{"id":1445,"date":"2025-08-07T17:49:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T15:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/stone-house\/"},"modified":"2025-10-25T17:11:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T15:11:06","slug":"stone-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/stone-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Stone House"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1290px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1153_bbad86-6d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1153_1ebaf4-31\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>The Stone House in Kutn\u00e1 Hora is one of the most significant late Gothic burgher houses in the Czech Republic. From afar, it captivates with its richly decorated fa\u00e7ade, full of symbols, animals, and figurative scenes. But behind its stone beauty lies much more than just aesthetics.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In medieval Europe, the nobility and the Church held the main power, while townspeople were \u201cthe others.\u201d The Stone House demonstrates how an exceptionally strong burgher class emerged in Kutn\u00e1 Hora\u2014wealthy, influential, and confident. The building shows that the riches from silver mining in the late Middle Ages began to flow beyond the nobility. The Stone House thus stands as proof of a changing social order. The Kutn\u00e1 Hora elite could afford houses that rivaled noble residences.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind the creation of the Stone House was Prokop Kroupa, a wealthy Kutn\u00e1 Hora townsman who traded silver and perhaps lent money to miners and nobles. In 1499, he was elevated to the nobility\u2014an exceptionally rare honor for a burgher at that time. Kroupa had the house built to represent not only his wealth but also his newly gained status. The fa\u00e7ade serves as a kind of \u201cstone autobiography\u201d expressing his faith, values, and ambitions.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Architecture \u2013 An Exceptional Example of Late Gothic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fa\u00e7ade of the Stone House is rare in the European context\u2014such richly figurative burgher houses are more typical in some regions of German Gothic, but in the Czech lands, it has no direct equivalent. Stylistically, the building is close to cathedral architecture, which is unusual for urban houses of that era. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Stone House is built from local marlstone, whose fine structure allowed detailed sculptural work. The house\u2019s dominant feature is its richly articulated gable filled with sculptures depicting:    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Animal and natural motifs \u2013 a fox, bear, hare, leaves, branches, and flowers symbolizing the cycle of life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knightly scenes \u2013 symbols of strength, loyalty, noble origin, or the desire for social advancement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shepherd and sheep \u2013 motifs of peace and protection, with religious overtones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tracery windows and Gothic arches \u2013 evidence of advanced stonemasonry craftsmanship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" src=\"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-1024x705.webp\" alt=\"Stone House Kutna Hora\" class=\"wp-image-1163\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-radius:8px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-1024x705.webp 1024w, https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-300x207.webp 300w, https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-150x103.webp 150w, https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-768x529.webp 768w, https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The meaning of these scenes is often interpreted as a symbolic biography of Prokop Kroupa: his humble beginnings (shepherd), struggle for position (knightly duel), and triumphant attainment of a noble title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the decoration, two small sculptures can be found\u2014a squirrel gnawing on a nut, symbolizing diligence and the accumulation of wealth (an image of the owner), and a drunkard with wine, serving as a warning against sin and corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stonemason Brikcius Gauske decorated the building, likely inspired by Gothic architecture from Saxony and Silesia (e.g., the town halls in Wroc\u0142aw or G\u00f6rlitz). The Stone House is a masterpiece of stonemasonry combining realistic scenes, fantastic motifs, and architectural details into one harmonious whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The house has two entrances\u2014one representative, the other commercial. The left entrance led to formal rooms, while the right was used by suppliers and servants. The house was thus functionally divided, much like modern villas with separate sections. For a medieval burgher house, this was very unusual.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Were the Owners of the Stone House?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><br\/><strong>Prokop Kroupa (late 15th \u2013 early 16th century)   <\/strong><br\/>The original initiator of the house\u2019s construction around 1485. 1485. A successful burgher and likely an entrepreneur in the silver industry. In 1499, he was ennobled\u2014a truly exceptional social advancement. He had the Stone House built as an expression of his wealth and new status\u2014the gable directly references his figure and the symbolism of knighthood. The Kroupa family owned the house for several generations.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other Kutn\u00e1 Hora burghers (16th\u201318th centuries)<\/strong><br\/>After the Kroupas, the house passed to other influential families. Some documents mention the H\u0159\u00edmal\u00fd and Valovsk\u00fd families, though records are incomplete. The house mainly served as a representative residence and business premises rather than a regular dwelling.