Prague to spooky Czech Sites: Private day trip

The Sedlec Ossuary is one of the most singular spaces in the world — a small Gothic chapel in Kutná Hora whose entire interior is decorated with the artistically arranged bones of approximately 40,000 people, the result of a medieval cemetery that became fatally overcrowded after the Black Death.

What to see

• The bone chandelier — said to contain at least one of every bone in the human body, suspended from the vaulted ceiling above the nave
• The Schwarzenberg coat of arms — rendered in human bones, including a crow pecking out the eye of a defeated enemy
• The four bone pyramids in the corner chapels — mounds of skulls and tibias stacked with obsessive geometric precision

Take note

• The ossuary is open daily from 9:00 AM (closing one hour earlier in winter); advance tickets available at ossuary.eu

Karlštejn Castle was built by Charles IV in 1348 to house the Bohemian crown jewels and the imperial regalia — a Gothic fortress of considerable military and spiritual ambition whose local folklore has accumulated darker layers over seven centuries.

What to see

• The Chapel of the Holy Cross — its walls encrusted with semi-precious stones and 129 panel paintings; the most precious room in medieval Bohemia
• The Great Tower — the fortified sequence of halls leading to the chapel
• The castle exterior and Berounka valley — the most dramatic views of the castle are from the river path below

What to do

• The car-free approach road from the village is lined with craft stalls and mead sellers — allow time for the walk

Take note

• Entry by guided tour only; book in advance at hrad-karlstejn.cz; the chapel requires a separate reservation; opening hours vary seasonally