The History of Brno Ossuary St James Church

The Brno Ossuary St James Church was forgotten for centuries. Workers rediscovered the vast chambers in 2001 during a routine construction project. They found thousands of skeletons stacked in neat rows. These remains date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Most victims died from the plague or the Thirty Years' War. The city decided to turn the space into a respectful memorial. It opened to the public in 2012 after extensive restoration.

Today, the atmosphere inside is solemn and peaceful. Visitors walk through tunnels lined with bones and skulls. Soft, haunting music plays in the background to set the mood. It is not meant to be scary or morbid. Instead, it serves as a place for reflection on life and death. You can learn about medieval burial practices and city history here. The lighting is dim, highlighting the intricate patterns of the bone stacks. It is a powerful experience for anyone visiting the Czech Republic.

The ossuary is located directly under St. James Square. This area is a bustling hub of modern life. It creates a sharp contrast between the world above and below. You can easily spend an hour here taking in the details. It is best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds. Photography is allowed but must be done respectfully. This is a sacred space for many locals in Brno. Be sure to check the latest opening times before your 2026 trip.

12 Best Things to Do Near Brno Ossuary St James Church

Brno is a city that rewards those who look beneath the surface. Many of its best attractions are hidden in plain sight or deep underground. This list includes iconic landmarks and local secrets in Brno that you should not miss. Whether you love history or nature, there is something here for you. Use this list to plan your perfect 2026 itinerary.

• Name: Brno Ossuary at St. James Church Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest ossuary in Europe and deeply moving. Best for: History buffs and those who enjoy unique, macabre sites. Where: Jakubské náměstí (St. James Square). Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Approximately 160 CZK for adults. Getting there: Walk from the main train station or take any tram to náměstí Svobody. Tip: Look for the "Unpleasant Man" statue on the church exterior before entering.
• Name: Capuchin Crypt Type: sight Why go: See the naturally mummified remains of monks and local nobility. Best for: Fans of dark tourism. Where: Kapucínské náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Read the sign at the entrance: "As you are, we were; as we are, you will be." Check out the Capuchin Crypt mummies for more details.
• Name: 10-Z Bunker Type: experience Why go: Explore a former nuclear shelter built for the city's elite. Best for: Cold War history enthusiasts. Where: Husova street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 180 CZK for a self-guided tour. Getting there: Walk towards the base of Špilberk Hill. Tip: Visit the 10-Z Bunker at night for a spookier experience.
• Name: Špilberk Castle Type: sight Why go: This fortress was once the most feared prison in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Best for: Panoramic views and medieval history. Where: On top of Špilberk Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the grounds; paid entry for museum and casemates. Getting there: A steep but short walk from the city center. Tip: Visit the casemates to see the dark cells where prisoners were kept.
• Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: museum Why go: A masterpiece of modern architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Design lovers and fans of functionalism. Where: Černopolní 45. Time: 1.5 hours (tour). Cost: 400-450 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 9 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book tickets months in advance via the UNESCO site or official portal.
• Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon and the twisted Gothic pinnacle. Best for: Families and folklore fans. Where: Radnická street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon; small fee for the tower. Getting there: Located between the main square and the vegetable market. Tip: Learn the Brno dragon and wheel legends before you go.
• Name: Zelný trh (Vegetable Market) Labyrinth Type: experience Why go: Walk through medieval cellars used for food storage and alchemy. Best for: Explorers who like underground tunnels. Where: Zelný trh. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 180 CZK. Getting there: Center of the city. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground even in summer.
• Name: St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: viewpoint Why go: The twin towers are the most iconic part of the Brno skyline. Best for: Photographers and church architecture fans. Where: Petrov Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the cathedral; small fee for the towers. Getting there: Walk up from Zelný trh. Tip: The bells ring at 11 AM instead of noon to commemorate a historical trick.
• Name: Veveri Castle Type: day trip Why go: A romantic royal castle overlooking the reservoir. Best for: A half-day escape from the city. Where: 12km northwest of Brno. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: 100-200 CZK depending on the tour. Getting there: Take a boat from the reservoir or bus 303. Tip: Explore the Veveri Castle hidden history on a guided tour.
• Name: Brno Reservoir Type: nature Why go: A popular spot for swimming, boating, and hiking. Best for: Families and outdoor lovers. Where: Bystrc district. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free; boat rides vary. Getting there: Tram 1 to Přístaviště. Tip: Relax at the Brno Reservoir local beaches during the summer months.
• Name: Quirky Statues Walk Type: activity Why go: Brno is famous for its strange and controversial public art. Best for: Art lovers and social media photos. Where: Various spots in the city center. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at náměstí Svobody. Tip: Find the quirky statues and sculptures in Brno, including the astronomical clock.
• Name: Jurkovic Villa Type: museum Why go: A stunning example of Art Nouveau and folk architecture. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Jana Nečase 2. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Bráfova. Tip: This Jurkovic Villa hidden gem is located in a beautiful residential area.

Planning Your 2026 Visit to Brno

Brno is very easy to navigate in 2026. The city has an excellent public transport system. You can use the DPMB network of trams and buses. Most major sights are within walking distance in the center. If you stay for more than two days, buy a transit pass. Taxis are available but usually not necessary for central areas. Brno is also a very safe city for solo travelers.

The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is warm and the outdoor markets are lively. However, the winter months offer a magical atmosphere. The Christmas markets in Brno are some of the best in the country. They are less crowded than the ones in Prague. You can enjoy local food and hot wine in a relaxed setting. Many museums and indoor sites remain open year-round.

For more information, visit the official tourism portal Go To Brno. They provide maps and event calendars for the city. Booking your accommodation in the city center is recommended. This allows you to walk to the Brno Ossuary St James Church easily. Most hotels offer English-speaking staff and modern amenities. Brno is a perfect blend of history and modern comfort.