The Italian Court is where silver coins were produced in the Middle Ages, during the time of Kutná Hora’s wealth and glory. It is named after Florentine bankers who were summoned by King Wenceslas II to implement his monetary reform in the year 1300. As part of the reform, mints that had been scattered around the kingdom were closed and a central mint was established in Kutná Hora’s Italian Court. Silver Prague groschen coins replaced the thin, inferior silver coins that had been used until then, and became one of Europe’s strongest currencies of the time.
In early 15th century, the Italian Court became a favorite residence of King Wenceslas IV and important royal matters were taken care of there. The Decree of Kutná Hora was issued there in 1409 and the royal election of 1471 also took place there. The newly elected king, Wladyslaw Jagiello, made the court his part-time residence as well.
The complex is now used as a museum and City Hall and is one of Kutná Hora’s most visited tourist sites. A guided tour of the Italian Court takes about 40 minutes.