Sedlec Ossuary: Explore the Bone Church of the Czech Republic

Hidden beneath the Church of All Saints in the quiet town of Kutná Hora, about an hour from Prague, lies one of Europe’s most macabre and mysterious religious sites: the Sedlec Ossuary. Often referred to as the Bone Church, this small Roman Catholic chapel is adorned with the bones of over 40,000 human skeletons, artistically arranged into chandeliers, coats of arms, pyramids, and even altar pieces.
 

Far from being just a curiosity, Sedlec Ossuary is a powerful reflection on mortality, faith, and the medieval obsession with death and the afterlife. It’s one of the most visited sites in the Czech Republic—and for good reason.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn about the chilling yet beautiful history of Sedlec Ossuary, what to see inside, how to get there, and travel tips to enhance your visit.

🕯️ Quick Facts about Sedlec Ossuary

📍 Location: Kutná Hora – Sedlec, Czech Republic

🏰 Part of: Church of All Saints, inside the Sedlec Cemetery

📅 Established: 13th century (Ossuary redecorated in the 1870s)

⚱️ Number of Skeletons: Estimated 40,000 to 70,000

🎨 Main Artist: František Rint (woodcarver, 1870s)

🌍 UNESCO Status: Part of the Kutná Hora Historical Centre

📜 A History Written in Bones

The story of the Sedlec Ossuary begins in 1278, when the abbot of the Sedlec Monastery returned from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and sprinkled Holy Soil from Golgotha across the Sedlec Cemetery. Word spread quickly, and the cemetery became a coveted burial ground for Central Europeans.

During the Black Death in the 14th century and the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, tens of thousands were buried here. Eventually, the cemetery could no longer hold them all. Bones were exhumed and placed in the crypt to make space—and this marked the beginning of the ossuary.

In the 19th century, the Schwarzenberg family commissioned František Rint, a Czech woodcarver, to organize the bones. But Rint didn’t just stack them—he transformed them into baroque decorations, turning the ossuary into an extraordinary work of macabre art.

🧱 What to See at Sedlec Ossuary

Though small, Sedlec Ossuary is dense with symbolic and visual elements. Here’s what you shouldn't miss:

1. 🦴 Bone Chandelier

Suspended from the center of the chapel is the famous chandelier made of every bone in the human body. This spectacular piece is both eerie and astonishing, showcasing Rint’s skill and vision.

2. 🦴 Schwarzenberg Coat of Arms

On the left wall, you’ll find a coat of arms crafted entirely from human bones, representing the powerful Schwarzenberg family. One of the most haunting details? A raven picking out the eye of a skull—true to the family’s heraldic symbol.

3. 🦴 Bone Pyramids

Four massive pyramids of neatly stacked bones stand in the corners of the crypt. These are the earliest arrangements and are believed to be from the 16th century.

4. 🖋️ František Rint’s Signature

Just inside the chapel entrance, look down to see Rint’s signature made of bones, a reminder of the man behind this unusual masterpiece.

5. 🕯️ Altar and Religious Symbols

While the bones grab most of the attention, don’t miss the Christian iconography, such as crosses and cherubs made from skulls, reflecting the belief in resurrection and redemption.

🧭 How to Get to Sedlec Ossuary

The ossuary is located in Sedlec, a suburb of Kutná Hora, and is accessible from Prague.

🚆 By Train

Depart from Prague’s main station (Praha hl.n) to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží (~1 hour)

Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus/taxi to Sedlec Ossuary

🚗 By Car

Approx. 1-hour drive from Prague

Parking available near the ossuary

🚌 By Tour

Many guided day tours from Prague include stops at Sedlec Ossuary and the historic center of Kutná Hora.

🎟️ Opening Hours and Tickets

🕐 Opening Hours:

April–September: 9 AM – 6 PM

October–March: 9 AM – 4 PM

Closed: December 24

🎟️ Tickets:

Adults: 160 CZK (€6.50)

Students/Seniors: ~120 CZK

Children under 6: Free

Combined ticket options available for other Kutná Hora sites

💡 Tip: Consider buying a combination ticket that includes the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist, also in Sedlec.

📸 Photography Policy

As of recent years, photography is no longer allowed inside the ossuary to preserve the solemnity of the site and protect the bones from degradation caused by flash.

✅ Take photos of the exterior and adjacent church grounds
❌ Interior photography prohibited (check for latest updates on arrival)

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Morning visits avoid the largest crowds and tour groups.

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

After your bone-chilling tour, you may want something warm and comforting! Try these spots nearby:

Restaurant Dačický (Kutná Hora) – Traditional Czech food with medieval flair

Restaurace V Ruthardce – Local dishes and cozy atmosphere in the old town

Café Lavande – Perfect for coffee, pastries, and a relaxing break

🏨 Where to Stay

If you’re staying overnight in Kutná Hora, consider:

Hotel U Kata – Spa hotel with medieval touches

Penzion Barbora – Boutique stay with castle views

Hotel Kreta – Centrally located with hearty breakfasts

🎭 Nearby Attractions in Kutná Hora

Make the most of your visit by exploring these nearby sites:

🏰 Historic Centre of Kutná Hora

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Gothic and Baroque architecture.

⛪ St. Barbara’s Church

One of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe, dedicated to miners and located in the town center.

⛪ Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist

Just a few minutes from the ossuary, this church is also part of the UNESCO listing and showcases high Gothic design.

🏛️ Czech Museum of Silver

Learn about Kutná Hora’s past as a wealthy silver mining town.

🧠 Historical Significance

Sedlec Ossuary isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a place of deep religious and historical meaning. The bones serve not to frighten but to remind visitors of their mortality and the spiritual hope of resurrection. It reflects the medieval Catholic belief in purgatory, penance, and the fragility of life.

This powerful symbolism, combined with artistic craftsmanship, has made Sedlec Ossuary an enduring pilgrimage site for the curious, the devout, and the historically minded.

🧳 Practical Visitor Tips

Wear respectful attire – This is a religious site and mass is occasionally held upstairs

Book combo tickets – It’s more cost-effective and gives access to multiple locations

Use the official website for up-to-date hours and tour info

Learn before you go – Understanding the history adds depth to your visit

🧩 Fun & Unusual Facts

Sedlec Ossuary inspired scenes in horror films, novels, and even music videos.

It’s one of the few places where bones are not hidden, but celebrated as sacred.

The ossuary draws over 200,000 visitors each year, making it one of the top attractions in the Czech Republic.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Sedlec Ossuary is not your average chapel. It’s an unforgettable fusion of art, history, and mortality—presented in one of the most visually surreal forms imaginable. A visit here may challenge your senses, provoke deep thought, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of life and death.

Whether you're on a day trip from Prague or a longer journey through the Czech Republic, the Bone Church of Sedlec is a must-see destination for any traveler intrigued by the mysterious and the magnificent.