Plizio Visual Lab

Sedlec Ossuary

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Sedlec Ossuary, often referred to as the 'Bone Church', is a unique underground chapel located in a suburb of Kutná Hora. It contains the artistically arranged bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people who died during the plague epidemics and the Hussite Wars in the Middle Ages. The history of the site dates back to the 13th century when an abbot scattered soil from Golgotha in Jerusalem across the cemetery, making it a highly sought-after burial ground. The current macabre interior was created in 1870 by woodcarver František Rint, commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family. Among the most striking features are a massive bone chandelier containing at least one of every bone in the human body and a large coat of arms of the House of Schwarzenberg. The chapel’s Baroque architectural style was influenced by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, who masterfully blended themes of mortality with artistic expression. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kutná Hora, the ossuary continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.

Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: kostnice · Všech svatých · Morový sloup
Nearby: Čáslav (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-1	3	9	14	18	20	20	14	9	4	-1
Rain mm	49	39	44	37	74	80	84	81	59	48	44	46

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Sedlec Ossuary is a chapel open to visitors for a fee. The interior is entirely decorated with human bones, making it unique. Photography is allowed without flash.

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Typical hours

The ossuary is typically open daily 9 AM-5 PM, shorter in winter. July-August until 6 PM. Closed December 24-25. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted due to space and to protect the exhibits. The bone artworks offer unique subjects.

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Time needed

The tour of the ossuary takes about 20-30 minutes as the chapel is small. Combined with the adjacent cemetery and All Saints Church, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with Kutná Hora town, especially St. Barbara's Cathedral, the Italian Court, and the silver mine. The ossuary is in Sedlec district, near the train station.

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Getting there

By train reach Kutná Hora (main station or Sedlec station) - from Prague about 1 hour. Then 10 minutes walk to the ossuary. Parking available nearby by car.

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Insider tip

Visit the ossuary early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Buy a combo ticket for multiple attractions in Kutná Hora.

Geography

Coordinates

49.96180, 15.28810

Facts

Abbot Henry brought a handful of soil from Jerusalem's Golgotha to Sedlec in 1278.
The massive bone chandelier was completed in 1870 by woodcarver František Rint.
The ossuary is located in the basement of the 14th-century Cemetery Church of All Saints.
Following the plague of 1318, approximately 30,000 people were buried in the cemetery.
The signature of František Rint is displayed on a wall, also meticulously crafted from bones.
There are four large bell-shaped mounds of bones located in the corners of the chapel.