Chapel of Skulls

The Chapel of Skulls in Kudowa-Zdrój is a unique monument and the only such site in Poland, and one of three in Europe. It is located at 8 Stanisława Moniuszki Street, in the Czermna district. This is a large communal tomb of victims of the Silesian Wars of 1740–1742 and 1744–1745, as well as of infectious diseases from the 18th century. The walls and ceiling of the chapel are lined with about three thousand human skulls and bones, while beneath the floor rest tens of thousands more remains. The chapel was built in 1776 on the initiative of priest Wacław Tomaszek, who spent eight years collecting, disinfecting, and arranging the remains. The place invites reflection on the transience and fragility of human life. Every year, on the night of August 14–15, a holy mass is celebrated here for all those resting in the chapel and for those who died of diseases or accidents. The chapel is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and admission is free. This extraordinary place attracts both history enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual experiences.