Where to go on a trip Velký Osek

Underground Chapel Decorated with Human Skeletal Remains

The All Saints Church with the Ossuary was built in the first half of the 14th century as part of an extensive Cistercian monastery in Sedlec near Kutná Hora. It was established on a site where soil from Jerusalem was said to have been scattered, which led to the rapid growth of the cemetery and an increased need for the respectful storage of remains. Following the closure of the large cemetery in the late 15th century, the exhumed bones were placed in the lower chapel of the church, which served as an ossuary.

Today, the Ossuary is famous primarily for its unique interior decoration created from skeletal remains estimated to belong to 40,000 to 70,000 people. This artistic arrangement was carried out in 1870 by the woodcarver František Rint from Česká Skalice upon the commission of the Schwarzenberg family, the lords of the estate at the time. Among the most famous works are the large chandelier, pyramids of skulls and bones, and the coat of arms of the Schwarzenberg family.

Access

Sedlec can be reached via first-class main road number 2, which connects Prague with Kutná Hora and continues towards Pardubice. Free parking for passenger cars is available on Zámecká, Čechova, and Starosedlecká streets, with the Ossuary complex located nearby. The nearest railway station, named Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží, lies only about 900 meters from the Ossuary and is part of an important railway line. Bus connections are provided by urban and suburban transport lines leading directly to Kutná Hora or Sedlec.

Things Worth Discovering

In close proximity to the Ossuary lies another significant UNESCO monument, the Cathedral of Our Lady and Saint John the Baptist, which was once part of the Cistercian monastery. The town of Kutná Hora itself offers a tour of its historical center with exceptionally valuable monuments, such as the Church of Saint Barbara, a symbol of Gothic architecture, as well as the Vlašský dvůr complex. The nearby Kaňk educational trail leads to a former limestone quarry and offers views of the surrounding area.

The Sedlec Ossuary represents a profound memento mori and a powerful artistic experience that reflects the history of the region marked by plague epidemics and the Hussite Wars. The site is managed by the parish, which ensures year-round operation with the exception of special days. Visiting this place offers a unique combination of spirituality, history, and art.

Summer Refreshment in the Heart of Kutná Hora

Kutnohorská plovárna opens its gates during the hot summer months and presents an ideal refuge for anyone seeking pleasant cooling as well as sports activities. The complex cleverly combines modern swimming and recreation zones with diverse attractions in a pleasant natural environment, thereby creating the perfect backdrop for active summer relaxation.

A Water World Full of Fun and Tranquility

The heart of the entire complex is a twenty-five-metre-long swimming pool with four lanes, providing a great space for morning training and leisurely fitness swimming. If visitors desire relaxation and fun, they are invited to head to the recreational pool, which conceals a wild river, water mushrooms, refreshing spouts, massage jets, and a popular water volcano. Lovers of speed and adrenaline will find what they are looking for on the ninety-metre-long water slide or the twenty-five-metre-long slide, which promise an exciting ride for both young and old. Naturally, the youngest visitors will also find something to their liking. A safe children's paddling pool enriched with playful elements, such as a water mushroom and a playful animal with a water jet, is prepared for them. However, fun does not end with the water alone, because outside the pools, visitors can enjoy volleyball courts, minigolf, table tennis, or simply relax on spacious grassy areas with the possibility of renting comfortable loungers.

A Place Where Everyone Finds Something to Suit Them

Kutnohorská plovárna naturally attracts various types of visitors. Families with children will appreciate the safe paddling pool and a host of attractions for all age groups, while active swimmers will utilise the swimming pool for solid performances. Seekers of relaxation will enjoy the perfect combination of water, sunshine, and lounging on a lounger, and groups of friends or parties will find ideal facilities here for shared summer experiences.

Practical Information for a Carefree Day

The complex is easily accessible on foot, by car, and by public transport, with parking available within comfortable reach. The entire space accommodates everyone, so full barrier-free access is a matter of course, including dedicated sanitary facilities and parking spaces for persons with disabilities. Clean changing rooms, toilets, a bistro with refreshments, parasols, and the possibility of renting loungers also contribute to visitors' comfort.

Kutnohorská plovárna is a place where the splashing of water, warm sun rays, and the joy of movement merge into unforgettable summer moments. Every jump into the pool reliably refreshes the body and mind, and visitors will take home a generous portion of wonderful memories alongside the scent of summer.