Mumien von Illmersdorf, Mummy crypt in Illmersdorf, Germany.
The Mumien von Illmersdorf consists of eleven naturally preserved remains resting in the church crypt, representing the largest collection of its kind in Brandenburg. The underground chamber provided cool and dry conditions that enabled this exceptional preservation over many centuries.
The church and crypt were commissioned in 1742 by Casper Ernst v. Normann and house his family remains. The space is marked by a family coat of arms that reflects the local importance of the noble household during the 18th century.
The mummies reflect local burial customs that differ significantly from Egyptian preservation techniques and show how European communities approached conservation. Visitors can observe how natural conditions in the crypt created these preserved remains.
Visits happen on weekends and require advance coordination with the parish office before arriving. A modest entry fee helps support the maintenance of this special site.
This is the only known mummy collection in Lusatia, making it particularly valuable for archaeological research in eastern Germany. Natural mummification in this region was rare and unexpected, which gave these findings special scientific importance.
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