The Chapel of Skulls, which is located in Czermna, part of Kudowa Zdrój, is one of the most fascinating and at the same time frightening attractions of the Kłodzko Basin. Famous for its specific “decoration”, it is still one of the few such objects — and not only on the scale of the region or Poland, but throughout Europe. We present the most important information about the Skull Chapel: sightseeing, history, access.
When were the chapels of skulls built in Czermna?
The Chapel of Skulls in Kudowa Czermna was built at the end of the 18th century on the initiative of the parish priest, Father Wacław Tomaszek, who was then in office in the parish there. From the outside, the building looks quite inconspicuous. It is a small, decorated in Baroque style, which, in fact, does not stand out from others similar to it created at the same time. It also makes the impression that its interior evokes even stronger. It contains about 3 thousand human remains (and another 20-30 in the crypt under the chapel). Some of them were discovered accidentally by the parish priest and the initiator of the construction of a chapel in an escarpment near the church. Tightly arranged bones and skulls cover the entire walls and ceiling, thus creating a specific ossuary.
Where do the bones that are now in the Chapel of Skulls in Czermna come from? These are primarily the remains of those fighting in wars, probably from the period of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and the Seven Years' War (1756—1763), as well as victims of the cholera epidemic that struck the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection of bones and skulls took about 20 years — the decor of the Skull Chapel was completed in 1804. In the same year Fr Tomaszek died, who expressed his wish that his remains 20 years after his death would also be transferred to the chapel. What is also worth knowing, the object located in Czermna is the only chapel of skulls in Poland and at the same time one of three in Europe.
However, Kudowa-Zdrój is famous not only for the fact that the Chapel of Skulls is located there. The history of this town is very interesting in itself. See: Kudowa-Zdrój — a health resort of the Kłodzko Region, which is worth knowing.
How much does it cost to enter the Chapel of the Skulls?
Currently, the entrance to the Skull Chapel costs PLN 10 for adults and PLN 8 for pensioners. Children between 6 and 18 years old pay half the equivalent of an adult ticket, i.e. PLN 5.
In turn, when it comes to sightseeing and when the Chapel of the Skulls is available, the opening hours are as follows:
- May — June: 9:00 — 17:30,
- July — September: 9:30 — 17:00,
- October: 10:00 — 17:00,
- November — April: 10:00 — 16:00.
Visiting takes place from Tuesday to Sunday, and the last entrance is 15 minutes before the time at which the Chapel of the Skulls is closed. The sightseeing time, due to the size of the object, ranges from a few to several minutes, which is usually enough to see its entire interior.
Is it possible to take pictures in the Chapel of the Skulls?
Photographing and filming is prohibited in the Chapel of Skulls in Czermna. It is also worth remembering that it is a sacred monument and a burial place, therefore, during the tour, you should take care of the appropriate dress and behave with respect for the dead who are resting there.
How do I get to Skull Chapel?
The Chapel of Skulls is located not far from the church of St. Bartholomew. There are two parking lots nearby. The first of them, paid, is located on Kościuszki Street, a few tens of meters from the chapel. The second one is free of charge at Moniuszki Street. The most convenient way from it to the monument is through the parish cemetery.
Getting to Kudowa Zdroj is also not a problem. From Zieleniec to the Skull Chapel in Czermna, you can reach in less than 30 minutes by car. On the occasion of your stay in the city, it is worth visiting other attractions: Kudowa-Zdrój — tourist attractions for children and adults. Ideas for an interesting time.
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Photo: Merlin CC BY 3.0
