Crypt facts for kids

A crypt in Belgium.

A crypt is a special room, or sometimes a group of rooms, found underneath a church or other building. People use crypts as a place to put bodies after someone dies. You might find coffins, which are special boxes for bodies, along with religious items and other small objects meant for the dead. Crypts have been used for a very long time, often for important people like saints, kings, or wealthy families.

What is a Crypt?

A crypt is like an underground burial chamber. It's usually built with strong stone or brick walls. These rooms are often found below the main floor of a church. They provide a quiet and sacred place for people to be laid to rest.

Why Were Crypts Built?

Crypts were first built to protect the tombs of important religious figures, like saints. People wanted to visit these holy places. Over time, wealthy families and important leaders also started to be buried in crypts. This showed their importance and allowed them to be buried close to the church's altar.

Where Can You Find Crypts?

Most crypts are found in churches, especially older ones like cathedrals or abbeys. They can be simple rooms or large, complex areas with many smaller chambers. Some crypts are still used today, while others are historical sites that visitors can explore.

History of Crypts

Crypts have a long history, going back to ancient times.

Early Crypts

The very first crypts were often simple underground spaces. Early Christians used them as secret places to worship and bury their dead during times of persecution. These early crypts sometimes looked like catacombs, which are underground tunnels with burial niches.

Medieval Crypts

During the Middle Ages, crypts became more common in churches. They were often built under the main altar. This allowed people to visit the relics (special objects) of saints. Many crypts from this period are beautiful, with stone carvings and special designs.

Modern Crypts

Today, crypts are still used, though less often than in the past. Some modern churches might have small crypts. They are also found in large mausoleums or special burial sites. They continue to be a respectful place for remembrance.

Famous Crypts Around the World

Many famous crypts exist, each with its own unique story.

European Crypts

• The crypt of Canterbury Cathedral in England is one of the largest and oldest.
• The crypts in Rome, Italy, often connect to ancient catacombs.
• In France, the crypt of Notre Dame de Paris shows the city's ancient history.
• The House of Wettin crypt in Katholische Hofkirche, Dresden, Germany, holds royal family members.

Other Notable Crypts

• The crypt of Church of Saint Sava in Serbia is a large and impressive modern example.
• The crypt of the Helsinki Cathedral in Finland is also a significant site.

Related pages

• Catacomb
• Tomb
• Mausoleum

Images for kids

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  Visigothic crypt of Saint Antoninus Palencia Cathedral (Spain)

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  A crypt in Wola Gułowska, Lublin Province, Poland

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  The 17th century crypt found in 1911 in the city of Pori, Finland.

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  Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral

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  Crypt of Worcester Cathedral

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  Crypt of Rolduc Abbey, Kerkrade Netherlands

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  Crypt of St Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium

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  Crypt of Helsinki Cathedral, Finland

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  Crypt of Bayeux Cathedral, France

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  Crypt Saint-Sernin Basilica Toulouse

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  Wasserkirche, Zürich, with 'Martyr stone' of Felix and Regula

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  St. Matthias' Abbey, Trier, Germany

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  Wettin crypt in Katholische Hofkirche, Dresden

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  Crypt of Swedish royal dynasty (Bernadotte)

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  Crypt of Church of Saint Sava, Serbia

See also

In Spanish: Cripta para niños