Jesuit College in Kutná Hora

The Jesuit College in Kutná Hora, known locally as Jezuitská kolej v Kutné Hoře, stands as a magnificent testament to Baroque architecture and historical significance in the Czech Republic. Nestled in the picturesque town of Kutná Hora, this grand structure, which was constructed between 1667 and 1750, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of the Jesuit order and their influence on this historic town.

The History of the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora

The origins of the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora date back to 1624 when Emperor Ferdinand II approved the establishment of a Jesuit institution in the town. The Jesuits, invited by the highest mint master and reformation commissioner Vilém Ilburk of Vřesovice, arrived in 1626. However, it wasn't until 1633 that a decree by the emperor designated a site for the college. Unusually, the college was not built in the town center but outside the city walls, between Hrádek and the Church of St. Barbara. This decision was likely due to the impracticality and cost of acquiring and demolishing existing townhouses for such a large construction project.

Initially, the Jesuits operated from modified townhouses while they gathered the necessary funds for the college's construction. On March 2, 1667, the college rector, P. Jan Molitius, signed a contract with the renowned Italian architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi, who was based in Prague. The foundation stone was ceremoniously laid on May 8, 1667, but progress was slow due to financial constraints. It wasn't until November 1, 1678, that the Jesuits could move into the northern wing of the college.

After Orsi's death in 1679, the construction continued under the direction of the building workshop of Carlo Lurago, adhering to Orsi's original plans. The eastern wing of the college, which stretches 180 meters and features 33 window axes, was completed in 1716, including a corner tower facing the Church of St. Barbara. However, the planned southern wing was never constructed.

Between 1709 and 1716, the terrace in front of the college was adorned with an extensive collection of sculptures, often compared to the statues on Prague's Charles Bridge. These sculptures were likely the work of Jesuit sculptor František Baugut. The central wing, which houses the kitchen and a large summer refectory on the first floor, was the last to be built. During renovations between 2004 and 2010, early Baroque wall paintings by Jesuit painter Hermann Schmidt were discovered in this wing. The central wing's tower, built between 1721 and 1733, deviates from Orsi's design and was completed with the involvement of architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer around 1750.

Exploring the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora

Today, visitors to the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora can explore a vast and impressive building that was originally intended to have a symmetrical E-shaped layout. However, with the southern wing never built, the structure now resembles the letter F. The two-story building, with its striking corner towers characterized by chamfered corners, features early Baroque stucco detailing. The ground floor is adorned with rustication, supporting pilasters of a high order, above which are sections of a complete entablature. The window axes between the first and second floors are highlighted by recessed panels, and the façade's articulation is further enriched with inserted lesene frames. The ground floor windows are set within a blind arcade, and the horizontal articulation of the façade is enhanced by the doubling of windows in the central and side risalits.

Inside, the college's layout consists of a double tract with a narrower continuous corridor situated unusually along the inner façade. The architectural impact of the expansive main façade was significantly altered in the 19th century when the central tower, which was taller than the two remaining corner towers, was demolished. Additionally, the Baroque vaulted corridor connecting the college to the Church of St. Barbara was removed.

Modern-Day Significance

Following the dissolution of the Jesuit order in 1773, the college served various purposes, including as military barracks and a hospital. In 1988, the Czech government designated the Jesuit College as the future home of the Central Bohemian Gallery. Extensive archaeological and architectural surveys and renovations took place from 2004 to 2010, culminating in the grand opening of the Central Bohemian Gallery (GASK) in Kutná Hora. During these renovations, a rare Baroque lime kiln dating back to the college's construction period was discovered in the second courtyard.

Today, the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora stands as a remarkable example of Baroque architecture and a symbol of the Jesuit order's historical influence in the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and architectural splendor of this grand structure while exploring the exhibits and collections housed within the Central Bohemian Gallery, making it a must-visit destination in Kutná Hora.