Emma Mykytyn The creepy bone church in Czechia
Did you know that there is a church in Czechia (The Czech Republic) in the town of Kutna Hora which has bone chandeliers, a bone balcony and even a coat of arms made from bones?!
Discover one of the most unusual attractions in Europe with our guide to visiting the Sedlec Ossuary, better known as the Bone Church, in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic.
The Sedlec Ossuary, often referred to as the Bone Church, is one of the most fascinating and unusual attractions in the Czech Republic. Located in the UNESCO-listed town of Kutná Hora, around an hour from Prague, this small Roman Catholic chapel attracts visitors from around the world who come to see its extraordinary interior decorated with the bones of tens of thousands of people.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Prague, exploring Czech history, or seeking out unique dark tourism destinations in Europe, the Sedlec Ossuary deserves a place on your itinerary.
What is the Sedlec Ossuary?
The Sedlec Ossuary is a small chapel located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in the Sedlec district of Kutná Hora.
What makes it famous is its remarkable decoration. The chapel contains the skeletal remains of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people, arranged into elaborate artistic displays including chandeliers, coats of arms, pyramids of skulls and decorative garlands.
We visited Prague a few years back and whilst there took a trip out to Kutna Hora, around an hours train journey from Prague (Click here for train and bus times).
Why Are There So Many Bones in the Bone Church?
The story begins in the 13th century when an abbot from Sedlec returned from Jerusalem with a small amount of soil from the Holy Land. The earth was scattered across the local cemetery, making it one of the most desirable burial places in Central Europe.
The cemetery rapidly expanded following the Black Death pandemic and the Hussite Wars.
As burial space became limited, older remains were exhumed and stored within the ossuary.
The church of All Saints in Sedlec, Kutna Hora, is known internationally as “the bone church” or “church of bones”. It’s an ossuary (or in Czech ‘Kostnice’), basically a place used to house human bones! The Church contains the bones of around 40,000 people who died of the plague in 1318.
The bodies were originally buried in the church cemetery. However, when the cemetery was closed in the 15th century, the bones were transferred to the chapel (as you do!).
In 1870, František Rint arranged the bones into decorations. Who knows why?
Inside the Sedlec Ossuary
The centrepiece is undoubtedly the famous bone chandelier, which reportedly contains at least one of every bone found in the human body.
Other highlights include:
The Schwarzenberg family coat of arms constructed entirely from bones
Decorative skull pyramids
Bone garlands and ornaments
Intricate wall displays
The chapel itself is relatively small, making it easy to explore in under an hour, but many visitors spend longer admiring the craftsmanship and contemplating its history.
How to Get to Kutná Hora from Prague
Kutná Hora is one of the easiest day trips from Prague.
By Train
Regular services run from Prague’s main railway station to Kutná Hora.
Journey time:
Around 50–70 minutes
The Sedlec Ossuary is within walking distance of Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží station.
Sedlec is located about half a mile from Kutna Hora – Main Railway Station (hlavní nádraží).
By train: The local trains that connect the train station with the Kutná Hora city center pass through Sedlec. Get off at the first stop (Kutná Hora-Sedlec). It is a request stop, so press the request-stop button (zastávka na znamení). Or walk from the main train station, (Hlavni Nadrazi) as we did.
By bus: Kutná Hora city buses no. 1 and 7 connect the train station with the town. Get off at the second stop (Sedlec,Tabák) and follow the signs to the ossuary.
By Car
Driving from Prague takes approximately one hour via the D11 motorway.
Parking is available near the ossuary and surrounding attractions.
By Guided Tour
Many visitors choose organised excursions from Prague, often combining the Bone Church with other highlights of Kutná Hora.
Visitor Information
Opening Times
Opening hours vary seasonally, so check before travelling.
Tickets
Combined tickets are often available for:
Sedlec Ossuary
Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St John the Baptist
Booking ahead can save time during busy periods.
For current information, visit the official website of Sedlec Ossuary.
Other Things to See in Kutná Hora
Many visitors make the mistake of visiting only the Bone Church and then returning to Prague. Kutná Hora offers much more and deserves at least a full day.
St Barbara’s Cathedral
The magnificent St. Barbara’s Church is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Central Europe.
Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St John the Baptist
Located next to the ossuary, this UNESCO-listed cathedral is often overlooked but is well worth visiting.
Czech Museum of Silver
Learn about the silver mining industry that made Kutná Hora one of the wealthiest cities in medieval Europe.
Historic Town Centre
Wander through picturesque streets, historic squares and traditional Czech cafés.
Where to Eat in Kutná Hora
After exploring the Bone Church, consider stopping at one of Kutná Hora’s traditional restaurants to sample Czech cuisine. We had lunch at the cosy Restaurace Dačický which serves soup in edible bread bowls and has a roaring real fireplace in winter.
Popular dishes include:
Svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce)
Goulash
Roast pork with dumplings
Czech beers from local breweries
Adding lunch to your itinerary transforms the visit from a quick stop into a rewarding day trip.
Is the Sedlec Ossuary Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
The Sedlec Ossuary is unlike any other attraction in Europe. It combines history, art, religion and human stories into a truly unforgettable experience.
While photographs capture the appearance of the chapel, they rarely convey the atmosphere of standing beneath a chandelier constructed from human bones or viewing centuries of history arranged into intricate works of art.
For visitors interested in history, architecture, unusual attractions or dark tourism, the Bone Church is one of the Czech Republic’s most memorable destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Bone Church from Prague?
The Sedlec Ossuary is approximately 70 kilometres east of Prague and can be reached by train in around one hour.
How many skeletons are in the Bone Church?
The remains of an estimated 40,000–70,000 people are housed within the ossuary.
Can you visit the Bone Church as a day trip from Prague?
Yes. It is one of the most popular day trips from Prague and can easily be visited in a single day.
How long do you need at the Sedlec Ossuary?
Most visitors spend between 30 and 60 minutes exploring the chapel, though a full day is recommended if you wish to explore Kutná Hora’s other attractions.
Is photography allowed inside the Bone Church?
Photography policies can change, so check current rules before visiting.
Where is Sedlec Ossuary?
