"Sedlec and The Macbre Bone Church" Sedlec by littlesam1

Sedlec Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 25 photos

The Ossuary in Sedlec

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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A Little History

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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Always Sign Your Artwork

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 and Cons

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.

Last visit to Sedlec: May 2004
Intro Updated Mar 11, 2005
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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

Transportation (1)
Take the train from Prague

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Comments (28)

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LoriPori Mar 22, 2008 at 4:05 AM

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.
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Yaqui Sep 27, 2007 at 12:07 PM

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!
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BorderHopper Feb 24, 2007 at 11:14 AM

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!
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nickandchris Jan 8, 2007 at 2:09 PM

How absolutely fascinating!
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desert_princess Aug 9, 2006 at 10:01 AM

I loved this ossuary and especially the chandelier pic!! Fascinating!!! I have a thing about graveyards and soppky things...thanx for sharing!!
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JessH Jun 13, 2006 at 6:13 AM

Hello Larry. What an interesting and unique place! I really enjoyed your tips and photos. Thanks for sharing / Jess
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cloudberry Jun 13, 2006 at 6:09 AM

Nice ;P I saw something like the same in south-west Poland...
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Linse Mar 29, 2006 at 2:21 AM

That´s really a strange place :o) But interesting tips u made about it.....how far is it from Prague?
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canuckmike Jan 22, 2006 at 10:59 AM

Crazy place. Can't wait to go. Good page.
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allikat Oct 20, 2005 at 5:28 PM

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.