Kutna Hora: The Bone Church

In a previous post, I sang the praises and pleasures of traveling to Prague, in the Czech Republic. If you want to get even more out of your trip to the Czech Republic, and you are fascinated with the bizarre or macabre, you simply must take a day trip to Kutna Hora.

Situated about 90 minutes outside of Prague, this town is famous for its Sedlec Ossuary, more commonly known by tourists as the Bone Church. Built in the 13^th century, this small Roman Catholic Church was not much different than many other churches that were established across Europe during the period. However, because the abbot of the Sedlec Monastery had sprinkled the grounds with soil from Palestine, this church was considered very holy ground and was a popular burial spot for Czech residents.

Image source: ArmchairTravelogue.Blogspot.com

 However, during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17^th century, the demand for burials in this sacred spot outstripped the available plots in which to bury the dead. In order to accommodate the desire to be buried in holy soil, they began digging up previous corpses and started to decorate the church with those skulls and bones.

As you walk into the little church today, you will be awestruck by the walls, chalices, and even a chandelier, that are decorated with the bones and skulls of previously departed souls. It feels cold upon entry, even on a hot summer day, and you will probably remain speechless as you walk around this rather spooky chapel.

Image source: OpenTheVox.Wordpress.com

While this is not the only tourist spot outside of Prague that is worth visiting, you can certainly say that it is the most unusual place to visit, perhaps in all of Europe. It is definitely worth the time to visit and explore. However, I would not recommend you spend the night inside it, unless you are an uncommonly brave adventurer! (Just kidding: it is only open during the daytime.)

Discover Prague

If you ever travel to Europe, one must-see spot is Prague in the Czech Republic. Besides its intrinsic beauty, Prague was one of the few major European cities to not be destroyed during World War II. This was because, during that tragic period of our world history, Prague (and all of Czechoslovakia, as it was then known) was occupied by Nazi Germany. The Allies viewed the Czechs as involuntarily occupied and consequently did not attack this country.


This fact means that Prague is one of the few ancient cities in Europe that still has all of their historical buildings and landmarks intact. Perhaps most famous is Prague Castle, which receives thousands of visitors each year. Built in the 9th century and currently operating as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, this is an unforgettable tourist spot. Many of the great and beloved royal families of old are still interred under the main chapel in the castle. Upon entering the chapel, one immediately senses that marvelous and deep history that properly stirs the pride of any native Czech.

Image source: Time.com

Another spot that offers more wonderful history and sites is Old Town Square, which is down the hill from Prague Castle and across the Vltava River. While thronging with crowds year round, visiting during the Easter or Christmas season is highly recommended. At those times, many small booths are set up with lots of wonderful local crafts and foods being offered as you meander through the square. During Easter, be sure to pick up one or two of their marvelously painted and delicate Easter Eggs. At Christmas time, enjoy the gigantic Christmas tree that is planted in front of Tyn Church.

Image source: Irongate.cz

Finally, be sure to enjoy the unusual and fantastic cuisine that the Czech Republic offers. Beer lovers from around the world never cease to enjoy the wide variety of local beers. Likewise, get some of the best schnitzel around and do not forget to sample their famous dumplings. You have the choice of bread, potato, or bacon dumplings, or if you are really hungry, order a plate that offers all three styles.


Trust me, if you want to see Europe as it was centuries ago, Prague is the place for you!