Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Gothic building with a high nave and baroque interior furnishings. Built in the early fourteenth century, it received its current appearance in the eighteenth century thanks to Jan Błażej Santini. It presents a characteristic Czech combination of medieval and baroque motifs.

The cathedral was initially part of the Cistercian monastery. The Gothic, three-nave basilica with transept was destroyed during the Hussite wars. At that time, the monastery was demolished, and only the walls of the church were covered with a roof that was deteriorating every year. Reconstruction took place only in the eighteenth century. It was managed by a well-known Italian artist operating in the Czech Republic, Jan Błażej Santini.

Santini has created a characteristic style combining Gothic and Baroque elements. He introduced glamorous decorations into the monumental, austere interiors. This also happened with the Cathedral in Kutna Hora. Into the towering building with a huge window above the entrance, illusionist paintings on the vaults, stucco wall decorations and richly decorated and gilded altars were introduced.