After Paris, Brno has the second-largest ossuary in Europe
The number of people buried here is estimated to exceed 50,000. There was a churchyard at the Church of St James (the site is now Jakubské náměstí, or St James Square) as early as the beginning of the 13th century. Like many other churchyards, its establishment within the city walls later prevented its extension. The churchyard capacity quickly became insufficient for the needs of the growing city, and a special system of burial had to be adopted in which graves were opened 10 to 12 years after burial and the remnants were removed to make room for another body in the grave. The remnants from the original graves were moved to special underground areas, called ossuaries. These also quickly filled up due to frequent plague and cholera epidemics. The reforms introduced by Joseph II in 1784 resulted in churchyards being closed down for hygienic reasons. The remnants from the graves were moved into a crypt, the churchyard wall was torn down, the area around the church was paved with the former headstones, and the ossuary was gradually forgotten.
Today, the Ossuary at the Church of St James is an attraction for tourists as well as a place of reverence. The tour is very impressive thanks in part to music composed especially for this place.
Contact informations
Kostnice u sv. Jakuba
Jakubské náměstí
658 78 Brno
tel.: +420 515 919 793
e-mail: kostnice@ticbrno.cz
Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 – 18:00
Admission fees:
Full | CZK 140 |
Students, seniors | CZK 70 |
Children under 15 | CZK 70 |
Children under 6 | free |
Family package 2+2 | CZK 320 |
- plus any child under 15 | CZK 50 |
Groups (at least 20 people) | 10 % discount |
BRNOPAS | free |
Senior pas | 10 % discount |
Family pass | 10 % discount |
IDS JMK | 15 % discount |
Camcorder | CZK 50 |
Use of cameras | free |
Press admission (upon presentation of press identification) | free |
Debit cards accepted.
Buy tickets to two underground landmarks and get 10 % off!
If you buy tickets to two of the tree underground landmarks (the labyrinth underneath the Vegetable Market, the Mint Master’s Cellar, the ossuary in the Church of St. James) at the same time, you will get 10 % off the total price.
Underground for an even better price?
Admission for all of the Brno Underground in one day: full price CZK 320, reduced price CZK 170, family ticket CZK 700.
Tickets purchased online can't be used the same day.
Certain tours are reserved for tickets purchased online. If their times don't suit you, contact the underground ticket office directly. They will create a reservation to fit your schedule.
Payment cards are accepted.