The Skull Chapel in Kudowa-Zdrój

The Skull Chapel in Kudowa-Zdrój, built between 1776 and 1784 by Father Wacław Tomaszek, is a unique religious and architectural monument. Noticing human remains near the bell tower, Father Tomaszek decided to excavate them and place them in a newly constructed ossuary chapel, inspired by his journey to the catacombs in Rome. The chapel, made of brick in the Baroque style, has a square base and is located between the Church of St. Bartholomew and the bell tower. Its interior houses around 3,000 skulls and bones, with an additional 20,000–30,000 resting in the crypt beneath the chapel, serving as a testament to tragic historical events such as wars and epidemics that affected the Kłodzko region. The chapel plays an important cultural role, reminding visitors of the transience of life and the warnings associated with wars. It features two wooden angels with Latin inscriptions, and a monument with a trilingual inscription stands at the entrance in memory of war victims. Notable exhibits include the skulls of gravedigger Langer and Mayor Martinec, who died during the Seven Years' War, as well as the skull of a Tatar, highlighting the rich historical context tied to ethnic diversity and the tragic fates of people in this region. Situated in the valley of the Czermnica River, the Skull Chapel is not only a place of prayer but also a tourist attraction and a memorial site, drawing visitors from around the world.