Home » Arts & Design » Art Galleries & Museums » International Galleries and Museums

Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo Italy

Ranked #4,652 in Arts & Design, #72,380 overall

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy.

A pictorial journey through the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy. It is a unique piece of history, and a must see when one is in Palermo, Italy. Its a museum composed entirely of mummified people who once lived in Palermo. They are dressed in the attire of their times, or the attire of their occupation.

There are literally thousands of mummies, I can not capture them all ... join me on a pictorial journey with explanations along the way into this most unique piece of history, that is unfortunately, no longer practiced.

A Little History if Interested

If not then skip to next big picture.

Travelodestination PhotoThese catacombs grew naturally over time, adapting to new ways of life. There are approximately 8000 mummies in the catacombs and on display. They line every inch of wall broken into categories such as men, women, occupations, children etc.

It is for all intents and purposes, a human library, recording history as it passed, preserving it for future generations. Many view the catacombs as bizarre or macabre, but I think its a fabulous and unique story of a citys history. It started in 1599, the last priest was interred in 1871 and the last person ever was a little girl in 1920.

Originally it was meant to hold only friars, as their graveyard was full, but over time it became a status symbol to be buried there. Many put it into their wills to be interred there and some even went so far as to have change of clothing. The relatives of those interred paid a monthly fee for there family to be there.

Some are set up in poses, most are tied to keep limbs in place and family today can come and spend time with their dead loved ones. I personally would love to be mummified and contribute to human kind long after my death.

Be Prepared Before Going

Many walk in and then right back out ...

telegraph.co Photo of Mummies

Many a person has walked in and then right out again. The ambiance of the museum is unsettling to many.

The air is heavy, relatively odor free a little musty at most. For some the very sight of mummies literally inches away from them is to much, as these are all real mummies and not recreations. These were someones parents, sibling or friend who lived a life in Palermo.

This is the hallway that greets you.

Brother Silvestro

Oldest Monk, interred 1599.

Brother Silvestro is the oldest monk to be buried in the Capuchin Catacombs. He was buried in 1599. Yet still, you can easily imagine him walking the monastery grounds, praying at the altar, drawing water, and eking out a living with his fellow brothers.

Lady Chatter

One could think these two were sisters or best friends, sharing little secrets with one another. Though clearly long dead, they hold some resemblance to life.

Photo Credit: Momo

A Monk

The rope around his neck identifies him as a monk, as it was something they wore in life and believed in death as well, the rope was penance..

Photo Credit: Momo

Rosalia Lombardo

Rosalia was only two years old when she passed away to what is believed to be Pneumonia. She was the last to be interred at the Capuchin Catacombs in 1920. She was preserved with a variety of chemicals injected into her, thus her nearly still here life like look.

Photo Credit: Momo

Have your Say

What if?

If someone you knew or loved, wanted to be interred and remembered in this fashion, as a mummy in a museum, would you honour that decision?

Loading

Yes

nyclittleitaly says:

I would but it would be difficult for me.

artbyrodriguez says:

yes, I would honor their wishes. What matters is what they wanted, not what I want.

LittleTwoTwo says:

I would honour their decision, might be tricky at first for some people to get their heads around, but eventually I would do as they wanted.

lestroischenes says:

I'd honour their wishes but it's not for me!

Upon-Request says:

I'd honor their wishes but leave the details to someone else!

No

Thrinsdream says:

I'm not sure I could go through with it to be honest! All a bit macabre for me.

OhMe says:

I just don't think I could do that

RetroMom says:

Don't think so they freak me out

 
view all 9 comments

Bartolomeo Megna

This man is the largest one in the museum. He is huge, and I am not surprised he was kept here.

Photo Credit: Momo

Painters

Possibly brothers, co workers or enemies. Now they stand as a representation of painters from their era.

Photo Credit: Momo

Colonel Enea Di Giuliano

France 1848

The Colonel, in a French Bourbon uniform, is an outstanding relic from the past. His uniform floods the imagination of what an officer's life might have been like in the 1800's.

Photo Credit: Momo

Husband and Wife

Till death do you part

Photo Credit: Momo

Wall of Teachers

The catacombs are broken up into sections, this is the teachers occupation section.

