Essential Tips for Your St. James Ossuary Visiting Guide

The St. James Ossuary is located directly under the Church of St. James. Workers rediscovered it by accident in 2001 during a routine renovation. It had been sealed and forgotten for over two hundred years. Today, it serves as a solemn memorial and a major tourist attraction. The atmosphere inside is quiet, cool, and deeply moving.

When using this St. James Ossuary visiting guide, remember to stay respectful. This is a final resting place for thousands of former residents. Photography is usually allowed but you should avoid using a flash. The lighting inside is designed to be atmospheric and moody. This helps highlight the careful arrangement of the bones and skulls.

You should plan to visit during the morning hours. The site can feel cramped if too many people enter at once. Most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes inside the chambers. The temperature stays consistent year-round, so it is a great escape from summer heat. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal event updates in 2026.

Top 10 Underground and Dark Sites in Brno

Brno offers a variety of experiences for those interested in the macabre and the hidden. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. Each site offers a different perspective on the city's long and complex history.

• Best overall: St. James Ossuary
• Best for families: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market
• Best for history buffs: 10-Z Nuclear Bunker
• Best free site: Brno Central Cemetery

1. Name: St. James Ossuary Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe with 50,000 remains. The bone arrangements are artistic and haunting. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Jakubské náměstí, City Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 160 CZK for adults. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main Freedom Square. Tip: Look for the small, cheeky statue on the church tower before you go inside.
2. Name: Labyrinth under Cabbage Market Type: Activity Why go: Explore a complex system of medieval cellars used for food storage and wine. It includes a replica of a historical pillory. Best for: Families and curious explorers. Where: Zelný trh, City Center. Time: 60 minutes. Cost: Around 180 CZK for a guided tour. Getting there: Located in the heart of the old town. Tip: Read our full Brno underground labyrinth guide before your visit.
3. Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: Sight Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks and local nobility. The air flow in the basement preserved the bodies perfectly. Best for: Dark tourism enthusiasts. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Usually 100-120 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station. Tip: Check out the Capuchin crypt mummies guide for the best visiting times.
4. Name: 10-Z Nuclear Bunker Type: Experience Why go: This was a highly secret Cold War shelter for the city's elite. You can explore the technical rooms and even stay overnight in the hostel. Best for: Fans of 20th-century history. Where: Husova street, under Špilberk Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: About 150 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Walk from the city center toward the castle. Tip: Book a 10-Z nuclear bunker tour in advance as slots fill up.
5. Name: Špilberk Castle Casemates Type: Sight Why go: These dark tunnels served as one of the harshest prisons in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was known as the "Prison of Nations." Best for: Those who enjoy fortress architecture. Where: Špilberk Castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Entry fees vary by circuit, usually 120-200 CZK. Getting there: Hike up the hill from Husova street. Tip: The views of the city from the castle walls are free and spectacular.
6. Name: Mint Master’s Cellar Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the history of coin minting in Brno. The cellar is located under the Dominican Square and features interactive displays. Best for: Educational trips and rainy days. Where: Dominikánské náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the New Town Hall. Tip: This is a great stop if you are visiting the offbeat and unique museums in Brno.
7. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Central Europe. Many famous Czechs, including composer Leoš Janáček, are buried here. Best for: Quiet walks and nature. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Take tram 2 or 5 from the city center. Tip: Visit the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.
8. Name: Kamenná čtvrť (Stone Quarter) Type: Neighborhood Why go: A former workers' colony built in an old quarry. It has a unique, bohemian atmosphere that feels like a hidden village. Best for: Photographers and urban explorers. Where: Near the Brno Exhibition Centre. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 8 to the Nemocnice u sv. Anny stop. Tip: Explore the Kamenná čtvrť bohemian district for local pub vibes.
9. Name: Mariánské údolí Type: Nature Why go: A beautiful valley on the edge of the city with several reservoirs and caves. It is perfect for a break from the urban center. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: Brno-Líšeň. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus 55 from the Stará osada transport hub. Tip: Use our Mariánské údolí valley nature guide to find the best trails.
10. Name: Denis Gardens Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: This park offers the best views of the Petrov Cathedral and the Špilberk Castle. It sits on the site of former city fortifications. Best for: Sunset views. Where: Below Petrov Hill. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the main train station. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a quick break between visiting underground sites.

How to Plan Your Brno Underground Adventure

Navigating Brno is very easy thanks to its excellent public transport system. You can use trams and buses to reach almost every site on this list. Tickets are available at yellow machines or via mobile apps. For the most up-to-date schedules, check the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Most central sites are within easy walking distance of each other.

If you plan to visit multiple underground sites, consider buying a combined ticket. The city often offers discounts for visiting the Labyrinth, the Ossuary, and the Mint Master's Cellar together. You can find these deals at the tourist information centers. The Go To Brno portal is a great resource for current prices and opening times. Always check if a site requires a guided tour before you arrive.

The best time to visit Brno is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in the peak of summer. However, the underground sites are perfect for any season. They stay cool in the summer and relatively warm in the winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes as many floors are made of uneven stone or brick.