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.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.