Crypt closure dims tourism hopes for historic Dublin church
The crypt in the Anglican church in Dublin, Ireland, remains closed following the destruction of mummified bodies due to arson. One of the damaged bodies is the "Crusader," who died approximately 800 years ago. The perpetrator, 39-year-old Cristian Topiter, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the 2024 arson, which the church described as an "act of desecration and sacrilege."
More than nine months after the attack, the crypt remains inaccessible to tourists. The main gates of St Michan’s Church are closed, and the entrance to the crypt is secured with steel doors. Archdeacon David Pierpoint emphasises that, as a parish, they are custodians of the entire church, including what lies underground.
The damage is severe. The "Crusader" has a charred body, is missing one leg, and his spine and arms are damaged. Another mummified body, buried approximately 400 years ago, was also destroyed. The closure of the church has led to a decline in parish income, as it cannot accommodate tourists.
Hopes for reopening
Archdeacon Pierpoint expresses hope that the crypt will reopen as soon as they receive permission for the reburial of the remains. Opening the crypt is crucial for the financial support of the church and for allowing tourists to see this unique site.
St Michan’s Church, whose current structure dates back to the 17th century, has been targeted by several attacks in recent years. In 2019, vandals damaged the "Crusader," cutting off his head, which was later recovered and reattached with the help of the National Museum of Ireland.
Despite limited access to the site, St Michan’s Church remains open for services every Sunday. The first church on this site was built in 1095, and the current structure was renovated in 1998. The crypts also contain the remains of influential Dublin families from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
