Brno Ossuary, Brno

Name: Brno Ossuary
Address: Jakubske namesti, Brno, 602 00, Czech Republic
Telephone: +420 515 919 793

#13 among attractions in Brno

Mysterious site, Historical place, Cemetery

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Map

Facts and practical information

Beneath the bustling streets of Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, lies a chilling yet fascinating attraction: the Brno Ossuary. This subterranean site, second in size only to the Paris Catacombs, houses the skeletal remains of over 50,000 individuals, making it one of the largest ossuaries in Europe.

Discovered in 2001 during a renovation of the Church of St. James, the ossuary was created due to the overcrowding of the church's cemetery in the 17th and 18th centuries. As space became a premium, older remains were exhumed and placed into the ossuary to make room for new burials. The bones were arranged artistically, creating an eerie yet respectful homage to the deceased.

The Brno Ossuary is not just a macabre tourist attraction; it is also an important historical and archaeological site, providing insight into the city's past and the health, diet, and diseases of its former inhabitants. It serves as a somber reminder of the city's rich history and the transient nature of life.

Visitors to the ossuary can explore the carefully arranged chambers where bones and skulls line the walls and ceilings. The ossuary is open to the public and offers guided tours that explain the history of the site and the stories behind this vast collection of human remains.

Local name: Brněnská kostnice Coordinates: 49°11'47"N, 16°36'29"E

Address

Jakubske namestiBrno-střed (Město Brno)Brno 602 00 Czech Republic

Contact

+420 515 919 793

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Day trips

Brno Ossuary – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Church of St. James, Janáčkovo divadlo, J. A. Komenského, Church of St. Thomas.

~140 ftNE
Historic Catholic church and ossuary
Church of St. James, Brno
1 min walk • The Church of St. James towers over the city of Brno, Czech Republic, as a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a historical monument of significant religious and cultural importance. Constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, this church has been a focal...
~990 ftNE
Theater, Opera, Concerts and shows
Janáčkovo divadlo, Brno
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, stands the Janáčkovo divadlo, a beacon of culture and performing arts. This prestigious theatre, with its modernist architecture and refined interior, serves as a prime venue for opera...
~1230 ftNW
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
J. A. Komenského, Brno
6 min walk • Nestled amidst the picturesque streets of Brno, the J. A. Komenského church stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage and architectural beauty. This church, dedicated to John Amos Comenius, a renowned Czech philosopher and theologian, is a place of worship that...
~620 ftN
Church, Baroque architecture
Church of St. Thomas, Brno
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, stands the Church of St. Thomas, a remarkable edifice that bears witness to the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. This church is not only a place of worship but also a...
~1290 ftE
Theater, Opera, Concerts and shows
Mahen Theatre, Brno
7 min walk • The Mahen Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic, stands as a beacon of cultural sophistication and historical significance. Constructed in 1882, it is a premier example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, designed by the renowned Viennese architectural firm Fellner & Helmer.
~1610 ftS
Concerts and shows, Theater
Reduta Theatre, Brno
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Brno, Czech Republic, the Reduta Theatre holds the distinguished title of being the oldest theatre in Central Europe. With its roots stretching back to the early 17th century, this historic venue has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural...
~900 ftW
Museum, Art museum
Moravian Gallery in Brno, Brno
5 min walk • The Moravian Gallery in Brno is the second-largest art museum in the Czech Republic, offering an extensive collection of visual arts from the region and beyond. Located in the historical city of Brno, this museum is a cultural haven for art enthusiasts and historians...
~1440 ftS
Fountain
Parnas fountain, Brno
7 min walk • In the historic city of Brno, Czech Republic, lies the Parnas Fountain, an emblematic feature of the city's market square. This Baroque fountain, constructed between 1690 and 1695, was originally designed to help distribute water to the city's residents.
~480 ftS
49°11'42"N • 16°36'30"E
Freedom Square, Brno
3 min walk • Square
~1260 ftSE
City gate, Specialty museum, Museum
Měnínská brána, Brno
7 min walk • Měnínská Gate is the only preserved city gate in Brno located in Orlí Street near Malinovské Square. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when it formed part of the Brno city walls.
~1170 ftE
Concerts and shows, Theater, Opera
National Theatre Brno, Brno
6 min walk • The National Theatre Brno is the major theatre house in Brno. It was established in 1884 and modeled on the National Theatre in Prague. It now consists of three stages: Mahen Theatre, originally the German-language Theatre on the Walls, the first theatre building on the continent with electric lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Brno Ossuary open?

Brno Ossuary is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am - 6 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Brno Ossuary?

Nearby attractions include Church of St. James, Brno (1 min walk), Morový sloup, Brno (2 min walk), Ethnographic Museum, Brno (2 min walk), Palác šlechtičen, Brno (3 min walk).

How to get to Brno Ossuary by public transport?

The nearest stations to Brno Ossuary:

Tram

Náměstí Svobody • Lines: 4, 9 (1 min walk)
Česká • Lines: 10, 12, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 (5 min walk)

Trolleybus

Česká • Lines: 32, 34, 36 (5 min walk)
Hlavní nádraží • Lines: 31, 33 (10 min walk)

Bus

Autobusové nádraží Grand • Lines: 260, 850, 851, 856, 857, 859, 864, 895, 913, 915, 916, 918, 919, 956, N1283, N1395, N1970, N260, N899, N903, N913, N918 (9 min walk)
Hotel Grand Bus Station • Lines: 260, 850, 851, 856, 857, 859, 864, 895, 913, 915, 916, 918, 919, 956, N1283, N1395, N1970, N260, N899, N903, N913, N918 (9 min walk)

Train

Brno hlavní nádraží (11 min walk)
Brno dolní nádraží (26 min walk)