The charnel house in Tulln, a late Romanesque building from around 1240, is one of the most important ossuaries in Europe. Probably commissioned by Duke Frederick II, it shows parallels to buildings in Jak, Hungary. Its eleven-sided floor plan could go back to a sacred building in Jerusalem. The upper floor served as a cemetery chapel and is entered via a magnificent Romanesque portal. The lower floor was an ossuary until 1785.
Inside, the charnel house impresses with its domed architecture and frescoes depicting Christian virtue and vice. On the right, the wise virgins represent goodness, while on the left, hellish spirits lead the foolish virgins to their doom. Directly opposite the altar, a figure with a wine barrel symbolizes intemperance. The charnel house is a unique testimony to medieval art and religious beliefs.
Visit:
A visit to the chapel room of the Tulln charnel house is possible if booked in advance:
as part of a guided tour of the town - appointments and registration at the Tulln Tourist Information Office on +43 (0)2272 67566 or tullner-donauraum@donau.com
Individual visit with an authorized accompanying person - arrangement via the parish of Tulln - St. Stephan, +43 (0)2272/62338-0, opening hours parish office: Mon 9-10am & Thurs 3pm-4pm.
Visitor service:
Every Friday and Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm in the summer months of June, July, August and September, access to the chapel room is possible in the presence of an authorized accompanying person.
Public transportation by train & bus:
The journey with the S40 or the regional express (REX) from Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof takes approx. 20-40 minutes and from St. Pölten approx. 70 minutes. You can find the current timetable here. Public bus lines (Postbus, Bahnbus, Regionalbus, Wieselbus, Rundlinien-Verkehr) will also take you to your destination.
Opening hours
A visit to the chapel room of the charnel house is possible by early reservation: For city tours - Tourist Information Tulln, +43 2272 67566 or E-Mail: tullner-donauraum@donau.com; Individual visit with an authorized person on the parish Tulln - St. Stephan, Tel .: +43 2272 62338-0, opening times parish office: Mon & Thu: 9:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00 Clock, Wed & Fri: 9:00-12:00 Clock or the association "Rettet den Karner", Karl Heinl, Tel .: +43 676 3069499.
