Ossuary
|
The skull and bone chandelier at the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora, the Czech Republic. |
Pevsner’s Architectural Glossary (second edition) was published by Yale University Press in 2018. It defines an ossuary as: ‘A building or chamber in which human bones are preserved, usually after removal from churchyard burials’.
In some instances, the bones and skulls in the ossuary are arranged into elaborate formations that are purely decorative or relay messages. In other instances, the bones are arranged and dressed to depict scenes or used to create structural components (such as burial altars or chandeliers) within the room.
Some noteworthy examples of ossuaries include:
- Capela dos Ossos, Evora, Portugal (5,000 people).
- Catacombs of Paris, (six million people).
- Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, Rome, Italy (4,000 people).
- Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora, Czech Republic (between 40,000 and 70,000 people).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.
Building Regulations and Building Safety Act
CIOB publishes free advice for non-domestic clients.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.
An extraordinary record of steel engineering worldwide.
Households living near new pylons to save on bills.
ECA warns growth must not outpace grid capacity or skills.
The role of the client and decision making
CIOB response to built environment professions call for evidence.
Construction's sustainability reporting revolution
Tracking upfront embodied carbon with digital tools.
ECA welcomes procurement reforms
Public spending must back British jobs and skills.
Campaigning for Edinburgh: the Cockburn Association 1875-2049
The role of the civic voice in protecting character. Book review.
CIOB photography competition is open for entries.