Church of dead people, Gothic church in Urbania, Italy.
Description
The Chiesa dei Morti is a Gothic church in Urbania that houses approximately 18 naturally preserved mummies and about 100 skulls displayed in glass cases. These remains are kept behind the altar and document lives from earlier centuries.
History
The church was founded in 1567 by the Brotherhood of Good Death to provide burials for poor citizens. Over time it developed into a repository of remains that preserve the story of this community.
Culture
The church reflects medieval burial customs, as the Brotherhood provided dignified interment for poor citizens and preserved their stories. Visitors can see today how this place served as a center for respectful death rituals over centuries.
Practical
Access is straightforward and the spaces are arranged for visitors, with guides available in several languages to explain the connections. It is wise to remain respectful and mindful, as this is a sacred place containing human remains.
Did you know?
A special room in the church features a chandelier made from human thighbones, a rare and somewhat unsettling element of its fixtures. This unusual artwork speaks to a different relationship with death in earlier times.
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