Discover Art Made with Bones (Europe)

December 30, 2005 | In traveling | By Nat

Horrifying to some, mystified to others, these are Ossuaries where cadavers have been turned into artwork exist across Europe.

 

 

 

    
Kostnice Ossuary near Prague, Czech Republic 
    

The cemetery in Sedlec, Kutna Hora (near Prague) has been famous for many years.  Ever since the Czech cemetery have been sprinkled with soil from Jesus’ burial area in Israel in the 13th century, local aristocracy has been vying to be buried in these sacred grounds.  As result, over 20,000 skeletons were buried here.  By 1870, the cemetery grounds were overwhelmed though it continued to take in new patrons.  So, to solve an overpopulation disaster, the King contracted artist “Frantisek Rint” to do something creative with all the bones. And creative he was!  The ossuary became decorated with giant bells / pyramids, garlands, chalices, a chandelier made of every bone in the human body, and a coat of arms (no pun intended)… all made with human bones!  Rint even added his macabre signature with skeletal remains.

 

 
Rome, Italy - Cappuchin Monks

The Cappuchin Monks Ossuary includes 5-6 rooms with a connecting hall that are decorated in intricate designs with the bones of the famed cappuchin monks. Each room shows a handful of full body skeletons, dressed in robes, and posed variably.  In one room there are even the bones of a baby that has been used to decorate the ceiling.

 

Pictures and more stories about other ossuaries in the world are covered in the link below:  http://hannibalstudiolo.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=907&sid=404ff4220e14adc411e7465aab95767b

Have you discovered an ossuary or an odd cemetery somewhere?  Write a comment and share your experience!

 

 

 



2 Comments »

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  1. Hello Natia

    Would you like some pictures from the crypt in Lima, Peru. Thousands of bones there too.

    Malcolm

    Comment by TheWandera — September 19, 2006! #

  2. Awesome !
    Send ‘em over when you’ve got a minute !

    Thanks,
    Natia

    Comment by Nat — October 7, 2006! #

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