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Town of Kutn\u00e1 Hora (19th century \u2013 present)<\/strong><br\/>In the 19th century, the house became municipal property, used as the town hall and for administrative offices. In 1902, it underwent major restoration under Ludv\u00edk L\u00e1bler in the spirit of \u201cregothicization.\u201d Since 1910, the building has served exhibition purposes. Today, it is part of the Czech Museum of Silver.      <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legends about the Stone House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><br\/><strong>The Tale of the Burning Fox<\/strong><br\/>One legend tells that once every hundred years, the fox on the house \u201ccomes to life\u201d to warn of a coming fire. People once believed that if someone saw the fox \u201cchange position\u201d (for example, in the reflection of sunlight or shadow), it was a sign of impending misfortune. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Ghost of Prokop Kroupa<\/strong><br\/>Another tale claims that the ghost of Prokop Kroupa sometimes appears on the upper floor of the house. He is said to guard his legacy and ensure visitors understand what his house symbolized. His silhouette has reportedly been seen by moonlight in the window.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Secret Cellar and the Lost Treasure<\/strong><br\/>According to yet another legend, a secret cellar under the house once held Kroupa\u2019s gold coins and valuable documents. During a city fire, it was buried and has never been found. They say the treasure still awaits its discoverer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visitor Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro n\u00e1v\u0161t\u011bvn\u00edky je pam\u00e1tka otev\u0159ena k individu\u00e1ln\u00edm prohl\u00eddk\u00e1m.\nM\u016f\u017eete zde vid\u011bt expozice Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e9 horn\u00ed m\u011bsto &#8211; m\u011b\u0161\u0165ansk\u00e1 kultura a \u017eivot v 17.  &#8211; 19. \u201319th Centuries and a lapidarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Opening hours:<\/strong><br\/>Tue\u2013Sun 10:00\u201318:00 (main season: May\u2013September)<br\/>Tue\u2013Sun 9:00\u201317:00 (shoulder season: April, October)<br\/>Closed off-season (December\u2013January)<br\/>Lunch break: 12:00\u201312:30 Current opening hours can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms-kh.cz\/kamenny-dum-expozice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Admission:<br\/><br\/>100 CZK adults<br\/>60 CZK students, seniors, children, and disabled visitors<br\/>270 CZK family ticket<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Photography:<\/strong> allowed without restrictions.<br\/>Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible (stairs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get to the Stone House <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On foot:<\/strong> Getting to the Stone House from the center of Kutn\u00e1 Hora is easy. From Palack\u00fd Square, walk uphill, turn right toward the Plague Column, and after about 150 meters you\u2019ll see the house ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By train:<\/strong> From Kutn\u00e1 Hora\u2019s main station, it\u2019s about 4.5 km to the center. If you have time, you can walk, but you\u2019ll pass through the housing estate area, which is not very scenic. It\u2019s better to take public transport or a taxi. You might also check if a train toward Zru\u010d nad S\u00e1zavou is running\u2014it stops two stations later at Kutn\u00e1 Hora m\u011bsto, close to the center. However, this connection is infrequent.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By car:<\/strong> There are several paid parking lots nearby, and street parking is possible. During the tourist season, parking can be more difficult, but you can usually find a spot in the vicinity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.zmizelakutnahora.cz\/cs\/archiv\/15-Kamenny-dum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">http:\/\/www.zmizelakutnahora.cz\/cs\/archiv\/15-Kamenny-dum\/\n <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><style>.kb-google-maps-container1153_b25c55-c8{height:450px;}.kb-google-maps-container1153_b25c55-c8{filter:grayscale(30%);}<\/style><div class=\"kb-google-maps-container kb-google-maps-container1153_b25c55-c8  wp-block-kadence-googlemaps\" data-mapid=\"1153_b25c55c8\"><iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"border:0\" loading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed\/v1\/place?key=AIzaSyBAM2o7PiQqwk15LC1XRH2e_KJ-jUa7KYk&#038;zoom=17&#038;maptype=roadmap&#038;q=Kamenn%C3%BD+d%C5%AFm+Kutn%C3%A1+Hora\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Google map of Kamenn\u00fd d\u016fm Kutn\u00e1 Hora\"><\/iframe><\/div><script>function kb_google_map1153_b25c55c8() { let center = { lat: 37.8201, lng: -122.4781}; let map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById(\"kb-google-map1153_b25c55c8\"), {\n\t\t\t\t\t    zoom: 17,\n\t\t\t\t\t    center: center,});let marker = new google.maps.Marker({   position: { lat: 37.8201, lng: -122.4781},    map: map,  });}<\/script>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A significant late Gothic burgher house with a richly decorated fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[29],"class_list":["post-1445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-places","tag-places"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":28,"label":"Places"}],"post_tag":[{"value":29,"label":"places"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/kamenny-dum-kutna-hora-1024x705.webp",1024,705,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/author\/raddekus\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":28,"name":"Places","slug":"places","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":28,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":4,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":28,"category_count":4,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Places","category_nicename":"places","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":29,"name":"places","slug":"places","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":5,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1445\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kutnahora.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}