The weirdest place in Rome, you've gotta see it!! and other Rome, Italy Off The Beaten Path Tips

As you are walking down Via Veneto towards the Piazza Barberini you will see this lovely little church called Sant Maria della Concezione. This church was founded by Pope Urban VIII's brother. He was buried here along with thousands of other members of this church. This is the church of the Capuchin Monks. The Capuchin monks buried all their brethren under the church and used the bones of over 4000 more brothers to create alters, crowns, stars and crosses. In the five chapels you will see these bones in inticate designs. The bones line the walls and ceilings in different patterns. It is very weird to see bones in the form of lampshades and chairs. It is even weirder to see the full skeletons hanging from the walls holding other bones and dressed in robes like the grim reaper. They even have the bones of some children on display. This is not a place to visit if you are with children or are squeemish. I thought it was very grizzley and unnerving the way they had the bones displayed.
If you visit, you are expected to make a donation but may stay as long as you wish. Bring small change because the ladies in charge of the gift shop will not make change for you. Also, they do not allow pictures taken, with or without flash. They close the entire museum if someone takes a picture. The crypt is open 9-6 with a break from noon til 3. Visit it if you wish, but just be warned, this is some really weird stuff!!!
It is easy to find. If you are in the Piazza Barberini just head up the Via Venato. It is on the right hand side of the street about 3 minutes from the piazza. You must go up the stairs to enter the church. There is a small gift shop inside if you wish to purchase post cards of the displays.

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