Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The bones were moved from the old friary cemetery on Via dei Lucchesi to the current location in 1631.

2. 2

   The remains are arranged in six chapels named after the specific bones used in their decoration: Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises, and Crypt of the Leg and Thigh Bones, among others.

3. 3

   The crypt contains a plaque stating in three languages: 'What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.'

4. 4

   Cardinal Antonio Barberini, brother of Pope Urban VIII, was a member of the Capuchin order and oversaw the construction of the church.

5. 5

   Some of the skeletons in the crypt are fully dressed in their traditional Franciscan robes.

6. 6

   The artistic arrangement of the bones was intended to reflect the Baroque view of death as a transition rather than an end.

7. 7

   The museum collection includes a historical reliquary containing the hand of Saint Felix of Cantalice.

8. 8

   The crypt was originally used as a burial ground for friars and later as a resting place for the Roman nobility who sought to be buried near the order.

Overview

The Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini features a crypt decorated with the bones of approximately 4,000 Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and 1870. Located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, the site consists of a museum followed by six distinct burial chapels. The remains are arranged in intricate, decorative patterns, including chandeliers, rosettes, and star shapes formed from human vertebrae and femurs. The museum displays historical artifacts, including original habits, religious paintings, and liturgical objects belonging to the order. One of the central paintings in the museum is Caravaggio's 'Saint Francis in Meditation'. The site serves as both a museum and a working religious space, requiring visitors to maintain a respectful demeanor. Photography is strictly prohibited within the crypt areas to preserve the sanctity of the remains. The structure is situated on the Via Vittorio Veneto near Piazza Barberini.

Insider tips

• Visit during mid-week to avoid weekend crowds, as the narrow corridor of the crypt can become congested.

• Take time to read the placards in the museum before entering the crypt to understand the theological context of the displays.

• Maintain a quiet voice, as the site is part of an active religious institution.