The ossuary was forgotten for centuries until workers conducting a survey for a square renovation broke into the crypt.
The remains were moved here from the former St. James cemetery when it reached capacity in the 18th century.
A specialized ventilation system was installed to maintain the integrity of the bone arrangements while preventing mold growth.
The ossuary includes a unique room containing stone coffins from the original 13th-century burial grounds.
DNA testing has confirmed the presence of victims from the 17th-century Swedish siege of Brno among the remains.
The Ossuary at the Church of St. James in Brno is the second-largest ossuary in Europe, trailing only the Catacombs of Paris. Discovered by accident during a 2001 archaeological survey, the site houses the remains of over 50,000 individuals, many of whom were victims of the plague, cholera, and Thirty Years' War battles. The bones are organized into intricate, wall-like formations lining the subterranean corridors beneath St. James Square. Atmospheric lighting highlights the architectural arrangement of the skulls and long bones in the excavated chambers. The site is managed by the Tourism Information Centre of Brno and requires a guided or curated entry process. It serves as a stark reminder of Brno's historical demographic shifts and burial customs.
The main underground gallery provides the best angle to capture the dense, symmetrical walls of skulls.
Book your entry slot online well in advance, as group sizes are strictly limited to preserve the microclimate.
Bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains significantly lower than the surface temperature year-round.
The site is compact, so prioritize seeing the central chamber where the most complex artistic bone arrangements are displayed.
Do not attempt to touch or remove any of the skeletal remains, which is strictly prohibited and monitored by security systems.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a consecrated final resting place; photography is permitted but strictly without flash.
