Capuchin Crypt
The final resting place of more than one hundred and fifty Capuchin friars
On the picturesque Capuchin Square in the heart of Brno, you will find the Capuchin church Relic of the True Cross and below it a crypt, which in the years 1656-1784 was used to inter the brothers and benefactors of the order.
Contact and address
- Klášter kapucínů, Kapucínské nám. 5, 602 00 Brno
- +420 511 140 053
- hrobka@kapucini.cz
- Show on map
Opening hours
From April to October
Monday-Saturday 9.00-12.00, 13.00-18.00
Sunday 11:00–17:00
From November to March
Monday–Saturday 10.00–16.00
Sunday 11.00–16.30
Naturally mummified bodies of friars and Baroque painted coffins
The Capuchin Crypt, which during the years 1656–1784 was used to inter the brothers and benefactors of the order, is found below the Relic of the True Cross Church on Capuchin Square. The ingenious ventilation system, which over the centuries kept the crypt well aired, caused the bodies of the deceased to naturally mummify. Also preserved here are a series of original Baroque painted coffins. In total, the site was the burial place for about two hundred souls, about one hundred and fifty of whom were Capuchin friars.
The crypt documents the history of the Capuchin Franciscan Order in an unusual way. Even today, visitors are invariably intrigued at the simple manner in which friars accompanied their dead on their final journey. Similarly fascinating is the story of the infamous commander of the Pandur infantry unit, Baron Franz von der Trenck, who at the end of his tumultuous and unbridled existence turned penitent, and wished to be interred on bare ground like a Capuchin friar.
The underground church is also testimony to the friendship between the community of friars and others who assisted them, and who even wished to follow them to their place of final rest. And maybe they too in life learnt the “art of dying”, inspired by the images presented here in the unique Baroque frescoes of the exhibition Ars Moriendi. The crypt has been open to visitors for over 140 years.
Admission fees
We offer
From the ticket office you can pick up a printed guide that will introduce visitors to the history of the crypt and point out the main must-see features of interest.For children we have a special Capuchin guide.
