Ossuary of the Oratory of Sant'Anna

Oratory of Sant’Anna (ossuary), Poschiavo
Around 1850, the loggia of the Oratory of Sant’Anna, next to the church, was converted into an ossuary. The interior, furnishings and picture cycles follow a strict biblical symbolism
Text / Source: Valposchiavo Turismo, Vial da la Stazion, 7742 Poschiavo / valposchiavo.ch

The oratory is a small sacred building built in 1732. It is a visible monument to the Counter Reformation at the end of an intensive construction phase on the part of the Catholics. In view of the simple exterior of the building, the splendid interiors surprise with their architectural finesse, sculptures and frescoes. In 1903 the loggia of the Sant’Anna oratory adjacent to the collegiate church of San Vittore Mauro was converted into an ossuary. During the tour, the otherwise closed chapel is open to the public.
Source: Valposchiavo tourist guide

The ossuary has existed since 1903. Ossuaries were built in the Middle Ages due to a lack of space in cemeteries. According to the belief at the time, the bones were not allowed to be destroyed, otherwise resurrection would not have been possible.