Capuchin Monastery Crypt

Save
  • Address
    Kapucínské náměstí, city centre
  • Show map Close map

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

The Capuchin monastery's ghoulish attraction is the dry, well-ventilated Capuchin Monastery Crypt with the natural ability to turn dead bodies into mummies. Up to 150 cadavers were deposited here prior to 1784, and the desiccated corpses include 18th-century monks, abbots and local notables, from a nameless 12-year-old ministrant to hard-working chimney sweeper Barnabas Orelli, still wearing his boots.

In a glass-topped coffin in a separate room is Baron von Trenck - soldier, adventurer, gambler and womaniser - who bequeathed loads of cash to the monastery. At least he got his own room!