Did you plan to stay in Palermo in Sicily? Don’t miss visiting the Capuchins catacombs, one of the city’s emblematic places!
The island of Sicily is rich in a centuries-old tradition and has a very tempered Mediterranean character. Did you know that the mummification process was an ancient tradition? Visiting the catacombs of the Capuchins of Palermo makes it possible to realize it and to witness this custom entrusting to spirituality.
Today, they contain about 3,000 mummies, most of which are still in a remarkable state. We wanted to share this amazing place because it is a must for any visitor who wishes to immerse himself in Sicilian culture during his stay. Follow the guide, we'll tell you everything.
History of Capuchin catacombs in Palermo
At the end of the 16th century, the cemetery of the monastery of the Capuchins began to be lacking. Thus, the monks decided to build a crypt to accommodate the additional remains. In 1599, one of the monks called Silvestro de Gubbio was the first to integrate what would become the Capuchins catacombs in Palermo.
The mummification process was well under control. In fact, the corpses suffered a complete dehydration and a vinegar wash before being embalmed and dressed in their monacal outfits.
Over the course of the centuries, the Palermo bourgeoisie offered monks a large sum of money if they agreed to take charge of the deceased of their family. So they could visit and pay tribute to their ancestors.
It was from the 1880s that the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo officially no longer accepted "new arrivals"... Since then, they have visited for the greatest happiness of visitors in search of unusuality.
Our tips to visit the Capuchins catacombs in Palermo
Duration of the visit of the Capuchin catacombs to Palermo
We have to count half an hour to visit the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo.
Ideal season to visit the Capuchins catacombs in Palermo
Palermo is a city of southern Europe where it can be very hot in the summer... But not in the Capuchins catacombs that make up a pleasant place all year round. However, avoid the hottest hours for another reason: this is where you will find the most tourists.
The ideal? Coming early morning or late afternoon .
Additional information
Offering a ticket for the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo comes to enter a sacred place where the rules of elementary respect are strict. One correct holding is strongly advised. In addition, the eating food or drinks is prohibited just as the presence of our friends animals . And we talk about it low voice : it would be a shame to wake the owners of the place...
If the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo are open to the public, taking photographs is prohibited . Iron grids were laid to prevent tourists from touching or taking pictures with the bodies. Know that for about twenty years, the carbonic gas released by the visitor’s breath has gradually damaged the remains.
Interesting story: the site has always fascinated the intellectuals of all Europe. For us, it is precisely described by Guy de Maupassant in "In Sicily", a travel book published in 1886.
What to do during your visit to the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
The catacombs of the Capuchins in Palermo are bathed in a very dry air which, like the embalming process and the absence of light, delays the aging of the remains. When you enter it, there are long, communicative galleries dug into the volcanic tuf.
About 300 m2 is about 2,000 skeletons and mummified bodies that seem to fall asleep peacefully. So the Palermo catacombs form the largest collection of mummies in the world. Their bodies are clothed with surprisingly well-preserved period clothes and are highlighted by their name, first name and date of death.
Their placement has nothing of sadness but has been chosen according to the profession, sex and social status of the deceased. Also, the heart of the catacombs is logically occupied by the first occupants, the capuchin brothers, still dressed in their dress. They are surrounded by mummies from the Sicilian bourgeoisie.
When you visit the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo, you are surprised by the Women ' s corridor : these are decorated with beautiful embroidered dresses and jewelry. In a chapel, known as Crucifix, there are the bodies of young women who have remained virgins for eternity.
Later, the Children ' s chapel and one family corridor which aims to group the mummies of the same family. A corridor preserves the mummies of the notable : doctors, lawyers, painters, soldiers... Here is the presence of the painter Velasquez, sculptors Filippo Pennino and Lorenzo Marabitti or doctor Salvatore Manzella.
The visit ends with the chapel of Santa Rosalia , dedicated to the little Rosalia Lombardo, a two-year-old girl who died of pneumonia. Unbelievably well preserved in a nitrogen-filled receptacle, Palermo’s beautiful dormant was one of the last people to have been allowed to enter this place.
How much does a ticket cost to the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
The ticket price is 3,00€ for all.
How to book an online ticket for the Capuchins catacombs in Palermo?
It is possible to save time by booking your ticket directly for the Capuchins catacombs in Palermo on the official website. Otherwise, tour operators offer tickets for the visit, including even a guide.
Are there guided tours of the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
It is possible to discover the catacombs of the Capuchins in group or private visit . Also, visits are video-surveiled. Indeed, between the irrespective selfies or the young confounded catacombe and discotheque, there have been many abuses... Thus, loudspeakers will be reminiscent of offenders in order if necessary.
Are there visits combined with other monuments of Palermo?
It is possible to combine the visit of the Capuchin Catacombs with that of Monreale . Located in height, this town in the province of Palermo is home to an Arab-Norman architecture cathedral classified as Unesco World Heritage.
Opening hours
The catacombs are closed on Sunday afternoon from late October to late March. Otherwise, the site is open every day of the year (including holidays).
Visit times are as follows:
- De 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ;
- And 3 p.m. to 6 p.m..
How to access the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
By bus
If you arrive from Central Station by bus, choose the line 109 or 318 up to Piazza Indipendenza. Then continue with the bus 327 or on foot via Cappuccini. The Capuchin catacombs in Palermo are located near the church of Santa Maria della Pace.
By metro
By metro, the nearest stop is that of Palazzo Reale-Orleans . Once released, the via Cappuccini will lead you to the catacombs of the same name.
Where to park near the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
Piazza Cappuccini has a parking lot. Small precision for those travelling by car: in Sicily, the road code is interpreted very freely by the premises. It could surprise visitors who are not accustomed to dense and anarchical traffic. Prudence!
Where to stay near the Capuchin catacombs in Palermo?
Palermo is a large Sicilian city that lacks charm. We'll find the accommodation of his dreams. The centro storico is obviously the heart of the city and therefore, we recommend that you book a room or rent a small foot-to-land hut. Indeed, all sites of interest are directly located there.
If you want to enjoy the heritage as well as the joys of the sea, the district of Borgo Vecchio or boroughs Mondello and Addaura will seduce you. To find an offer that best suits you, do not hesitate to consult a Compare hotels . Otherwise, interesting offers are also available on Airbnb .
Finally, don’t hesitate to stroll long in this splendid city!
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