Czech Republic’s Bone Church
In the 13th century, a monk brought sand from Jerusalem to a small ossuary in central Europe. Suddenly everyone wanted to be buried there, but soon enough, space ran out. For centuries, monks collected and stored human remains, until a local woodcarver decided he’d get creative with the surplus skeletons and create a bone church. Using the skeletons of some 40,000 people, he created wall art, columns, even a chandelier made with every bone in the human body. Today you can visit the church, marvel at the morbid creativity of its contents, and the extensive uses of the human body.
Length of Trip : Plan for a day trip from Prague, visiting the ossuary and surrounding countryside.
Cost :
It costs about US$4 per person to enter the church.
Best time to go : Open Year Round
Wheelchair friendly : Yes, although there are stairs to enter to the ossuary.
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
When in Prague, definitely find your way to a summer beer garden. You can't really go wrong visiting a local pub. Highly recommended restaurant in the city include the high-end La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise to popular Old Town student hangout Lokal.
Pizzeria Grosseto is a local favourite across the river, serving big delicious thin crusted pizza and tasty pastas. Pivovasrky Dum at Jecna/Lipova 15 is your typical pub/restaurant, with some exceptional beer and a masterful roasted duck.
Official Site :
For more information on the Sedlec Ossuary, click here.
Where to Stay :
On a budget: I enjoyed my stay at Miss Sophie's hostel, which had friendly staff, a modern building, fluffy pillows, good showers, and was centrally located a few blocks from Old Town.
For something stylish: Hotel Josef, located on a quiet street away from the action, a modern 4-star boutique hotel within walking distance of all major sights.
For something decadent: The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, a five-star boutique hotel close to Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge.
Getting There :
Trains from Prague arrive at the Kutná Hora main station, which is a ten minute walk from the Church. The train trip can take an hour (on the fast train) or two (on the slow train). From Prague’s Florenc or Černý Most bus stations, it takes about 90 minutes to get to Kutná Hora. Alternatively you can look into a day trip tour from operators like New Prague Tours.
Note from Robin :
Like many attractions on this site (and in my book), the Bone Church is merely an excuse to get out of the tourist hub (in this case Prague) and explore some of the surrounding countryside. Some of the medieval churches you'll see along the way are extraordinary, the beer is wonderful, and the locals welcoming. A full day tour offers great value.
PRESENTED BY FORD OF CANADA
 |
In any trim, the five-passenger Edge asserts an athletic presence. It hits peak style and performance in the Edge Sport with a standard 315-hp^ 2.7L EcoBoost. There’s more. Intelligent AWD and a sport-tuned suspension are dialed in, so you can reach your peak. Available driver-assist features—such as a front 180-degree camera* with washer that can virtually see around corners—help you master real-world challenges with confidence. ^ Figure achieved using premium unleaded gasoline. * Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver's attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. |