The silver ore was probably discovered here already in the 10th century. Rumours about rich silver deposits attracted new settlers, thousands of which were coming to the area mostly from neighbouring german speaking regions. The atmosphere of Kutna Hora at that time may have resembled the atmosphere of American gold-miner´ s settlements.
In 1300 King Wenceslas II issued the new royal minig code IUS REGALE MONTANORUM, a legal document of extreme importance, that specified all administrative and technical terms and conditions necessary for the operation of mines. Kutna Hora also became the seat of the central mint , i.e. the financial centre of the country. Kutná Hora was in full blossom in the 15th century.
Silver mines were owned by the king and he had right to get 1/8 of the extracted silver. Miners worked 6 hours per day in 4 shifts and they took their vacation only during religious holidays.
The production of Prague Groschen- traditional pride of Kutná Hora in the Italian Court was terminated in 1547.
Josef Kajetan Tyl , the author of Czech national anthem was born here. Kutná Hora is definitely worth a trip!
