Sedlec Ossuary — a chapel made of human bones

The Sedlec Ossuary is one of the Czech Republic’s most unusual attractions. This chapel, decorated with human bones, draws tourists from around the globe with its macabre aesthetic and historical significance. The Bone Chapel in the Czech Republic is not merely an architectural curiosity, but a monument that provokes thought about the transience of life and the concept of eternity. Perhaps after reading, you’ll want to book a group tour to the Czech Republic, especially since the festive market season is about to begin. 

Where is the Ossuary Located?

The ossuary is located in the Sedlec area, which is a part of Kutná Hora, roughly 70 kilometers east of Prague. This destination fits conveniently into a route through the heart of the country. The Kutná Hora ossuary is situated near the train station, making it easily accessible for independent travelers. A trip to the Czech Republic often includes a visit to Kutná Hora because of its remarkable architectural and historical monuments.

History

The history of the Czech ossuary dates back to the 13th century, when Abbot Heinrich of the Sedlec monastery brought a small amount of soil from Golgotha and scattered it over the monastery cemetery. This act sanctified the cemetery, drawing burials from across Europe. During the Black Death epidemic and the Hussite Wars, the number of deaths surged, necessitating secondary burials. The Sedlec monastic cemetery became the resting place for tens of thousands of people.

Over time, so many remains accumulated that they had to be exhumed and stored in an underground chapel located beneath the All Saints’ Church of the cemetery. Initially, the bones were kept in a disordered heap, but in the 18th–19th centuries the landowners – the aristocratic Schwarzenberg family – decided to give the place a more organized and expressive appearance. They commissioned woodcarver František Rint to create a finished design for the chapel.

František Rint and the Chapel’s Design

František Rint chose to use human remains as his artistic medium. The craftsman approached the project with extraordinary care: he cleaned and bleached the bones before arranging them into intricate compositions, including pyramids, arches, crosses, and a central chandelier featuring every type of human bone. Particularly striking is the Schwarzenberg family crest made of bones, which includes the figure of a crow pecking at a Turk’s head. Rint left his signature, fashioned from bones, as a mark of completion.

His work transformed the ossuary into a unique monument that blends elements of Gothic architecture, Baroque aesthetics, and philosophical symbolism. Thanks to this creative design, the chapel has become one of Kutná Hora’s most recognizable sites and an important landmark on the country’s tourist map.

What Can You See Inside?

Inside the chapel, visitors are greeted by bone pyramids, arched constructions, crosses, and the famous bone chandelier hanging at the center of the hall. On one wall is displayed the Schwarzenberg crest made of bones, as well as other decorative elements executed with remarkable precision. More than 40,000 human bones were used in the interior. All of this can be experienced during group excursions. 

How to Get to the Ossuary?

Getting to the ossuary is straightforward. From Prague, you can take a train to the station Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží, from which it’s roughly a 10‑minute walk to the chapel. Trains depart every hour from the main station, and tickets cost approximately 110 CZK (around €4.5). There are also buses and car routes available. One can purchase a six‑hour zonal ticket covering 13 zones for 100 CZK (around €4) – this is the most economical way to travel back and forth. From central Kutná Hora to Sedlec, local transportation or a taxi are convenient options. Group travel organizers often include the ossuary in their itineraries, particularly for tourists interested in history and architecture. 

Practical Information

The chapel is open year‑round, except on certain holidays. In the summer season, it opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., while in winter the closing time is one hour earlier. Tickets can be purchased on site or in advance online, which is especially convenient during the tourist season. An electronic ticket is sufficient to show on your phone—there is no need to print it.

Photography is allowed inside, but only without flash. This guideline not only protects the exhibits but also shows respect for the site. A quiet atmosphere prevails here, and visitors are strongly encouraged to maintain silence. Since this is ultimately a sacred space—even an unconventional one—attire should be modest.

If you are planning a visit, it’s best to arrive in the morning: there are fewer tourists at that time, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace. An audio guide is an excellent addition to the visit, especially if you want to learn more about the origins of the bones and the history of the chapel itself. While Kutná Hora has cafés and restaurants, if you’re planning a half‑day trip it’s wise to bring along a light snack. 

Also note that it is advisable to book flights to the Czech Republic and book hotels well in advance, especially if your trip coincides with the peak season. 

Symbolism and Meaning

The ossuary is not just a tourist attraction, but a place imbued with deep religious and philosophical meaning. It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the equal fate that awaits all people. The chapel’s interior is not only an artistic installation but also a meditation on eternity, the fleeting nature of life, and spiritual transformation. Top hotels in the Czech Republic often offer themed tours that include visits to such unique sites with a guide.

The Sedlec Ossuary is a unique site that should be included on any Czech itinerary. It combines history, art, and philosophy in a single space. The many attractions of Kutná Hora, including this chapel, allow for a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and religious traditions. Visiting the ossuary is not just an excursion—it is a chance to view life and death from a different perspective.