Capuchin Catacombs Palermo
Home to 8,000 mummified bodies from the 16th century to 1920, dressed and categorized, offering a unique historical and macabre experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Capuchin Catacombs Palermo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to 8,000 mummified bodies from the 16th century to 1920, dressed and categorized, offering a unique historical and macabre experience.
"A truly unique and unforgettable experience in Palermo, offering a rare glimpse into history and tradition."
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the catacombs out of respect for the deceased.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking through the catacombs and cemetery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rosalia Lombardo
Main Chamber
The remarkably preserved body of a young girl, nicknamed 'The Sleeping Beauty,' who died in 1920.
+1
Mummified Monks and Aristocrats
Various Chambers
See nearly 8,000 mummies, including monks, nobles, and children, dressed in their finest attire.
+1
Cappuccini Cemetery Above
Adjacent to Catacombs
Explore the beautiful cemetery above the catacombs, adorned with numerous flowers left by loved ones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration is Key
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the catacombs out of respect for the deceased.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking through the catacombs and cemetery.
💰 Ticket Payment Options
Credit cards are accepted for ticket purchases, making payment convenient.
🚕 Getting There
Taxis from central Palermo are recommended, though can be pricey.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the catacombs out of respect for the deceased.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking through the catacombs and cemetery.
💰 Ticket Payment Options
Credit cards are accepted for ticket purchases, making payment convenient.
🚕 Getting There
Taxis from central Palermo are recommended, though can be pricey.
⏳ Allocate Enough Time
Plan for about 30-40 minutes for the catacombs tour itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Capuchin Catacombs as a unique, unforgettable, and macabre experience, offering a profound glimpse into Sicilian history and mortality. While the atmosphere is haunting, the preservation of the mummies and their attire is considered incredible and humbling. Some find the viewing of Rosalia Lombardo challenging, and transportation can be a minor inconvenience.
"A truly unique and unforgettable experience in Palermo. The Catacombs are both fascinating and a little haunting, giving you a rare glimpse into history, tradition, and the passage of time. The preserved mummies are unlike anything I’ve seen before – it feels like walking through centuries of Sicilian history.
The place is well-organized, easy to access, and not too crowded when I visited. Tickets are affordable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Photos are not allowed inside the Catacombs (for respect), but the atmosphere itself leaves a strong impression.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Palermo who wants to explore something beyond the usual tourist attractions."
Usman Nawaz
"So incredible! If for no other reason go too see the old clothes worn by the deceased. About a 30-40 minute tour through it. Little Rosalia was difficult to see. You had to stand behind a barrier and could not easily look in to see her sweet face. You cannot take photos. Getting there was a pain. We took an expensive taxi to and from central Palermo to get there. (Worth it) Afterwords, tour the adjacent Cappuccini Cemetery above it. A wonder of art and beauty. My husband was in awe of the number of flowers relations leave for family members."
Ann S
"The Cappuchin Crypt / Catacombs is the right place to come for something totally spooky and unique! I loved my visit contemplating death and seeing the outfits over the skeletons of people dead for hundreds of years. Amazing!"
Eileen Weed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capuchin Catacombs are located a bit outside the city center. Many visitors opt for a taxi from central Palermo, which is convenient but can be expensive. Public transport options might be available, but taxis are frequently recommended for ease of access.
The actual entrance is located near the shop, not the main gate. Pay attention to signage to avoid missing it.
While possible, it's a significant walk. Taking a taxi or considering local bus routes is generally more practical for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally considered affordable. While specific prices can vary, reviews indicate they are reasonable for the unique experience offered.
Advance booking is usually not necessary, as there's often no long queue. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the most current schedule before your visit. Generally, they are open during daylight hours on most days.
Yes, credit card payments are accepted for tickets, making the purchase process straightforward.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but the standard ticket price is considered good value for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs out of respect for the deceased and the solemn atmosphere.
While photos are not allowed inside, the exterior and the adjacent Cappuccini Cemetery offer beautiful and poignant photographic opportunities.
Focus on capturing the grandeur of the cemetery above, the intricate details of the tombs, and the overall atmosphere of the surroundings.
🎫 💀 Onsite Experience
It's a unique and macabre experience, offering a glimpse into historical burial practices. You'll see thousands of mummified bodies dressed in their original clothing, creating a haunting yet fascinating atmosphere.
A typical tour through the catacombs lasts about 30-40 minutes. You can also explore the adjacent Cappuccini Cemetery.
The catacombs are certainly eerie and can be unsettling due to the presence of so many deceased individuals. However, many find it more fascinating and historically significant than outright scary.
They served as a burial site for monks and later for the wealthy and pious of Palermo from the 16th century until 1920, preserving a unique aspect of Sicilian history and culture.
While it's a unique historical site, the macabre nature might not be suitable for very young children. Parents should use their discretion.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The catacombs are located a bit outside the main tourist areas, so dining options directly adjacent are limited. It's recommended to eat in central Palermo before or after your visit.
Palermo is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, offering delicious options like arancini, panelle, and sfincione, which are a must-try.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 For the Curious & Macabre
+2 The sheer number of mummies and the story of Rosalia Lombardo make for a truly unique and memorable experience that delves into the darker side of history and preservation. 🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
The preservation of clothing offers a tangible link to the past, and the stories behind the interred individuals, like Rosalia Lombardo, add a human element to the historical narrative. It's a chance to witness a unique aspect of Palermo's heritage that is both educational and deeply moving. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of the Catacombs
+2The catacombs house approximately 8,000 mummified bodies, each meticulously preserved and dressed in the clothing they wore in life. This practice offers a unique and somewhat chilling visual record of social status, fashion, and daily life in Palermo across several centuries. The bodies are arranged in various corridors, categorized by profession, gender, and age, providing a structured yet eerie glimpse into the past.
One of the most famous residents is Rosalia Lombardo, a young girl who died in 1920. Her exceptionally well-preserved body, often referred to as 'The Sleeping Beauty,' is a poignant and central exhibit, showcasing the advanced embalming techniques used by Dr. Alfredo Salafia.
+1 The catacombs are more than just a morbid curiosity; they are a significant historical and anthropological site, offering a profound reflection on mortality and the human desire for remembrance. Navigating the Catacombs: What to Expect
+1As you walk through, you'll observe the diverse array of clothing worn by the deceased, from the simple robes of monks to the more elaborate attire of aristocrats. This visual display provides a unique perspective on the social stratification of Palermo throughout history. The preservation quality varies, with some bodies remarkably intact while others show the effects of time.
The presence of children's remains, including the famous Rosalia Lombardo, can be particularly moving and somber. Remember that photography is strictly forbidden to maintain respect for the site and its inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit