---
title: "OSSUARY"
url: "https://www.belalp.ch/en/poi/ossuary"
description: "The ossuary in Naters dates back to 1514 and was built by the well-known master sacred architect Ulrich Ruffiner. It is primarily used to store the bones of the long-dead, whose graves have been dug up. The upper floor is still used today for laying out the deceased before they are buried.Federally listed buildingThe ossuary is a federally listed building and was gently renovated between 1985-1988, with various subsequent changes being restored to its original state.The impressive wall of skulls consists mainly of bones from the old cemetery, which was laid out around the church until 1869. Individual skulls bear the names of deceased people, and some Natisch residents still know where the skulls of their ancestors are located. Based on calculations, there are thought to be around 31,000 skulls in the ossuary, 1,857 of which are visible at the front. This huge number surprised even experts Protected from theftTo prevent the skulls from being stolen, the opening was closed off to the north with bars.The inscription \"What you are, we were / What we are, you will become\" is intended to remind believers of the transience of earthly existence."
language: "en"
type: "Place"
image: "https://dam.destination.one/635698/14edacf9fde3acda3eeb689075d1c199e129ae7b06fe6fd40e44678d6a4a80bf/the-ossuary-is-used-to-store-the-skulls-and-bones-of-long-dead-indigenous-people-whose-graves-have-b.jpg"
breadcrumb: "Root > Blatten-Belalp > Special > Destination.Data Details > Poi"
---

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OSSUARY
=======

- Monument

The ossuary is used to store the skulls and bones of long-dead indigenous people whose graves have been dug up.

The ossuary is used to store the skulls and bones of long-dead natives.

 The ossuary in Naters dates back to 1514 and was built by the well-known master sacred architect Ulrich Ruffiner. It is primarily used to store the bones of the long-dead, whose graves have been dug up. 
The upper floor is still used today for laying out the deceased before they are buried.

**Federally listed building**
The ossuary is a federally listed building and was gently renovated between 1985-1988, with various subsequent changes being restored to its original state.
The impressive wall of skulls consists mainly of bones from the old cemetery, which was laid out around the church until 1869. Individual skulls bear the names of deceased people, and some Natisch residents still know where the skulls of their ancestors are located. Based on calculations, there are thought to be around 31,000 skulls in the ossuary, 1,857 of which are visible at the front. This huge number surprised even experts

**Protected from theft**
To prevent the skulls from being stolen, the opening was closed off to the north with bars.

The inscription "What you are, we were / What we are, you will become" is intended to remind believers of the transience of earthly existence.

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Good to know
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Suitability

- Suitable for any weather
- For individual guests
- Suitable for prams / strollers
- School classes
- Families
- Adults
- Senior citizens
- Close to public transport
- In the village centre

Payment methods

Free admission

License (master data)

Blatten-Belalp Tourismus AG

Nearby
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Contact

3904 Naters