“Treasure unearthed: Preserved monk found in 17th century crypt in shocking discovery.”
To reach the main vault, visitors must pass through claustrophobic hallways adorned with stonework and the bodies of mourners who were solemnly interred there. Among them, the corpse of a woman is frozen in a sombre pose, accompanied by an elegant label informing visitors that she was accidentally buried alive. Such tragic errors were common during a time when parish and burial practices differed, and unfortunate incidents such as this were poorly understood by both the community and the authorities.
However, the main purpose of this sacred space is to serve as the final resting place for the Capuchin monks. For a span of 300 years, these monks placed their deceased brethren beneath the church. However, this practice was eventually banned by hygiene laws in the late 18th century.
Mummification was not the intention; in keeping with their vow of poverty, the monks ingeniously reused the coffins again and again.
After the funeral rites, the deceased was transported to the crypt and buried on a pillow of bricks. Gradually, dry air currents and the unique composition of the top layer of soil preserved the bodies in their respective places.
Unearthed treasure: Preserved monk found in 17th century crypt in shocking discovery – cubin123
The result is truly remarkable. Twenty-four monks appear perfectly preserved, arranged in rows along the floor. Adorned in robes, many of them hold intertwined rosaries or crucifixes. While some appear peaceful, others have expressions of fear or sadness etched into their eerily realistic features.
After his final resting place, there is a warning carved in Czech: “As you are now, we once were; as we are now, you shall be.”