10 Breathtaking Places Made out of Human Bones

Ever thought bones could be more than just a spooky Halloween decoration? If you’re into the idea of famous buildings decked out with human bones, we have an intriguing list for you! We’re about to dive into a bone-chilling adventure through some of the world’s most astonishing places—crafted entirely out of human bones. Yes, you heard it right. From towering bone chapels to eerie catacombs, these spots redefine the meaning of “skeletons in the closet.” So, grab your flashlight and join us on this journey into the unsettlingly beautiful realm of bone architecture.

Catacombes de Paris (France)

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a realm of the departed. Descend into the Catacombes de Paris, and you’ll find yourself navigating through ancient limestone quarry tunnels repurposed as the city’s catacombs. Here, the walls are lined with a staggering 6 million skulls and bones. These remains were relocated from hazardous cemeteries in the late 1700s to address issues like cave-ins and overcrowding.

Capela dos Ossos (Portugal)

The Capela dos Ossos, also known as the Chapel of Bones, in Évora, Portugal, shows what can happen when builders have lots of bones to use. Back in the 16th century, when cemeteries were getting full, they dug up skeletons and used them to decorate the chapel’s walls and ceiling. Even though it’s not a big place, people who like skeletons will find it interesting because it’s filled with thousands of bones from the deceased.

The Capuchin Catacombs (Sicily)

For an eerie adventure filled with a touch of the macabre, head to the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily. Here, you’ll find thousands of well-dressed, dried-up corpses, originally monks who were laid to rest in the 1500s. Over time, the bodies mummified naturally, creating a peculiar sight. The tradition of mummification continued for centuries, leaving many bodies remarkably preserved.

Sedlec Ossuary (The Czech Republic)

Tucked away in the Czech town of Kutna Hora, the Sedlec Ossuary stands as a remarkable religious site adorned with human bones. Inside, you’ll marvel at a grand bone chandelier, bone candelabras, bone chalices, and even a bone coat of arms crafted for the Schwarzenberg family. With over 40,000 human skeletons, sourced from a nearby cemetery sanctified with soil from the Holy Land, the Sedlec Ossuary offers visitors an eerie yet captivating experience.

Convento de San Francisco (Peru)

Deep within the Convento de San Francisco in Lima, Peru, lies an unsettling sight—the ossuary holds tens of thousands of human bones. Stacked and arranged in circular patterns, skulls and bones fill the catacombs below. You’ll find these remains in various rooms and even in wells covered with metal bars, likely to prevent accidental falls into the eerie collection.

San Bernardino alle Ossa (Italy)

Constructed in 1210 to house bones from a nearby hospital cemetery, the church, San Bernardino alle Ossa, was later added in 1269. The bones adorn the chapel’s walls, transforming this otherwise unassuming church into a chilling treasure trove, worth a visit for its bone-chilling ambiance.

Trunyan Burial Ground (Bali, Indonesia)

People have to find different ways to deal with the bodies if local tradition dictates burying them. For example, among the Bali Aga people, corpses are left outside to decompose. If you stumbled upon Trunyan Cemetery, near Lake Batur in Bali, you’d be surprised to see human remains in various stages of decay. Once dried out, these bones are placed under a Taru Menyan tree to mask the smell.

Eggenburg Ossuary (Austria)

When there are plenty of bones around, people tend to get creative. The Eggenburg Charnel, situated in Eggenburg, Austria, is a perfect example of this. This charnel house, existing for over 600 years, showcases numerous skeletal remains arranged in an artistic manner. Visitors can view these creatively arranged bones from a distance, observing the stacks of skulls, femurs, and other bones.

The Basilica of St. Ursula (Germany)

In Cologne, stands the Basilica of St. Ursula, known for its Golden Chamber, where it’s believed the bones of St. Ursula and supposedly 11,000 virgins rest, although this number might be exaggerated. Legend tells of their tragic encounter with the Huns en route to Cologne. The display of human remains in the Golden Chamber might not meet everyone’s expectations for macabre fascination, as it lacks intricate arrangements. Nevertheless, the elegant presentation of these skeletal remains is quite captivating.

Czermna’s Skull Chapel (Poland)

This Baroque chapel is adorned with thousands of bones, predominantly skulls and tibiae, sourced from those who perished in wars or from diseases like the Thirty Years’ War and the Silesian Wars. Built by priest Vaclav Tomasek in the late 1700s, the chapel serves as a place for contemplation on mortality and salvation.