Museum and Crypt of Capuchins Friars

About

The Capuchin Crypt, located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on Via Veneto in Rome, is a fascinating subterranean ossuary featuring the skeletal remains of about 3,700 Capuchin friars who died between the 16th and 19th centuries. Rather than a macabre display, the friars' order insists the arrangement of bones serves as a silent reminder of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Visitors walk along niches carved into the walls, where the bones of the friars are laid out in meticulous order, creating an eerie yet contemplative atmosphere. The crypt’s unique charm stems from its six distinct rooms, each with its own theme. Highlights include the Crypt of the Resurrection, which is adorned with panels depicting Jesus raising Lazarus; the Mass Chapel, where holy relics and a plaque commemorating Pope Sixtus V’s grand-niece Maria Felice Peretti invite reverence; and the disturbing yet artistically arranged Crypt of the Skulls, Pelvises, and Leg Bones. Each room offers a different perspective on the Capuchin tradition of using the human skeleton as a meditation on death. Accessible to the public daily (except on certain holidays), the crypt has been open to visitors since the mid-19th century, with an admission fee that covers the cost of upkeep and conservation. Despite its macabre nature, the tour is generally brief, taking about an hour and a half to explore the six chambers fully. The site’s solemn beauty has inspired writers from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to Mark Twain, attesting to its enduring intrigue.

Highlights

• Crypt of the Resurrection
• Mass Chapel
• Crypt of the Skulls

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes