The Capuchin Crypt in Rome is one of the city’s most fascinating and macabre attractions. Located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto, close to the Piazza Barberini, this crypt holds the skeletal remains of approximately 3,700 Capuchin friars and serves as a chilling yet poignant reminder of the transience of life. For those wandering the streets of Rome, utilizing a walking map of Rome can enrich your exploration of such hidden gems.
Rather than a simple burial site, the Capuchin Crypt is a work of art in its own right. When the friars relocated to this church in 1631, they brought with them 300 cartloads of bones from deceased friars. The bones were arranged into elaborate and intricate designs under the supervision of Fr. Michael of Bergamo. The soil in the crypt was sanctified as it was transported from Jerusalem by the order of Pope Urban VIII. Each friar who passed away was buried without a coffin to speed up the decomposition process, and once the bodies decomposed, the bones were exhumed and added to the bone-centric decorations within the crypt.
The Crypt’s Haunting Beauty
Once inside, visitors encounter a series of rooms where bone arrangements cover the walls and ceilings. These rooms include the Crypt of the Skulls, the Crypt of the Pelvises, the Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and the Crypt of the Three Skeletons. Each room has its unique display crafted from human bones and serves not only as a visual spectacle but as a meditative space for contemplation on mortality and the afterlife.
Each displayed arrangement brings forth a different visual and emotional experience. For example, the Crypt of the Three Skeletons houses a central skeleton that is framed within an oval symbolizing the cycle of life. A scythe in one hand represents death, while scales in the other symbolize divine judgment. The inscription in five languages poignantly states, “What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be,” providing a somber and reflective atmosphere for all who visit.
A Reflective Visit
Before entering the crypt itself, visitors can explore the adjoining museum where the history of the Capuchin order and the crypts is detailed. Among the exhibits is a painting by Caravaggio that depicts Saint Francis, offering cultural and artistic context to the macabre aesthetics within the crypt. Key points about the Capuchin friars, who distanced themselves from the Franciscans to live a more ascetic and authentic life, are also highlighted.
The Mass Chapel within the crypt complex does not contain any bones but instead serves a more standard religious purpose. The altar piece shows images of Jesus and Mary exhorting saints like St. Francis of Assisi to free souls from Purgatory. This chapel also contains the heart of Maria Felice Peretti, a devoted supporter of the Capuchin order and the grand-niece of Pope Sixtus V.
Practical Information for Visiting the Capuchin Crypt in Rome
📍Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM
How to Get There:
The Capuchin Crypt is conveniently located near Piazza Barberini. You can easily reach it by taking the Metro Line A to the Barberini stop. From there, it’s just a short walk up Via Veneto. Alternatively, several buses pass through this area, including lines 52, 53, 61, 62, and 63.
Opening Hours:
– The crypt is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
– It is closed on various holidays, so it is advisable to check the official website for specific dates before planning your visit.
Price:
– General admission: 10.00 €
Where to Book Online Tickets:
To avoid long lines and ensure your visit, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance. You can book online tickets through the official website: https://museoecriptacappuccini.it/en/.
While some might find the display unsettling, the intention behind it is far from morbid fascination. According to the Capuchin order, the display serves as a silent reflection on the brevity of human life and the inevitability of death. The rooms that house the bones were used as places for evening prayers and reflection by the friars, making the crypt not just a tourist attraction, but a site of genuine spiritual significance.
The Capuchin Crypt in Rome offers a unique and reflective experience, steeped in history, art, and spirituality. It’s a must-visit for those who find fascination in the macabre aspects of human history and seek to understand the deeper messages conveyed by such unusual displays.