Klatovské katakomby

Klatovy Catacombs

Useful Information

Location:	Klatovy
Open:	APR Sat, Sun 9-12, 13-17. MAY to SEP daily 9-12, 13-17. OCT Sat, Sun 9-12, 13-17. NOV to MAR closed. [2007]
Fee:	Adults CZK 40, Children (3-18) CZK 20. [2007]
Classification:	Catacomb
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Klatovské katakomby, Tel: +420-376-347240.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1656-1675	church built.
1676	first burial
1783	last burial.
1784	Emperor Josef II prohibits burial in catacombs or churches.

Description

The Klatovy Catacombs are one of biggest attractions in this small town. The Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and Saint Ignatius is a Baroque church built during the 17th century. Below the church catacombs were built to hold the bodies of the Jesuit priests and also to serve as protection during attacks. Later they became the burial place of nobility and other important persons from the area.

The reason why this catacombs became so famous are the mummies. About 30 dead bodies did not decay, but were mummyfied by the dry air and the constant temperature. The bodys without the water weigh 8-10 kilograms. They can be seen in coffins with glass covers.

The catacombs were used from the erection of the curch, even before the completion. All together 200 people were buried here. This ended when Emperor Josef II prohibited by decree burial in catacombs or churches.