initially, Hradek was a fortress guarding the Vrchlice valley. After the founding of the city, the fortress became part of the city wall. The fortress was first mentioned in chronicles dating back to 1312, but many historians are inclined to assume that it arose even before the Silver Rush. Kutno Hora. The tower, a small enclosed courtyard and a stone palace were erected at the beginning of the XIV century. The exterior of Gradek was changed during the rebuilding that took place at the end of the 15th century. The fortress was turned into a luxurious palace where the family of the industrialist M. Prekla lived. In 1490 the castle was bought by Jan Smishek Vrchovisht, who made his fortune thanks to the silver that he mined from the sovereign, and then smelted in the basements of the castle. It was thanks to Jan that the palace acquired an aristocratic appearance. Symbols of the Vrchovisht family can be traced in the decoration of the castle. They can be seen as separate architectural elements and in wall frescoes. Attention is drawn to the floor of the main hall, lined with a decorative border. On the first floor of the castle, in the hall, you can see a unique ceiling painting, painted in 1493. The windows of the building are decorated with small sculptures of miners. One of the interesting elements of the castle's decoration is the chapel, which was illuminated in 1504. Hand-made wall murals and paintings have survived to this day. Here you can see images of the Evangelists, as well as the owners of the castle – Jan Smishek and his wife. Today, Hratek Castle is the Czech Silver Museum, which also includes a medieval mine, where ore was mined until the 16th century. Visitors to the castle are invited to descend into the mine dressed as miners, to a depth of about 50 meters. Of interest are also the basements of the castle, where a collection of slabs with ancient inscriptions is displayed.    We also recommend reading Church of All Saints with an ossuary in the Czech Republic, resort Kutna Hora Topic: Hradek Silver Museum and Medieval Silver Mine in the Czech Republic, Kutna Hora Spa. |
