‘Church of Bones’ in Czech Republic to ban selfies
The chapel, located beneath the Church of All Saints about 45 miles outside of Prague, is known as the “Church of Bones” due to its unusual decor.
The “Church of Bones” in the Czech Republic, also known as the Sedlec Ossuary, is a small Roman Catholic chapel located in the town of Kutná Hora, about 80 km east of Prague. The chapel is famous for its unusual decorations made entirely of human bones, which are estimated to represent the remains of between 40,000 and 70,000 people.
The Sedlec Ossuary was built in the 14th century as a cemetery for victims of the Black Death and the Hussite Wars. In the 16th century, a Gothic church was built on the site, and the bones from the cemetery were exhumed and stacked in the chapel’s crypt. In the 18th century, a local woodcarver named František Rint was hired to arrange the bones into decorative structures, including chandeliers, coats of arms, and a signature chalice made entirely of bones.
Radka Krejčí, director of the Sedlec parish, told reporters in a Czech Republic media briefing that photography will be severely restricted in the Sedlec Ossuary as of 2020.
Despite signs in many languages asking guests to be polite and remember that the skeletons in ‘Church of Bones’ are still dead bodies, many tourists have removed bones from the walls, attempted to touch or kiss skeletons, put hats or sunglasses on skulls for photo purposes or committed other disrespectful acts.
Visitors can tour the chapel and see the bone decorations up close, as well as learn about the history and significance of the site. The chapel is open daily, and admission is charged for visitors.
In addition, preservation is crucial, since Kutná Hora’s historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Prague is a beautiful city with a rich history and many sights to see
Here are some must-see attractions in Prague:
- Charles Bridge – a historic bridge that spans the Vltava river and offers beautiful views of the city and its landmarks.
- Old Town Square – a vibrant public space with many historic buildings, including the famous Astronomical Clock, the Týn Church, and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church.
- Prague Castle – one of the largest castles in the world, with many historic buildings, including the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane.
- Josefov – the Jewish Quarter of Prague, with many historic synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Europe.
- Petrin Hill – a green space with beautiful views of the city, a funicular railway, and the Petrin Tower, a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower.
- Wenceslas Square – a popular public space with many shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, including the National Museum and the statue of St. Wenceslas.
- Vyšehrad – a historic fortress and park with beautiful views of the city and the Vltava river.
These are just a few of the many must-see attractions in Prague. Visitors can also explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, as well as sample its famous beer and cuisine.