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Skull Stolen 60 Years Ago Returned to Vienna Cathedral
28 Aug
Summary
- A human skull stolen 60 years ago was returned anonymously.
- The skull was sent with a confession from an elderly German man.
- Experts could not identify the skull's original owner.
A human skull, missing for approximately 60 years from the catacombs beneath Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral, has been returned. The remains were sent in a parcel by an elderly man from northern Germany who confessed to stealing the skull as a young tourist about six decades prior.
In his accompanying letter, the man explained that he wished to settle his conscience as his life was drawing to a close. This act concluded a decades-long story that began with youthful recklessness. Officials received the unexpected package, which contained the skull and the confession.
Despite the restitution, experts were unable to identify the skull's original owner or match it to any remains within the cathedral's vast catacombs. The skull has now been given a dignified resting place within the cathedral.
The theft occurred during a visit to the catacombs, which house thousands of remains. The skull's journey away from its resting place concluded after six decades, with the anonymous sender seemingly seeking peace for a past decision.
