Hidden in the small Czech town of Kutná Hora lies one of Europe's most extraordinary and chilling tourist attractions - the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel adorned with the bones of approximately 40,000 human skeletons.
The Story Behind the Bone Church
The history of this macabre masterpiece dates back to the 13th century when a local abbot returned from Jerusalem with soil from the Holy Land and sprinkled it over the cemetery. This act transformed the grounds into one of the most desirable burial sites in Central Europe, with thousands requesting to be laid to rest there.
When the Black Death and Hussite Wars ravaged Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, the cemetery expanded dramatically, eventually containing over 40,000 bodies. By the 16th century, space had become so limited that older skeletons were exhumed to make room for new burials.
An Artistic Masterpiece of Mortality
In 1870, the Schwarzenberg family hired master woodcarver František Rint to organise the accumulated bones in a more decorative manner. What he created was both haunting and beautiful - a stunning display that transforms mortality into art.
The chapel's most striking features include:
- A massive chandelier containing at least one of every bone in the human body
- Four giant bell-shaped mounds of bones in each corner
- Intricate garlands of skulls decorating the vaults
- The Schwarzenberg coat of arms meticulously crafted from bones
- Altars and monstrances formed entirely from skeletal remains
Visiting the Chapel of Bones
Located just 70 kilometres east of Prague, Sedlec Ossuary welcomes thousands of visitors annually who come to marvel at this unique blend of art, history, and mortality. The attraction forms part of the broader Kutná Hora historical site, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical Information:
The ossuary is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Entry fees are modest, making it an affordable day trip from Prague. Many visitors combine their trip with exploration of the beautiful St. Barbara's Church and the historic silver mining town of Kutná Hora.
Why This Macabre Site Captivates Visitors
Despite its chilling content - or perhaps because of it - the bone church continues to fascinate travellers from around the world. It serves as a powerful memento mori (reminder of death) while simultaneously celebrating human creativity and the enduring nature of art.
The Sedlec Ossuary stands as a testament to how even in death, there can be beauty, and how human remains can be transformed into something both educational and artistically significant. It remains one of Europe's most unforgettable and thought-provoking tourist destinations.
