Pic of the day: Ossuary beneath St. James Church

by Michal Kašpárek on August 21, 2009

Most people in Brno don’t know that we have the second biggest european ossuary in our town. There are 30,000 dead men and women resting under the pavement of Náměstí sv. Jakuba sq. This picture was taken in the 1930s and shows an underground passage filled with bones and skulls:

Ossuary of St. James Church in the 1930s

Ossuary of St. James Church in the 1930s

The place was rediscovered in 2001. If everything goes well, general public will get the access to the ossuary in 2010 or 2011. Don’t look forward for some sick spectacle, it will be “only” a decent place for meditation and thinking about life and death.

Source: thesis “St. James The Great Church Ossuary In Brno” by Barbora Roučková

Map


Zvětšit mapu

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Leanne Morgan October 1, 2010 at 12:11 PM

I’ll be in Brno from the 14th October 2010. Can you tell me if the ossuary will be open to the public by then?

Michal Kašpárek October 1, 2010 at 1:19 PM

Sadly, it is still not open for public. I hope we will be able to see the ossuary next year.

Leave a Comment

Accommodation with the best value for money in the town, recommended by Brno Now readers:

For backpackers: Hostel Mitte

Hostel Mitte

  • Located in the historical centre, 5 minutes from main station
  • New and clean hostel (est. 2011) in a cool medieval building, free Wi-Fi and a tiny café serving excellent coffee
  • Beds from €20
  • Alternatives: Hostel Fléda, Iberica

The convenient choice: VV Hotel

Hotel VV

  • Well rated by families with young children
  • Sauna, whirlpool and free parking
  • In walking distance (300 m) to main station, Petrov cathedral and the historical centre
  • Next to the largest downtown shopping mall, Vaňkovka
  • Single room: €49, double room: €64
  • Alternatives: U Šuláka, Pension na Dvořákově

The luxurious choice: Barceló (a.k.a. Comsa Palace)

Hotel Barceló

  • Beautifully restored historical building
  • Right next to the catedral & town's nicest park
  • In walking distance to the best restaurants, cafés, galleries and sightseeings
  • Single bed: €96+, double room: €209+
  • Alternatives: International, Royal Ricc, Hotel Cyro, Grandhotel

Why use Booking.com?

  • Safe and easy booking
  • Lowest prices
  • No booking fees
  • Unbiased reviews
  • 72 hotels in Brno
  • 300,000 room nights booked every day worldwide