Strangest Bone Churches of Europe

Updated in March of 2026

Bone churches, more accurately called ossuaries, exist throughout Europe. They contain arrangements of human remains that range from simple burial crypts to elaborate artistic installations. Some visitors find them deeply moving reflections on mortality and religious devotion. Others find them unsettling. Both reactions are valid.

European ossuaries emerged from practical needs. When cemeteries became full, bones were exhumed and moved to create space for new burials. In the centuries that followed, some communities transformed these storage spaces into something more - decorating walls with femurs and skulls, creating crosses and patterns, turning mortality into art.

If you want to explore Europe's bone churches, here are the key locations to visit.

Sedlec Ossuary - Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

The Sedlec Ossuary is arguably Europe's most famous bone church. Located beneath the Church of All Saints in Kutná Hora, about 70 kilometers from Prague, this ossuary contains the remains of roughly 40,000 people - all arranged with deliberate precision into decorative patterns.

The bones form crosses, pyramids, and the coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family. A chandelier made entirely of bone - featuring every bone in the human body - hangs from the ceiling. A single human skeleton, likely a plague victim or criminal executed in medieval times, sits at a desk, serving as the church's most unsettling artistic element.

2026 Visitor Information:

Open April to September: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; October and March: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; November to February: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Closed Christmas. Admission: 90 CZK (approximately 3.50 USD) for basic entry. Combination tickets with Sedlec Cathedral available at 320 CZK (approximately 14 USD).

Capuchin Crypt - Rome, Italy

The Capuchin Crypt lies beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione near the Trevi Fountain. Here, the bones of more than 4,000 Capuchin friars have been arranged into elaborate patterns covering the walls and ceilings of six chapels. The friars chose to preserve their mortal remains as a meditation on death and the transience of human life.

Each chapel has a distinct theme. One contains chandeliers and a wall clock crafted from bones. Another features the remains of a Capuchin princess displayed in the center. A third contains an hourglass made of bone and sand, a final reminder of time's passage. Inscriptions above doorways often read 'We were what you are, you will be what we are.'

2026 Visitor Information:

The crypt is located at Via Veneto 27 and is open to visitors. Hours vary by season; check ahead for current times. Photography is prohibited inside the crypt to preserve the atmosphere and respect the religious nature of the space.

Hallstatt Ossuary - Hallstatt, Austria

St. Michael's Chapel in Hallstatt is one of Austria's oldest surviving Christian structures. Its crypt contains the bones of over 1,200 residents who died in plague outbreaks and wars from the 12th century onward. The skulls and bones are painted with names, dates, and decorative designs - a form of remembrance unique to this Alpine village.

The remains are arranged on shelves surrounding the crypt. Each skull bears a name and, often, floral decorations painted in the centuries that followed. The chapel itself is modest by European standards - whitewashed stone walls and simple furnishings - making the ornamented remains all the more striking. The graveyard surrounding St. Michael's offers views of the Hallstatt valley and the Salzkammergut mountains.

2026 Visitor Information:

St. Michael's Chapel is open to visitors year-round. The surrounding village of Hallstatt draws large numbers of tourists, particularly in summer. Consider visiting in shoulder seasons (May or September) for fewer crowds.

Kapuzinerkloster Salzburg - Salzburg, Austria

The Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin Monastery) in Salzburg contains a smaller ossuary in its basement. The bones here are arranged into intricate patterns, including a coat of arms made entirely of bone. While less visited than Sedlec, the Salzburg ossuary offers the same meditative quality - a quiet reflection on human mortality in the heart of an Austrian monastery.

The monastery itself is worth exploring beyond the ossuary. Its church features baroque architecture and offers views over Salzburg from its hilltop location. The grounds include peaceful courtyards and gardens maintained by Capuchin friars.

2026 Visitor Information:

The monastery welcomes visitors daily. Check hours before arriving, as they vary seasonally and may be affected by religious observances.

Paris Catacombs - Paris, France

The Paris Catacombs are technically not a church, but rather a labyrinth of limestone quarries beneath Paris that were repurposed as a burial site. Beginning in the late 18th century, when Parisian cemeteries were dangerously overcrowded, the remains of millions were transferred into these underground passages. Estimates suggest the bones of over 6 million people rest here.

Unlike ossuaries designed for artistic or religious purposes, the Catacombs functioned primarily as a practical solution to a public health crisis. Bones are often stacked rather than decorated, though sections do feature arrangements that form patterns and patterns into walls of femurs. The Catacombs extend for miles, and visitors access only a fraction of the full network.

2026 Visitor Information:

Guided tours are mandatory and required for safety in the underground tunnels. Book ahead, especially during high season. The entrance is in the 14th arrondissement. The visit takes roughly 45 minutes. The temperature underground remains constant year-round, so bring a light jacket. Photographs of bones are not permitted in certain sections.

Faro Chapel Ossuary - Faro, Portugal

The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) in Faro is less well known than Sedlec or Rome's catacombs, but it offers a distinct experience. Built in the 17th century, the chapel contains an estimated 1,245 skeletons, with bones arranged within walls. The work of Franciscan friars, the ossuary reflects both religious devotion and the region's struggles with plague and mortality.

The chapel sits within the historic walls of the Old Town of Faro, a charming section of the city accessible by walking through narrow streets lined with traditional Portuguese architecture. Visiting the ossuary can be combined with exploring the nearby cathedral, museum, and waterfront.

2026 Visitor Information:

The chapel is open to visitors with modest admission fees. Hours vary; check locally before visiting. Faro is easily reached by flying into Faro International Airport, which serves the Algarve region of Portugal.

Visiting Bone Churches - What to Know

These spaces function as active places of worship or historical sites. Treat them with respect. Wear appropriate clothing - shoulders and knees covered is the standard approach at religious sites. Be quiet and avoid flash photography unless explicitly permitted.

Some visitors find ossuaries emotionally difficult. Consider your comfort level before visiting, particularly if you have experienced recent loss. Remember that the bones on display represent real people with histories and families.

Plan visits during quieter hours if possible. Early mornings or weekdays tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience. Winter and shoulder seasons offer fewer tourists at most European sites.

Combine ossuary visits with other regional attractions. Many are located near major cities with excellent museums, restaurants, and accommodations. A trip to Kutná Hora pairs well with time in Prague. Rome's catacombs are minutes from major tourist sites. Hallstatt attracts visitors planning broader trips through Austria and Switzerland.