"Sedlec and The Macbre Bone Church" Sedlec by littlesam1
Sedlec Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 25 photos
Without question one of the most interesting places I have ever visited is the Kostnice or Ossuary in Sedlac. When I started my research for the trip to Prague I kept coming across references to Kostnice and the Ossuary in Sedlac. I was not familiar with the term Ossuary. Following the references on the internet I came across bizarre pictures of a church decorated with human bones. So I thought it was time to find out what this term Ossuary meant. The dictionary definition of ossuary is "a depository for the bones of the dead." And that is what you actually find at the Ossuary in Sedlec. If you look closely at this picture you will see the sculpture of a human skeleton head on the wall surrounding this church. This will only begin to prepare you for what waits inside.
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Sedlec is located approximately 3km north east of Kutna Hora. Although considered a suburb it actually predates Kutna Hora buy a few hundred years. Originally a Monastery was founded here in the 1100's.
The monastery became very popular in the region because, as the legend goes, an abbot brought some earth from the Holy Land and sprinkled it on the monastery's graveyard. Because of this many people wanted to be buried in the consecrated soil. Many people also died here from the plague. In the 14th century the All Saints Chapel was built. This forced clearing of the cemetary and the monks here brought the bones into the church creating large pyramids of bones.
Finally in 1870 the Schwarzenberg family bought the monastery and hired Frantisek Rint to create the decorations made from the bones.
Today it is said there are over 40,000 bodies represented by the bones in the chapel.
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Here on the wall of the church is the signature of the artist Frantisek Rint. And in keeping with the theme the signature is created all with bones.
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- Pros:One of the most unusual things I have ever seen.
- Cons:Macbre and perhaps too bizarre for some. But I was fascinated.
- In a nutshell:Where else can you find a church decoreated in bones.
Reviews (11)
The Schwarzenberg Coat of Arms
Things to Do
(10)
How many Coat of Arms are really made out of human arms? I think that is a good question. Here I am standing by the... more travel advice
Tourist among the bones
Things to Do
(10)
When we arrived we were the only people in the chapel. So it was really nice but kind of eerie to walk alone amoung all... more travel advice
Larry and the chalice of bones
Things to Do
(10)
This is a huge chalice made of bones that I am standing under. I kept saying "Take a picture of me here." all through... more travel advice
Crucifix of Bones
Things to Do
(10)
There are many sights to see inside the chapel. Here on the wall you can see a shield or crest design made of bones with... more travel advice
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littlesam1
“"The only thing to do with family skeletons is to take them out of the closet and dance with them."”
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Comments (28)
Read your answer on the Travel Forum regarding the Bone Church.Was curious so had to check it out. Creepy - yet fascinating - especially the "Bone" Chandelier.
This sort of stuff is scary, but so interesting. I like visiting cemeteries because you never know what you may find. Just maybe another adventure. Nice photos and tips..good job!
I'd be very pleased to know that my remains were be utilized this way. It's always what I had in mind...better than a dark hole or the crematory! Fascinating page...thanks!
How absolutely fascinating!
I loved this ossuary and especially the chandelier pic!! Fascinating!!! I have a thing about graveyards and soppky things...thanx for sharing!!
Hello Larry. What an interesting and unique place! I really enjoyed your tips and photos. Thanks for sharing / Jess
Nice ;P I saw something like the same in south-west Poland...
That´s really a strange place :o) But interesting tips u made about it.....how far is it from Prague?
Crazy place. Can't wait to go. Good page.
Larry, what an astounding place! The chandelier tip was on the VT HP along with another of your tips :-) Fantastic page, I would like to find out more.