One Church, over 40,000 bones and an intriguing history. The Sedlec Ossuary, the day trip from Prague that should be in your travel plans!
Have you heard of the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora?
You might have also heard it called the Bone Church and there’s a good reason for this. The outwardly unremarkable Gothic chapel is home to over 40,000 human bones.
However, the bones aren’t just stored here. They are arranged, with creativity and intention, into patterns, towers and even a huge coat-of-arms. The bones displayed in their beautiful and historic church setting have become one of the most visited places in Czechia.
The Sedlec Ossuary is located in Kutná Hora, a small town which is now a popular destination in its own right, but it’s also really easy to do a Sedlec Ossuary day trip from Prague. Probably one of the most unique day trips from the Czech capital!
The Sedlec Ossuary & Kutná Hora
Located about 30 miles east of Prague, the town of Kutná Hora was once keeper of a thriving silver mining industry and rivalled Prague in terms of wealth and importance.
Sadly, the high living didn’t last. The mining declined and then war, fire and plague left the town impoverished. The fortunes of Kutná Hora waxed and waned until the 1990’s, when the town centre was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
Now visitors head to Kutná Hora for the pretty town centre, the history and to visit the towns best-known attraction: the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as The Bone Church.
The History of the Sedlec Ossuary
Sedlec is one of the oldest districts of Kutná Hora, a town that has been a centre of religion for thousands of years.
The story goes that in 1278, a handful of earth from the Holy Land was brought to Sedlec and sprinkled in the cemetery, making it a very desirable and quite exclusive place to be laid to rest.
However, outbreaks of war and disease led to a sharp increase in burials. So many bones, limited space. Time to get creative. The Church of All Saints was built, with an upper chapel and an underground Ossuary.
The Bone Church, Kutná Hora
There are various theories about how and why the bones came to be arranged as they are. It happened over time; records show that bones were already being decoratively arranged in the 16th century.
Legend has it these early efforts were the work of a half blind monk who regained his sight after working in the ossuary.
The present-day display of bones is thanks to the Schwarzenburg family. Due to their patronage, the Sedlec Ossuary survived. In the 1800’s they commissioned a Czech woodcarver by the name of Frantisek Rint to give the place a bit of a makeover and he went to town with it.
What to See Inside the Bone Church
This is the sort of place that will command your attention, the piles of bones combined with the Chapel atmosphere is definitely a unique experience. There are a few things you won’t want to miss though.
The chandelier of bones: Created by Frantisek Rint and said to contain every single bone found in the human body.
Bone pyramids: Pyramids of bones and skulls, stacked and ordered. Sometimes accessorised with candles and crowns. Possibly the most unique thing I have ever seen.
The Schwarzenberg Coat of Arms: Another Rint creation, the Schwarzenberg family crest which depicts a bird pecking out the eye of an invading soldier. Suitably macabre, given the medium.
Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora: FAQ’s
What is Sedlec Ossuary?
Sedlec Ossuary, also known as Bone Church or the Prague Bone Church, is a small chapel in Kutná Hora decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people. The bones have been fashioned into artistic displays including a chandelier and coat of arms.
Is the Sedlec Ossuary worth visiting?
Yes! Sedlec Ossuary is fascinating and makes an interesting and unusual day trip from Prague. The chapel is a unique combination of history and culture.
How much does it cost to visit Sedlec Ossuary?
General admission is 220Kc / ages 6-15 80Kc. That’s about £8/3 per ticket. Student and senior concessions are available. The ticket gives you a timed entry slot for the ossuary plus access to Sedlec Cathedral valid for 3 days.
How do I get to the Sedlec Ossuary from Prague?
The easiest way is by train from Prague’s main train station to Kutná Hora, which takes around an hour. It’s a ten minute walk from the station to the Ossuary.
There are also organised excursions but this is one I highly recommend you DIY.
Can I take photographs in the Sedlec Ossuary?
No, photography is forbidden. This is a place you just have to experience.
