The Capuchin Crypt is located in Rome, Italy.
A museum of monastic history
Situated in the basement of the Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins, it was completed in 1631 and uses the remains of around 3,700 monks as decorations.
The bodies of thousands of Capuchins were exhumed from the monastery on Via dei Lucchesi and transformed into works of art for the five underground chapels.
Over the years, the brothers also donated their own bodies to the project, until 1870.
The sixth chapel is used solely for the contemplation of faith.
The tour begins with the museum, where you can learn more about the history of the monks who lived in the church around 400 years ago. It even has a French missal from my hometown, so that was a nice little touch ! A home away from home, bones and all.
Memento mori
You can then access the crypts, which highlight the brevity of life with a chilling inscription : Quello che voi siete noi eravamo, quello che noi siamo voi sarete, which translates as “What you are, we once were ; what we are, you will become.”
It allows you to contemplate your own existence as you enter the chapels of dead bodies.
Bones adorn the walls and ceilings. The chandeliers, arches, and decor are made entirely from the remains of the monks.
Some bodies are also standing upright, dressed in their old habits, as if to show their devotion even in death.
Museum etiquette
Please note, however, that photography was strictly prohibited when I visited.
Security guards were stationed at each end of the corridor leading to the chapels and were very vigilant. I’ve seen several videos on social media nowadays so it might have changed, but be careful.
It is still essentially an above-ground cemetery, so it is preferable to treat it as such.
Admission to the museum and crypts costs €10, while admission to the church is free.
Guided tours are available for €39.
Ready to discover the bone chapels ? Visit the crypts.
(Please excuse the poor quality of the photos added, some are from postcards I bought there in 2014, not being able to take pictures and all…)
