Let me try to describe the feeling of being in such place. Imagine yourself standing there in small underground room with piles of bones and skulls. Remains of countless souls with everyday problems and lives just like you. The floor is wet with dirty puddles here and there. The air is cold and humid filled with strange scent. Well, the bones are probably culprits behind the smell. There are piles of them, arranged to form tall walls.
The scariest part is a small table next to gloomy wooden cross. Why the hell is it there?! I suppose demons, or some cultists need some nice place to meet too. The interior is also filled with strange modern-art objects of sorts, that look alien and dreadful. I am sure you would not dare to speak loudly there, because the place emits strange aura of respect and fear. Aura of death one could say. But on the other hand, it has something artistic to it.
Also, some historical background. Why were ossuaries even created? Well, because people needed space and ossuaries were great at saving space. In the past cemeteries used to reside within town, so expansion was usually impossible. Because of that some of the remains had to be removed (after 10-12 years) from their graves in order to make space for newly deceased people. Thus, the contents of the graves were stored in special underground ossuaries.
The ossuary in Brno was built at the beginning of 17th century, but got the majority of its “residents” in 1750's. Analyses have shown that many of them fell victim to medieval plague, cholera epidemics, or military operations during the Thirty Years’ War or the Swedish siege. It was expanded several times due to lack of space, but was eventually sealed away due to health concerns. The cemetery next to Church of St. James was destroyed as well and the ossuary and its size and location fell into oblivion.
It was discovered during the survey of the Brno underground in 2001 and opened for public in 2012. Being there was really really strange, but if you happen to be in Brno do not hesitate and visit this place!
Thank you for your time, have a nice day!
References:
Ossuary underneath the Church of St. James - official site
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossuary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brno_Ossuary
Very scary pictures :O I must come visit there once. Thanks for article :)
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STOPWow! very eerie. I love it though. Really good work with the photos and capturing the atmosphere of the place. You can feel it.
Thank you very much, am glad you liked it! :)