The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Sedlec

In the Sedlec district of Kutná Hora stands the well-preserved complex of the former Cistercian monastery. Dating from 12th century, the immense wealth generated by local silver mines enabled the Cistercian order to initiate vast construction activities. The monastic Church of the Assumption of Our Lady was built between 1282 and 1320, it is the oldest cathedral in the country. In 1421, the monastery and the church were burnt down by Hussite troops. It took about three centuries to reconstruct the buildings.

From 1700 the monastic church was reconstructed by Jan Blažej Santini in Baroque-Gothic style, a peculiar style reflected on a small scale in Czech Baroque architecture. Santini respected its original five-stage disposition of a cathedral basilica with three-stage transept. He added a new west front. 70 years after the reconstruction, upon the decision of Emperor Joseph II, the monastery was abolished and the cathedral deconsecrated and used temporarily as a flour storage. The monastery was used as a tobacco factory. In 1806, the Cathedral was returned to the church purposes. Now the monastery and the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.