Catacombs Travel Guide

The Klatovy Catacombs, located beneath the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and St. Ignatius, offer a unique and chilling journey into the past. Constructed between 1656 and 1676, the crypts served as a final resting place for members of the Jesuit order and their benefactors. What sets these catacombs apart is the sophisticated ventilation system designed to naturally mummify the bodies.Over 200 individuals were interred here between 1676 and 1783. The ingenious system drew cold air in through wall vents and expelled warm air through chimneys reaching the church's roof, resulting in the gradual desiccation and preservation of the bodies. This process created natural mummies, offering a glimpse into the lives and appearances of 17th and 18th-century citizens.In 1784, Emperor Joseph II forbade burials in crypts for hygienic reasons, bringing an end to the catacombs' primary function. Over time, parts of the crypt were repurposed, disrupting the ventilation and causing some mummies to decay. In 1937, 140 deteriorated mummies were reburied. Today, conservators and climatologists work to preserve the remaining mummies, with approximately 30 on display.Visitors can explore the catacombs through guided tours or individual visits, with audio guides available in multiple languages. The museum section showcases the activities of the Jesuit order and life in Klatovy during the 17th and 18th centuries.