Sedlec Ossuary

Catholic church · Kutná Hora

Sedlec Ossuary

Catholic church · Kutná Hora

Zámecká, 284 03 Kutná Hora 3, Czechia

Highlights

Gothic chapel with skull decorations and bone chandelier

Zámecká, 284 03 Kutná Hora 3, Czechia Get directions

sedlec.info

@visit.sedlec

@nomadicmatt

My Suggested 4 Day Prague Itinerary for 2025

"For a day trip I recommend Kutná Hora: the Sedlec Ossuary is famously creepy with some 40,000–70,000 bones (the church visit only takes about 15 minutes), and the town’s medieval center has marvelous churches and well-preserved streets that feel like a less crowded version of Prague; skip-the-line tickets with an audio guide cost 200 CZK." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/four-days-in-prague/

View Postcard for Sedlec Ossuary

@nomadicmatt

A Visitor's Guide to Sedlec Ossuary (Kutna Hora) (Updated 2025)

"I visited the Roman Catholic chapel officially known as the Sedlec Ossuary — nicknamed the Bone Church — a few miles outside Prague and was struck by the sheer number of human remains: over 40,000 bones arranged everywhere, from piles and heaps to bones on the walls, bones hanging from the ceiling and even a chandelier made of bones. The site began as a Cistercian monastery founded in 1142; after the abbot Henry returned from Jerusalem and sprinkled earth from the Holy Land the cemetery became a sought-after burial site, which swelled during the 14th-century Black Death (over 30,000 burials) and another 10,000 war dead in the 15th century. According to legend a blind monk began stacking bones around 1511, and in 1870 woodcarver František Rint was hired to organize the piles into symbolic displays meant to evoke the impermanence of life. The downstairs chapel is a single, small room where the bones confront you immediately, while upstairs there is a stark modern church with a beautiful dome, a few displays and photos, and a handout that explains the history. It’s become very popular — roughly 200,000 visitors a year and many bus tours from Prague — and the visit only takes about an hour; practical details noted on site include opening 7 days a week (closed Dec 24) and admissions (90 CZK adults, 60 CZK reduced; combination ossuary+cathedral 120 CZK, 80 CZK reduced)." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/unusual-place-of-the-month-kutna-hora-bone-church/

View Postcard for Sedlec Ossuary

Keith Blanco

Google

An absolutely fascinating and hauntingly beautiful place to visit. The Sedlec Ossuary is unlike anything else — both eerie and awe-inspiring at the same time. The artistry and respect shown in how the bones are arranged is incredible; it really makes you reflect on history, mortality, and craftsmanship all at once. I visited on a weekday and had almost no wait to get in, which made the experience even better. The site is well-preserved, informative, and surprisingly peaceful. Highly recommend stopping here if you’re anywhere near Kutná Hora — it’s a quick trip from Prague and completely worth it. Buying tickets in advance isn’t necessary if you go early in the day, but it can’t hurt during busy seasons.

Daphne

Google

Gorgeous but small ossuary. I'd give it five stars if it was allowed to tak pictures. I'd just like to have memory of my visit, respectfully.

Anand

Google

Very interesting church. It is one of a kind. It was much smaller than I expected. Definitely worth the visit. My only disappointment is that it’s so unique but you can’t take a picture of yourself inside. Granted there are few people who do not show respect when taking a pic, the remainder of the folks have to suffer for other’s bad decisions. this place is good for a quick stop.

Andy McAllin

Google

Interesting and unsettling historic site. The information and videos about the restoration work makes you appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship of the people involved in creating the Ossuary and now ensuring the site is kept safe is really impressive.

Robin Edblom

Google

Great piece of history that is well taken care of! Not too crowded on a Sunday but some people was a little bit disrespectful to the place and used the phone or camera when it is forbidden inside. Take your time to watch the video upstairs before you go inside. This will help you appreciate it even more.

Jean-Paul El-Nabbout

Google

It is definitely an interesting place, seeing how the bones used belonged to real people. It is a great place to sit and contemplate and reflect. The ossuary itself isn't as big and photos are not allowed inside to respect the ones that passed away.

Erin-Grace Coward

Google

First need to know in advance buy tickets online there is no time slots it's valid all day (time slots are beeing added October 2025) second only a 1 hour/ 45mins form the center of Prague. ☠️ When there NO photose!! You just have to go see it for yourself definitely memorable and there is amazing coffee shop opposite and a lovely walk 15 mins away.

Remi Bertrand

Google

It's a nice place to visit, sure, but it's also very small and not very informative (in terms of history). About 30 minutes to visit if you take your time. Major restorations and closed areas, so it turns out to be pricey in the end. They say you can't take pictures, out of respect for the dead, but entitled and self-centered people do it anyway, because the management doesn't do anything about it. In my opinion, It's okay if you're already visiting Kutna Hora, but not worth the detour from Prague.