Temple of bones in the Czech Republic: photo and description, history, how to get there, reviews

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

One of the most creepy and at the same time attractive places on the planet can safely be called a temple of bones in the Czech Republic, located near the city of Kutna Hora. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to these places to personally feel goosebumps on their skin.

What is this

The temple of bones in the Czech Republic is called differently the church and is recognized by the international community as the most terrible place and the most terrifying attraction in the world. This is because more than forty thousand real human bones are collected inside the building, which are not randomly scattered around the entire perimeter, but are carefully assembled into various compositions. The smallest details of the interior are also assembled from bones. Every year, the temple of bones, despite its terrible history, attracts tens of thousands of tourists.

History of occurrence

In the second half of the thirteenth century, in 1278, a minister of the Catholic monastic order in the suburbs of Kutna Hora, who separated from the main Benedictine order, was sent to the Holy Land by order of the king, now, as you know, belongingIsrael. The monk fulfilled the order and returned to his homeland with a small amount of land, which he brought from sacred places. He evenly scattered the earth over the cemetery at the abbey. Very quickly, the rumor about this spread everywhere, and the churchyard became the most popular burial place. The dead were brought here from all over Central Europe. The burial site grew incredibly fast, which was facilitated by numerous wars and epidemics.

This continued until 1400. During this period, a building was erected nearby, a tomb, which was supposed to serve as a kind of repository of bones that were dug out of the ground in order to make room for new burials or construction. The tomb was also rebuilt. The architects added an additional entrance, which was supposed to protect the outer wall, as it tilted significantly and could collapse. It is known for sure that in 1784 the Czech emperor ordered to close this tomb. The former monastery lands were sold to the ancient noble family of Schwarzenberg together with all the buildings. About a century later, the descendants of the dynasty hired a talented woodcarver Frantisek Rint. He was given the task of bringing the heap of bones into maximum order. The master approached the matter with imagination and made what we call a temple of human bones in the Czech Republic.

Internal Unit

Outside the temple is beautiful, built in the best traditions of Gothic art. However, the interior decoration can seriously shock an unprepared tourist.

From the first steps, visitors to the temple are greeted with four rows of skulls stacked together with bones. It should be noted that earlier this composition was decorated with small cute golden cupids, angels of love, but they were soon removed, since their presence did not fit in with the gloomy beauty of the installed skulls.

One of the most frightening exhibits, but at the same time grandiose, is the chandelier under the roof. It is possible that among tourists around the world, it is the chandelier that is considered the main asset of the temple of bones in the Czech Republic. It is mainly assembled from the bones of the limbs and small vertebrae. The spurs are decorated with skulls, which are mounted on special pedestals made of scapular and humerus bones. There are wax candles on the turtles.

To the left of the main entrance for public viewing, the coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family was created. In the first version of the coat of arms, one detail was missing, telling about an interesting historical fact: one of the family members once saved the country from an unexpected invasion of the Turks. He captured the scout, intercepted the letter and reported it to the king. After the death of the hero, his skull was installed in the lower right corner of the coat of arms. A crow can also be clearly seen there, as if symbolically pecking out the enemy's eyes.

Vases and columns inside the temple of human bones in the Czech Republic are also amazing. Almost all parts of the human skeleton are used for their device.

Uniqueness and sacrilege

Temple of bones in the Czech Republic is a unique building in the world due to the fact that allinterior details in it are assembled from bones. There are many ossuaries in the world, but it is the Czech one that is recognized as a cultural heritage. A distinctive feature of the temple is the presence in it of the coat of arms of the city and the monastery. The master did not forget about himself either: he left a kind of autograph on the wall nearby. Naturally, also made of bones.

The history of the temple of bones in the Czech Republic, however, is not to everyone's taste. Many consider such a structure a mockery and sacrilege, since the bones, in their opinion, should belong to the earth. Before being indignant, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the fact that, firstly, the ossuary is located below ground level, so they are considered buried. Secondly, the temple is active, church services are regularly held in it, candles are lit. Any of the visitors can donate a few euros and light a candle for themselves and their loved ones. Thirdly, from the very beginning, the bodies of the dead were buried according to all the canons, and the ministers of the church confirm this. Of course, photos of the temple of bones in the Czech Republic are shocking and disturbing. However, it is worth remembering that this is a historical monument, which has no equal in the world.

Where is located

The ossuary, or, in other words, the Church of All Saints, is located in Sedlec. This is one of the districts of the town of Kutna Hora, which also has an interesting and rich history. Arriving in the town, you can use the local public transport. The city bus ride will take about ten minutes. And you can, armed with a good mood, take a walk on your own. Allsigns and maps are conveniently located on the streets of the city with free access for everyone.

How to get to the temple of bones in the Czech Republic, almost all locals know. First of all, the shortest way to the temple area is through Prague. Having landed in the capital of the Czech Republic, use one of the most convenient and familiar ways for you.

Train

Since the temple is located on the territory of the Czech city of Kutna Hora, you first need to get to it. Trains to Kutná Hora depart from Prague's main railway station every hour. The first train departs from the city at 06.03, the last - at 22.03. In the opposite direction, trains run at the same hourly frequency. The ticket price is about ten euros. Travel documents can be purchased online on the official website of the railway station, directly at the box office or in special machines located on the territory of the station. The time you will spend on the road will be about an hour, so take care of your leisure time in advance if you do not like to look at the passing landscapes. You can say your favorite series, movie or book.

Bus

From the main bus station in Prague, buses leave every hour in the direction of the city of Kutna Hora. The first bus from the capital leaves the route at 6.00, the last one leaves at 22.00. From Kutna Hora, the first transport leaves at 5.00, the last at 20.30. Tickets can be purchased at the station ticket office or online. It will take about two hours to get by bus, so in advanceask yourself or your loved ones if they are ready to spend that much time on the bus. When you go on a trip, be sure to take a bottle of water with you so as not to buy exorbitant prices on the way to one of the most visited places in the Czech Republic.

Sightseeing tour

This is a great but more expensive way to get to the temple. As part of an excursion group, you will have a great day, get acquainted with the history of not only the temple of bones, but also the city and the country as a whole. In addition, the tour consists not only of a trip to Kutna Hora, but also includes several other nearby attractions that will be interesting to get to know. The cost of the tour starts from 40 euros (about 3 thousand rubles), depending on the richness of the program. Tours are sold at any tourist kiosk at Prague's main railway junctions.

Reviews of tourists

. Contrary to popular belief about the splendor of the ossuary, some travelers claim that they expected more from this attraction than it really is. They were delighted and surprised by the Cathedral of St. Barbara, which initially seemed to tourists not worthy of special attention. In addition, silver mines, which are located near the temple, are a must-see place. Travelers recommend taking non-carbonated water and a light snack on the road with them. Well, on the spot you cango to any cafe and taste the local cuisine.