Beneath the Capuchin convent at Piazza Cappuccini, the Catacombe dei Cappuccini hold rows of preserved human remains, many dressed and displayed in underground corridors. The cemetery began with Capuchin friars; over time, local clergy, aristocrats and other residents were also buried here. Look for Rosalia Lombardo, the child whose exceptionally preserved body is among the best-known in the collection. The visit is quiet and confronting, with a direct encounter with Palermo’s burial customs and history. Photography is prohibited, so take time to read the displays instead.
A cemetery beneath the convent
The Catacombe dei Cappuccini lie beneath the Capuchin convent, beside the Church of Santa Maria della Pace in Palermo. The underground galleries were excavated in the late 16th century, after the friars began using the site for burials. The cemetery is often called a catacomb, but it is a burial place rather than an early Christian place of worship or meeting.
The first burials were Capuchin brothers. After their bodies were found to have become naturally preserved, other Sicilians sought burial there too. The site eventually held clergy, aristocrats and local residents, turning it into a record of Palermo’s burial traditions and social life across several centuries.
How the remains are displayed
The remains are arranged through underground corridors and chambers, with many bodies displayed upright or placed along the walls. Their clothing and positions make the display unusually immediate. The arrangement follows categories including sex, age and social status; signs beside some remains give names and dates of life.
The collection is estimated at about 8,000 bodies. Some were mummified, while others are skeletons. The galleries also include the remains of friars and lay people, showing how the cemetery expanded beyond its original use by the Capuchin community.
Rosalia Lombardo and respectful visiting
Rosalia Lombardo is among the cemetery’s most famous residents. Her preserved body is a particular point of interest, though it may be difficult to see clearly. The displays include children and infants as well as adults, and some visitors find these areas especially difficult. Consider whether the visit suits everyone in your group before you go.
Photography is prohibited inside the catacombs. Postcards and a booklet are available at the site for visitors who want a record of the collection. The remains are human beings, and a quiet, respectful approach is appropriate throughout the visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Where are the Capuchin Catacombs?
They are beneath the Capuchin convent at Piazza Cappuccini, beside the Church of Santa Maria della Pace in Palermo.
Can you take photos inside the catacombs?
No. Photography is prohibited inside. Postcards and a booklet are sold at the site.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to walk through the displays.
Is the visit suitable for young children?
The remains are graphic, including those of children, so the visit may be unsettling for young children.