See the Bone Church by Night
If you want a real experience out of your visit, it is possible to book a night tour by candlelight of the Ossuary and Sedlec Cathedral with a guide dressed as a Cistercian monk or nun. I reckon that would charge up both the atmosphere and imagination.
If exploring historic churches at night might also be your thing, you might be interested in this post next. No bones, but you’ll get a church and graveyard to yourself for the night- Champing: You Can Spend the Night in a Historic Church.
Helen x
Wow that looks such an atmospheric place, though quite beautiful too. I guess it’s even busier at this time of year! X
Yes, I’d think so- Prague will be busy too. These beautifully Gothic places lend themselves beautifully to spooky season!
If in the area, I’d certainly visit this church, macabre as it seems. I’ll pass on the night tour though.
I’m not sure about the night tour myself, although for some reason I find the idea of being led about by a monk the most unsettling thing. Think I’ve been watching too many low budget spooky films 😆
!!
I appreciate your transparency right from the start of your post! We are all on a journey and that is often humbling. You seem to be doing amazing. I had no idea what to expect of the Bone Church and find it very intriguing. Church or faith is a big part of my life so this post caught my eye. There is always a story to be told. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks so much for talking the time to read and leave such a lovely comment. I loved the story behind the church- first impressions can make it seem a bit dark but the arrangement of the bones was really about caring for those who had passed.
Fascinating! I have never heard of this.
It’s definitely one of those church visits that has stayed with me!
Just in time for Halloween 🙂 I didn’t see your original post, but this is a cracker. Love it!
Thanks so much! And yes, definitely in keeping with the whole spooky season atmosphere.
I’ve been to Prague twice and never even heard of that place. It sounds very interesting, I’ll check it out next time I’m in Prague 🙂
Definitely! It’s worth venturing out of the city, there’s some fabulous places withing day trip distance.
Ooh a night tour would be so atmospheric. I didn’t know anything about this place but will remember it for a future trip to Prague. Thanks Helen for bringing it to our attention.
I’m glad to be able to share, thanks for your interest in my updated post Marion.
Maybe I’m just caught up in the spirit of the Halloween season, but I would so love to take that night time tour. For sure, that would get the imagination flowing and the blood pumping.
It would make a great Halloween themed night out- plenty of good Czech beer to steady the nerves before and/or after too!
What a weird, wonderful, and unique place! If I ever go to the Czech Republic, I would most certainly love to visit. It looks so intriguing.
It’s a fabulous place, I hope you make the trip one day.
Weird and wonderful really sums it up. I find the place fascinating, and though I wouldn’t usually consider booking a tour with a costumed guide, the idea of a candlelit night amble through the church sounds very atmospheric. I feel the same way about my earliest posts, and have reworked many this year. I have not read your original post, but have utterly enjoyed this one!
Oh my goodness it really is weird – but kind of also beautiful. It reminds me a little of the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania – just like this amazing crazy place you can’t help but like. A perfect Halloween post 🙂
Yes! I remember your post about the Hill of Crosses, it’s somewhere I’d love to go. I like the places that make you stop and think.
Oh wow, I had no idea such a place existed and it seems at the same time creepy and fascinating! The night tour by candlelight also sounds absolutely amazing! Are all of those real bones from dead bodies? Thanks for sharing!
Yes, all the bones are from people buried in the church grounds over time. They ran out of space so they got creative! Thanks for taking an interest in my post, I really appreciate it,
Ohh Helen, I want to go there so much!!! Thank you for providing me with the information! Your photsos in instagram from this trip were also amazing! I will keep following your adventures! Cheers!
Thanks Sandra- I will trade you trips. You go to the Bone Church and I’ll go to the beach in Germany. Loved your pictures with that gorgeous dog of yours at the seaside.
I had never heard of this place. It is so beautiful and scary at the same time.
It is beautiful in its own way, isn’t it? I thought it might feel unnerving but it was actually quite a tranquil place. Thank you for taking an interest in my post about Sedlec Ossuary, appreciate it!
What a fascinating place! I’ll definitely keep it in mind whenever I make it to Prague.