Brno Ossuary
Kostnice u sv. Jakuba
An underground ossuary rediscovered only in 2001, where the remains of about 50,000 people are stacked in dim light. It is considered the second-largest in Europe after the Paris Catacombs.
The Ossuary lies beneath St. James’ Church. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the remains of about 50,000 people were deposited here during cemetery clearances, plague and cholera outbreaks. It was later sealed and forgotten, and was only rediscovered in 2001 during a road survey. It is considered the second-largest ossuary in Europe, after the Paris Catacombs. Today, skulls and bones are neatly arranged into walls and displayed with lighting and music, creating a solemn atmosphere. A visit takes about 30 minutes, and admission is about CZK 200. It is closed on Mondays. St. James’ Church above ground is a late Gothic hall church, and a small figure on the south window above the church shows its bare backside toward the cathedral, a well-known local curiosity.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00
Nearby sights
- Freedom Square & Brno Astronomical Clock
- Old Town Hall, Brno
- Zelný trh & Labyrinth
- 10-Z Bunker
- Mahen Theatre
- Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Brno
- Capuchin Crypt, Brno
- Špilberk Castle