
St James Ossuary
Brno's chilling St. James Ossuary, Europe's second-largest, holds 50,000+ remains in a unique, artistic display beneath a historic church.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

St James Ossuary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brno's chilling St. James Ossuary, Europe's second-largest, holds 50,000+ remains in a unique, artistic display beneath a historic church.
"A somber yet strangely beautiful and artistic experience, connecting you to Brno's past."

⏳ Quick Exploration
The ossuary is small; expect to spend 15-30 mins. It's a unique, not macabre, experience.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Entry fee is 160 CZK. Some find it pricey for the short duration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ossuary Crypt
Beneath St. James Church
Walk among the meticulously arranged bones and skulls of over 50,000 souls. A somber yet strangely beautiful historical spectacle.

Second Largest in Europe
Underground exhibition
Experience a piece of history as the second-largest ossuary in Europe, a testament to past epidemics and conflicts.

Multimedia Exhibition
Entrance area
Engaging light shows and holographic projections bring the history of Brno and the ossuary to life before you descend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Brno's Bone Sanctuary
Quick Visit, Big Impression
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Quick Exploration
The ossuary is small; expect to spend 15-30 mins. It's a unique, not macabre, experience.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Entry fee is 160 CZK. Some find it pricey for the short duration.
✨ Eerie Beauty
It's described as strangely beautiful and artistic, not dark or macabre.
📍 Central Location
Located under Jakubské náměstí, it's easily accessible and part of Brno's underground attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Quick Exploration
The ossuary is small; expect to spend 15-30 mins. It's a unique, not macabre, experience.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Entry fee is 160 CZK. Some find it pricey for the short duration.
✨ Eerie Beauty
It's described as strangely beautiful and artistic, not dark or macabre.
📍 Central Location
Located under Jakubské náměstí, it's easily accessible and part of Brno's underground attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the St. James Ossuary a unique and historically significant site, often described as strangely beautiful and artistic rather than macabre. While some feel the experience is brief for the price, its central location and historical context make it a worthwhile stop for many.
"Visited Kostnice u sv. Jakuba today. While it's definitely a unique and eerie experience to see human bones and skeletons so closely arranged, the exhibit itself was much smaller than expected. You're given a single laminated sheet with basic information, and the entire site consists of just three short hallways with bone displays. It only took about 5 minutes to walk through.
At 160 CZK per person, it felt overpriced for the limited content and quick visit. Was it worth seeing once? Sure—it's interesting from a historical and visual standpoint. But would I go again? Definitely not. And I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you're already nearby and especially interested in ossuaries."
Eric Scott
"A very interesting and unique thing to do in Brno. It had a slightly spooky atmosphere to it. It was also strangely beautiful and I guess an art"
Rob
"I got surprised finding out Brno has the second biggest catacombs in Europe after Paris, I was a bit dissapointed afterwards that you can walk through the exhibition in under 15 minutes (including reading all the information displayed). However, I think it’s worth visiting, unique place. Looks amazing inside."
Diana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. James Ossuary (Kostnice u sv. Jakuba) is located beneath Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square) in the heart of Brno. It's easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. Many visitors also walk from other central Brno attractions.
While not a transport stop itself, the ossuary is very close to major public transport hubs in Brno's city center. You can use trams and buses to reach Jakubské náměstí, from where it's a short walk.
Yes, Brno's city center is quite walkable. If you're visiting other central sights like the Old Town Hall or Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, you can easily incorporate a walk to the St. James Ossuary into your itinerary.
From Brno Hlavní nádraží (main train station), you can take a tram or bus directly to the city center, which is a short distance from Jakubské náměstí. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service is also an option.
Parking in Brno's city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible. If you are driving, look for paid parking garages or street parking in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for the St. James Ossuary is typically around 160 CZK per person. Some visitors have noted it can feel a bit pricey for the short duration of the visit.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the St. James Ossuary, especially if you visit during off-peak hours or weekdays. However, checking their official website or local tourist information for any specific booking recommendations is always a good idea.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, a Brno Pass is available and often includes entry to the St. James Ossuary, along with other attractions. This can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Group visits are possible. It's advisable to contact the ossuary administration in advance to arrange group tours or inquire about any specific group rates or policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ossuary is a crypt beneath St. James Church, containing the remains of over 50,000 people. It's described as a compact space with bones and skulls arranged in a historically significant manner.
Most visitors find that a complete tour of the St. James Ossuary takes between 15 to 30 minutes, including reading the provided information.
While the subject matter is bones, many visitors describe the experience as surprisingly beautiful, artistic, and humbling rather than scary or macabre.
Typically, a laminated sheet with basic historical information about the ossuary and the people buried there is provided. Some exhibits may also include multimedia elements.
The ossuary is a historical site with human remains. While it's not overtly frightening, parents should consider their children's sensitivity to such themes. It's generally considered suitable for older children and adults.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage at the entrance or ask staff. In many ossuaries, photography might be restricted to preserve the atmosphere or due to the sensitive nature of the site.
The unique arrangement of bones and skulls offers striking visual opportunities. Many visitors capture the historical and artistic aspects of the displays.
Given the potentially low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful if photography is permitted. Focus on capturing the scale and detail of the bone arrangements.
Flash photography is often prohibited in historical or sensitive sites like ossuaries to protect the exhibits and maintain the solemn atmosphere. Always adhere to any posted rules.
You can find many photos on Instagram by searching hashtags like #stjamesossuary, #brnoossuary, or #kostniceusvjakuba. TikTok also features videos showcasing the interior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the St. James Ossuary
This practice was common across Europe to manage overcrowded cemeteries, especially during periods of high mortality due to plagues, cholera, and wars. The ossuary was rediscovered in 2001 during archaeological excavations, revealing an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 individuals' remains. The meticulous arrangement of these bones, often forming decorative patterns and structures, highlights a unique approach to dealing with death and remembrance.
Today, the ossuary serves as a powerful reminder of Brno's past and the lives of its former inhabitants. It offers a unique perspective on historical burial practices and the human condition, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The accompanying multimedia exhibition provides context and narrative to the silent stories held within the bones.
Experiencing the Ossuary: Beyond the Bones
The ossuary is also part of Brno's growing network of underground attractions. Before descending into the crypt, visitors can engage with a multimedia exhibition that uses light shows and holographic projections to tell the story of St. James Church and the city of Brno. This modern approach helps to contextualize the historical significance of the ossuary and makes the experience more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
While the sheer volume of human remains can be confronting, the overall atmosphere is often described as peaceful and thought-provoking rather than morbid. It’s a chance to connect with the past in a tangible way and reflect on the cycles of life and death that have shaped the city.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit