The mysterious underworld of the bone chapel in Kutná Hora
The Mysterious Underworld of the Bone Chapel in Kutná Hora
During my stay in the enchanting city of Prague, I decided to take a day trip to the nearby town of Kutná Hora. I was drawn by the chilling allure of a place I could hardly believe existed: the Sedlec Ossuary, or more commonly known as the Bone Chapel. This macabre yet fascinating site has captivated the imaginations of many, and I was determined to witness its eerie beauty firsthand.
A Journey from Prague to Kutná Hora
Starting from Prague, we boarded a comfortable train at the main station. The journey to Kutná Hora took about an hour, passing through picturesque Czech countryside. The rolling hills and charming villages we passed made the trip itself an enjoyable experience. Once we arrived at Kutná Hora’s main station, a short local train ride brought us closer to Sedlec, where the Bone Chapel is located. A brief walk from the train station, and we found ourselves standing before the unassuming exterior of the chapel.
The Origins of the Sedlec Ossuary
The history of the Sedlec Ossuary is both fascinating and eerie. In the 13th century, an abbot from the Sedlec Monastery was sent to the Holy Land by King Otakar II of Bohemia. He returned with a handful of soil from Golgotha, the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. This sacred soil was sprinkled over the abbey cemetery, instantly making it a desirable burial ground for people across Central Europe.The cemetery grew rapidly, especially during the Black Death in the mid-14th century and the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century. By the 1400s, the cemetery was overflowing with bodies, and the task of exhuming the older graves to make room for new burials began. These exhumed bones were stored in the chapel’s ossuary.
Creation of the Bone Chapel
The Bone Chapel as we know it today began to take shape in the 16th century. According to legend, a half-blind Cistercian monk was tasked with the exhumation and organization of the bones, which he did, stacking them into pyramids within the ossuary.However, the most significant transformation occurred in 1870 when František Rint, a woodcarver, was commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family to arrange the bones in an artistic manner. Rint’s work turned the ossuary into a masterpiece of macabre art, with bones meticulously arranged into chandeliers, pyramids, and even a coat of arms.
A Chilling Display of Human Remains
Entering the Bone Chapel is a surreal experience. The dimly lit interior is filled with the skeletal remains of over 40,000 individuals. One of the first things that catches your eye is the massive chandelier hanging from the center of the chapel, constructed entirely of bones and including at least one of every bone in the human body. Skulls and femurs are used to create garlands, crosses, and other intricate designs.The coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family is another striking feature. Crafted from bones, it depicts a raven pecking at the severed head of a Turk, symbolizing a historical victory. The detailed and artistic arrangement of bones in this ossuary is both haunting and mesmerizing, leaving visitors in awe of the craftsmanship.
A World Wonder Shrouded in Mystery
The Sedlec Ossuary is often debated as a wonder of the world, though it remains unofficial. The sight of thousands of human bones artfully arranged is both haunting and awe-inspiring. It raises numerous questions: Was this creation influenced by voodoo or black magic? Was it an act of witchcraft? These speculations add to the chapel’s mysterious aura, though there is no concrete evidence to support such claims.
Visiting the Bone Chapel
If you plan to visit, the best way to reach Kutná Hora is by train from Prague. Trains run frequently, and the trip is both affordable and scenic. Upon arriving in Kutná Hora, follow the signs or use a map to find your way to the Sedlec Ossuary. The chapel is open year-round, but it’s a good idea to check the opening hours before you go.My visit to the Bone Chapel in Kutná Hora was an unforgettable experience. The chapel’s unique history, combined with its eerie beauty, left a lasting impression on me. It is a place that invites reflection on life and death, art and history. Whether you are a lover of the macabre, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, the Sedlec Ossuary is a must-see when visiting the Czech Republic. The mysterious underworld of the Bone Chapel continues to captivate and intrigue all who enter its doors.Regards Nicole
During my stay in the enchanting city of Prague, I decided to take a day trip to the nearby town of Kutná Hora. I was drawn by the chilling allure of a place I could hardly believe existed: the Sedlec Ossuary, or more commonly known as the Bone Chapel. This macabre yet fascinating site has captivated the imaginations of many, and I was determined to witness its eerie beauty firsthand.
The history of the Sedlec Ossuary is both fascinating and eerie. In the 13th century, an abbot from the Sedlec Monastery was sent to the Holy Land by King Otakar II of Bohemia. He returned with a handful of soil from Golgotha, the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. This sacred soil was sprinkled over the abbey cemetery, instantly making it a desirable burial ground for people across Central Europe.The cemetery grew rapidly, especially during the Black Death in the mid-14th century and the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century. By the 1400s, the cemetery was overflowing with bodies, and the task of exhuming the older graves to make room for new burials began. These exhumed bones were stored in the chapel’s ossuary.
However, the most significant transformation occurred in 1870 when František Rint, a woodcarver, was commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family to arrange the bones in an artistic manner. Rint’s work turned the ossuary into a masterpiece of macabre art, with bones meticulously arranged into chandeliers, pyramids, and even a coat of arms.
Entering the Bone Chapel is a surreal experience. The dimly lit interior is filled with the skeletal remains of over 40,000 individuals. One of the first things that catches your eye is the massive chandelier hanging from the center of the chapel, constructed entirely of bones and including at least one of every bone in the human body. Skulls and femurs are used to create garlands, crosses, and other intricate designs.
The coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family is another striking feature. Crafted from bones, it depicts a raven pecking at the severed head of a Turk, symbolizing a historical victory. The detailed and artistic arrangement of bones in this ossuary is both haunting and mesmerizing, leaving visitors in awe of the craftsmanship.
Visiting the Bone Chapel
Visiting the Bone Chapel
My visit to the Bone Chapel in Kutná Hora was an unforgettable experience. The chapel’s unique history, combined with its eerie beauty, left a lasting impression on me. It is a place that invites reflection on life and death, art and history. Whether you are a lover of the macabre, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, the Sedlec Ossuary is a must-see when visiting the Czech Republic. The mysterious underworld of the Bone Chapel continues to captivate and intrigue all who enter its doors.Regards Nicole 
