Capuchin Crypt — Attraction in okres Brno-město

In the heart of Brno in Czechia, you'll find dozens of mummies laid to rest in Capuchin Crypt.

Not for the faint hearted, exploring this 18th century monastery allows you to view and learn more about the naturally mummified remains of Capuchin monks and others. The cellar is a fascinating place, but dark and haunting too - with some bodies showcasing faces of sorrow and fear.

Interestingly, they were never intended to be mummified: the bodies naturally turned into mummies due to geological composition of the ground and the ventilation in the cellars.

TRIGGER WARNING: The images to the right few show some of the mummies up close and may not be to everyone's taste.

📌 Capuchin Crypt, Brn, Czechia 💵 120 CZK/£4.49 🖤 Resting place,...

The Czech Republic is perhaps better known for its ossuaries, but this crypt is a unique and fascinating, if slightly gruesome, sight. Contrary to what might be expected of the word ‘crypt’, most of it is at modern ground level or just slightly below. A coincidence of favourable conditions means that the bodies buried here were mummified, and it is important for anyone bothered by such things to be aware that these mummies are on full display. However, they are presented respectfully, and in the case of the noble bodies, a life story is provided in panels on the wall, while the context of the monks’ bodies is also explained. This is an intriguing insight into an aspect on Brno’s history and the...

This building used to belong to the order of Capuchin Monks, who also used it as a place of burial for themselves and some of their wealthy patrons. The dry and cool conditions caused many of the buried to dry out and become mummified. There’s no audio guide on offer, but the museum does provide written guides in a few languages, and I think all the rooms also had some description. At first it does feel a bit morbid looking at all those mummies, but you get used to it.

I enjoyed it for being such a unique museum and the museum for providing more than enough information about the background of the church and...