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“The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art.” in 6 reviews
“More than 4,000 monks, who died between 1528 and 1870, are buried near Via Veneto which is a popular tourist spot in Rome.” in 3 reviews
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13 reviews
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- Sadie F.Gainesville, GA512759Jun 3, 2017
Only 8 euro? Yes, please. I can't believe more people don't visit! This was the most interesting thing we saw in Rome (I've been twice!).
The museum is good. They actually explained thoroughly the history of the monks.
The crypt is amazing. It's so interesting, but also super creepy. Don't miss it!!!Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jessica L.Denver, CO10143491061Oct 24, 2018
Macabre? Maybe. Fascinating? Definitely! After visiting the Vatican filled with glitz and fancy, intricate art, this was quite the juxtaposition! Learning about the simple lives of the monks and what they stood for was very educational. The art that is included in the museum itself is beautiful. I regret not taking a tour of this place to learn still more, and ask the questions I was left with. The actual crypts are something to behold! What detail and intricacy, all done with human bones. Beware that no photos are allowed. The unfriendly staff member who we bought our tickets from didn't mention this and I missed the very small sign. This lead to me being aggressively reprimanded by a security guide of sorts. First, be sure to clearly inform guests to begin with. Second, why not allow pics without flash?! It will only increase interest in this incredible place, and can't cause damage. Finally, if someone does make a mistake, try being nice so that they're not left with a bad experience of this worthwhile place. Anyway, I got a couple cool pics before I was attacked so I might as well share them.
Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 5Oh no 0 - Stella P.Asheville, NC158385172Dec 4, 2017
This was one of my favorite places we went on our trip to Italy. It is a wonderfully unique attraction and loved that even though it is popular it felt a bit off the beaten path.
The entrance fee is 8.5 euros and it is completely worth it. You start in a small museum and then walk through the crypt. After that, you can go up an additional set of stairs to the church itself.
I loved this part of our trip because it was so unique and interesting. It was pretty quick but completely worth the money - I highly recommend!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jim C.Seattle, WA15668Jun 1, 2017
We did the church tour with the Ancient Music concert in the church. It was a great experience. The Gregorian chant style of singing in this amazing space was remarkable. The crypt tour was a bit creepy but so very interesting. The concert truly made this experience.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jun 7, 2012
Also know as " The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks"
Absolutely creepy as hell, but worth every minute spent here. This place is fantastic. My wife, son and nephew and I thoroughly loved it. It can be a little hard to find, but all that's expected is a small donation and a promise not to take pictures. The ones that I've included are from their website and the Internet.
Here's some additional information:
"The crypt is located just under Santa Maria della Concezione, a church commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. The pope's brother, Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel. Here the Capuchins would come to pray and reflect each evening before retiring for the night.
The crypt, or ossuary, now contains the remains of 4,000 friars buried between 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches. The underground crypt is divided into five chapels, lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks, and small fluorescent lamps. The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits, but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs.
The crypt originated at a period of a rich and creative cult for their dead; great spiritual masters meditated and preached with a skull in hand.
A plaque in one of the chapels reads, in three languages, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be." This is a memento mori."
Thank you Wikipedia.
Well worth the visit, and there are some excellent restaurants close as well.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Annika L.Copenhagen, Denmark54191235Jul 7, 2015
Skull freak? Bone lover? Fascinated by death? Yes... Ok - go to the capuchin crypt. The entrance fee is a bit steep, but theres a small museum in connection with the crypt and you can learn a little something about the capuchin order before you are amazed/chilled by the artistic presentation of monk skeletons/bones.
Go slow, it will be over before you know it. Go when The Sun shines to make it less scary and even slightly beautiful. And afterwards you can support the crypt/church by buying some good old merch!Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Andrew K.Belfast, United Kingdom72179518Nov 18, 2015
Out of this world! One of the strangest places I have visited! Note ***No photos allowed when I went*** #Spooky
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Nola G.Paris, France60115912220Aug 20, 2016
The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks is pretty creepy and grotesque yet strangely amazing. More than 4,000 monks, who died between 1528 and 1870, are buried near Via Veneto which is a popular tourist spot in Rome. There are six crypts beneath the church of Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini (Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins or sometimes referred to as the "Bone Church.") Initially the bones where lined up but the displays became more elaborate. Seeing is believing.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Gabriele S.Fair Oaks, CA12630Jul 26, 2014
Creepy, yet absolutely worth the visit, especially with teens who are tired of historical sites.
Pros: Right next to Metro Station ("Barberini").
Unique.
Nice, modern museum.
Good for teens.
Cons: The museum staff fusses too much about putting one's camera into bag.
Posters are too expensive.
Crowded.
Tip: Schedule this later during the day, when you are too tired to walk and take the Metro to this church. Might be too creepy for younger children. Take the time to reflect with one another WHY this may have been done. More information on the "Capuccini" community at Via Veneto can be found at http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/index.htmHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Katie Dianne J.Downey, CA8103Feb 27, 2015
An amazing sight to see while in Rome. They recently added a museum which is pretty interesting and an informative way to learn about the life of the Capuchin monks. At the end of the museum tour, there is a crypt where all of the displays made from the bones of Capuchin monks. Definitely a must see! Great for anatomy buffs too! It's super easy to find, It's right across the street from the Barbarini metro exit.
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