The Dark History of the Bones at St James Church

The history of the bones at St James Church began in the 13th century. At that time, the church cemetery was much smaller. The city population grew quickly during the Middle Ages. Burial space became very limited. A system of rotating graves was used. Bodies stayed in the ground for ten to twelve years. Then, the bones were moved to the ossuary. This made room for new burials.

By the 18th century, the ossuary was completely full. Emperor Joseph II closed the cemetery in 1784. He did this for hygiene reasons. The entrance to the bone cellar was sealed with stone slabs. Over time, the location was forgotten. People walked over the bones for centuries without knowing. The site remained a secret until modern times.

Workers rediscovered the site in 2001. They were conducting a routine archaeological survey. They found thousands of skeletons stacked in neat rows. Some bones showed signs of plague and cholera. Today, the ossuary serves as a respectful memorial. It is a place for quiet reflection. Visitors can experience the solemn atmosphere of this underground world.

10 Historic and Macabre Sites in Brno to Visit

Brno offers many unique experiences for history lovers. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

1. Name: Brno Ossuary (St. James Church) Type: sight Why go: It is the second largest ossuary in Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Jakubské náměstí, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: Buy tickets in advance during peak summer months.
2. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: experience Why go: See naturally mummified monks from the 18th century. Best for: Dark tourism fans. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Short walk from the train station. Tip: Respect the silence as it is a sacred burial site.
3. Name: Špilberk Castle Casemates Type: sight Why go: Explore the "Prison of Nations" and its dark dungeons. Best for: Families and history enthusiasts. Where: Špilberk Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Husova street. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb.
4. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: A former nuclear shelter from the Cold War era. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Near Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located at the foot of Špilberk Hill. Tip: You can book a stay in the 10-Z Bunker for a unique night.
5. Name: Labyrinth Under Vegetable Market Type: sight Why go: Medieval tunnels used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Entrance is in the main market square. Tip: It is cool underground, so bring a light jacket.
6. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked Gothic turret. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk from the ossuary. Tip: Climb the tower for the best city views.
7. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: experience Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage site of modern architecture. Best for: Design and art lovers. Where: Černá Pole district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Higher than average. Getting there: Take tram 3 or 5 from the center. Tip: Book tickets several months in advance as they sell out.
8. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: Iconic twin towers that define the Brno skyline. Best for: Religious history and architecture. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry; fee for the tower. Getting there: Walk up from Zelný trh. Tip: Listen for the bells at 11:00 AM.
9. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: A unique black stone clock that releases a marble. Best for: Quirky photo opportunities. Where: Náměstí Svobody. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main square. Tip: Read about the Brno astronomical clock marble to catch a souvenir.
10. Name: Veveří Castle Type: day trip Why go: A massive royal castle overlooking the Brno Reservoir. Best for: Nature and history combined. Where: 15km outside the city center. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a boat from the reservoir in summer. Tip: Combine this with a walk through the surrounding forest.

Planning Your 2026 Visit to the Brno Ossuary

Visiting the Brno Ossuary is a highlight for many travelers. The site is open most days except Mondays. It is best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds. The atmosphere is very quiet and respectful. Music is often played to enhance the experience. You should plan for about 45 minutes inside the chambers.

Tickets are available at the entrance or online. For more details, visit Visit Czechia for regional travel tips. Photos are allowed but you must turn off your flash. This helps preserve the delicate remains. The temperature inside stays cool all year. Wear an extra layer even in the summer.

Brno is very walkable. Most historic sites are within the city center. You can easily walk from St James Church to the Capuchin Crypt. If you have extra time, explore other unusual things to do in Brno. The city is safe and welcoming for all tourists. Enjoy your journey into the past.