Understanding the history of the second largest ossuary in Europe

The story of this site is both tragic and fascinating. During the 13th century, the cemetery around St. James Church grew too small. Local authorities used a system of rotating graves. Older bones were moved to underground pits to make room for new ones. This practice continued for hundreds of years. The history of the second largest ossuary in Europe grew as plague and cholera hit the city.

By the 18th century, the underground chambers were completely full. Emperor Joseph II eventually closed the cemetery for health reasons. The entrance was sealed and largely forgotten by the public. Construction workers rediscovered the site during a routine survey in 2001. They found thousands of skulls stacked in neat rows. This discovery shocked the world and put Brno on the map for dark tourism.

Today, the site is a place of deep respect and reflection. Experts carefully arranged the remains to create a modern memorial. The atmosphere is quiet and hauntingly beautiful. You can learn more about the city's official tourism efforts on the Go To Brno portal. It is a must-see for anyone interested in European history.

9 Essential stops for your St. James Ossuary Brno visit

To fully understand the local culture, you must see these sites. Each location offers a different perspective on the history of the second largest ossuary in Europe. Use this list to plan your itinerary. These spots mix iconic sights with hidden gems.

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Sight Why go: It is the main attraction and very moving. Best for: History lovers. Where: Jakubské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx 160 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Photography is allowed but be respectful.
2. Name: Church of St. James Type: Sight Why go: See the beautiful Gothic architecture above the bones. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Directly above the ossuary. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Same as the ossuary. Tip: Look for the "Little Man" statue on the tower.
3. Name: Labyrinth Under the Vegetable Market Type: Experience Why go: Explore more of the Brno underground labyrinth tours. Best for: Families. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 180 CZK. Getting there: 5-minute walk from St. James. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold downstairs.
4. Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: Experience Why go: Experience a 10-Z Bunker Brno experience from the Cold War. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Husova street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Walk or take tram 12. Tip: Visit the retro bar inside the bunker.
5. Name: Spilberk Castle Casemates Type: Sight Why go: Visit the famous prison for the toughest criminals. Best for: Thrill-seekers. Where: Spilberk Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 120 CZK. Getting there: A steep walk up from the center. Tip: The views of Brno from here are amazing.
6. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Sight Why go: See where the city's famous figures are buried today. Best for: Peaceful walks. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2 or 5. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for maps.
7. Name: Mintmaster’s Cellar Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the history of coin minting in Moravia. Best for: Education. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the city hall. Tip: It is often less crowded than the ossuary.
8. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: Sight Why go: A world-famous UNESCO site for modern architecture. Best for: Design enthusiasts. Where: Černá Pole. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 400 CZK. Getting there: Tram 9. Tip: You must book tickets months in advance.
9. Name: Denis Gardens Type: Viewpoint Why go: The best place to see the city skyline for free. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near Petrov Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main station. Tip: Go at sunset for the best light.

Practical tips for exploring Brno's underground history

Visiting these sites requires a little bit of planning. The weather in Brno is usually mild. However, the underground sites stay at 12 degrees Celsius all year. Always bring a light sweater for your tour. Most sites offer tours in English or have audio guides. You can find more authentic experiences in Brno by talking to locals.

Public transport is the best way to move around. The city has an excellent tram and bus network. You can check schedules on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Buy a 24-hour pass if you plan to visit multiple sites. Most central attractions are within walking distance of each other. This makes Brno a very friendly city for tourists.

Always check the opening hours before you head out. Some sites close on Mondays. The ossuary can get busy on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. You can find more details on the Visit Czechia website. This will help you maximize your time in this historic city.