Photo Credit: Momo

What would you do?

Would you go?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Mummified Priests

The Priests section of the Occupation hallways.

Photo Credit: Momo

Screamers

They really are not screaming ... decayed body parts and gravity.

Photo Credit: Momo

Old Motherly Woman

Makes me think of my Granmother, with that shawl, which retained its colours rather nicely.

Photo Credit: Momo

Go deeper into the Crypt

King's Capuchins' Catacombs Corpses of Palermo
Information on the Capuchin's Catacombs in Palermo Italy. Credited all photos used on this page.
10 Residents of the Capuchin Catacombs
Being inspired by a radio show discussing the art and architecture of Italy, I created a top ten list.
Wikipedia ... Catacombe dei Cappuccini
Wikipedia Entry for Catacombe dei Cappucini
Capuchin Catacombs - Palermo, Italy
History, description, photos and visitor information for Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
Google Maps
Google Map for Capuchin Catacombs

Have Your Say

Good or Bad

  • nyclittleitaly Feb 13, 2012 @ 12:36 am | delete
    Excellent lens. Very well done.
  • nikyweber Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:10 am | delete
    Thank you for posting! awesome lens!
  • myamya Jan 27, 2012 @ 8:39 am | delete
    Nice post! thumbs up!
  • sheezie77 Jan 27, 2012 @ 6:37 am | delete
    vegy nice lens! well done!
  • flighty02 Jan 26, 2012 @ 2:24 am | delete
    A fascinating lens! I would love to visit the catacombs and Palermo one day.
  • Load More
Show All

Miss anything?

Quick Links

Where in the world ...

is Palermo, Italy

Things to do when Visiting Palermo Italy

Vote for your favourties

1

Vote Up
Vote Down

Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele

The stairs where Mary, of Godfather died. Oh, not more...0 points

2

Vote Up
Vote Down

Go to Monreale

Monreale towers over the city and offers panoramic more...0 points

3

Vote Up
Vote Down

Go Bargain Hunting in the Markets

There are three open-air markets in Palermo.0 points

4

Vote Up
Vote Down

Take Pictures at Fontana Pretoria

A large fountain in the middle of town filled with more...0 points

5

Vote Up
Vote Down

Beaches

Your on an island.0 points

6

Vote Up
Vote Down

Street Vendor Food

Its not the process McDonalds, but oh so much bett more...0 points

Photo Credit: Piccolina

The Kalsa Quarter 

No more dead please.

Anything living in this city?

It is the capital city of Sicily ... there is plenty of life here ... a rich culture, fascinating food and a fabulous eclectic mix of eras and archetectural styles to thrill the eye.

Museums and cathedrals to visit and to educate, maybe even awe you. The museum Capuchin Catacombs is usually listed as number eight and below on top ten lists of what to see and do in Palmero. There are innumerable activities to do that will keep you, happily, outdoors all day and night. The shops, the markets and the vendors all have a old world charm to them and it would be easy to be lost in the multitude of foods and trinkets available.

Have you been to Palermo, Italy?

Share, Share, Share

  • Ninche Apr 11, 2012 @ 5:37 am | delete
    Not yet, but I'm sure I will!
  • Thrinsdream Feb 14, 2012 @ 2:39 pm | delete
    No never. This was a brilliant lens, I got hooked even though I found it all very creepy, but in a good way (does that make any sense?) Well done you. With thanks and appreciation. Cathi x
  • nyclittleitaly Feb 13, 2012 @ 12:37 am | delete
    No, but that will be our next trip to Italy.
  • jeremykim2011 Feb 10, 2012 @ 8:54 pm | delete
    This lens makes me want to go to Palermo!
  • artbyrodriguez Feb 8, 2012 @ 7:13 pm | delete
    Italy, yes....Palermo, no. But I would love to someday.
  • Load More
Show All

Learn more of Italy

Loading

Squid Angel Blessings

The historically accurate dead that teach todays people ... have been blessed ... to you angels ..

a ghostly thank you!

by

LittleTwoTwo

I love learning about new places and had never heard of this museum in Palermo Italy, what a fabulous concept.

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags