OSSUARY AT ST. JAMES’ CHURCH

It is the second largest ossuary in Europe in terms of the number of buried remains.
It is estimated to be the final resting place for more than 50,000 people.
The mystical atmosphere of the place is enhanced by original music.

Opening hours

  • Tuesday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00
  • Last entry: 17.30
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Contact and address

  • TIC BRNO, contributory organisation
  • kostnice@ticbrno.cz
  • +420 725 518 113
  • Jakubské náměstí, 658 78 Brno

On the dates of 13, 18 and 19 March, due to the preparation of the event, the comfort of the tours in Water Tower No. 2 will be reduced.

Admission fees

  • Full 180 CZK
  • Discounted 90 CZK

    Students (up to 26 years old), seniors (65 years old and older), disabled persons, disabled persons with disabilities, children up to 15 years old

  • Family 2+2 420 CZK

    2 adults + 2 children under 15

  • - each additional child 60 CZK
  • Children under 6 free
  • BRNOPAS free

A discount of 10 % s can be applied when purchasing tickets at the box office:

  • Senior/Family Passport
  • with a prepaid or one-day IDS JMK ticket
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Flowers in Kostnica

  • 05.11.2026
  • 23. 10. - 5. 11. 2026
  • OSSUARY AT ST. JAMES’ CHURCH
Read more
Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. For groups of 6 or more, reservations are required at kostnice@ticbrno.cz.

Forgotten burial ground

The cemetery at the Church of St. James already existed at the beginning of the 13th century. Like other town cemeteries, it was founded inside the walls, which prevented its later expansion. Due to frequent epidemics of plague and cholera, the capacity was soon insufficient. A system of exchange burials was therefore introduced: after ten to twelve years had passed since the burial, the grave was opened, the remains removed and the next deceased placed in the same place. The contents of the original graves were moved into special underground structures - osarios or ossuaries. When the Josephine reforms of 1784 abolished church cemeteries for health reasons, the remains were placed in the crypt, the cemetery wall was torn down, the area around the church was paved with unnecessary tombstones, and the ossuary slowly fell into oblivion. It was only rediscovered in 2001 during an archaeological survey of the square and can be visited since 2012. The already mystical and reverent atmosphere will be complemented during the tour by the original music of Miloš Štědron.

Were you captivated by the commemorative atmosphere of the place? Then visit the The Capuchin Tomb.

Even more of the Brno underground

The more of Brno's underground you visit in two days, the more you save! Come and see the Water Reservoirs, the Labyrinth, the Ossuary, and the Cellar. You'll always get discounted admission at the ticket office.