GC Open #75 Traditional Cache

The cache is located near a nice small church. The village of Roussospiti is a good starting point.

Kamil Hilbert (12. 2. 1869, Louny – 25. 6. 1933, Prague) was a Czech architect, best known for completing the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.

He graduated from the Higher Industrial School in Pilsen and then studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna under Professor Friedrich von Schmidt. His studies provided him with an in-depth knowledge of historical architectural styles, which served as inspiration throughout his creative career. Hilbert specialized in the restoration and reconstruction of historical buildings, primarily churches, and his work was marked by a historically informed approach. His portfolio included numerous significant projects throughout the Czech lands.

St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is a pinnacle of Gothic architecture, enriched over the centuries with Renaissance and Baroque elements. Construction of the cathedral began in 1344 under King Charles IV, and its completion took nearly 600 years. The first architect was the Frenchman Matthias of Arras, followed by Peter Parler, a German-Czech architect, builder, stonemason, sculptor, and woodcarver. Later, several other architects contributed to the project. In 1899, after the death of architect Josef Mocker, Kamil Hilbert took over the project. He adhered to the Gothic style, respected the original design of the cathedral.

Hilbert ensured that long-awaited completion in 1929, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Saint Wenceslas’s death, was a fitting tribute to Czech history and architecture. The cathedral houses the tombs of Czech kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including King Charles IV. The cathedral's highlights include the amazing stained glass windows, the magnificent Chapel of St. Wenceslas and the room with the crown jewels. The cathedral is part of the Prague Castle complex and remains a cornerstone of Czech cultural heritage.