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In 1765 carpenters were working in the church of the small village of Wieuwerd, Friesland, when they found a crypt with 11 coffins that looked as if they were brand new.
To their astonishment the bodies inside the coffins showed no signs of decay. The cool, dry atmosphere of the church had apparently caused decomposition to slow to a glacial pace (though it did not stop completely). Birds that died in the crypt became mummified too.
Of the 11 mummies, four remain today. It is believed that they belonged to the Labadist, a protestant religious movement of the 17th century.
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Know Before You Go
Wieuwerd (in Frisian the place is called Wiuwert) is close to Sneek or Mantgum. By car: take the N354 between Sneek and Leeuwarden. At Dearsum take the N384, from here the town is on the road signs. By bus: line 33 from Sneek. Alternatively, take your bike on the train and get off at Mantgum - then cycle to Wiuwert.
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Published
October 6, 2009
