Crypt of the Capuchin monks and other Rome, Italy Off The Beaten Path Tips

The crypt is located just under Santa Maria della Concezione, on Via Veneto just off Piazza Barberini. In 1631, the remains of many Capuchin friars were exhumed and transferred from the friary near the Trevi Fountain to this crypt, which now contains the remains of 4,000 monks buried between 1500-1870, during which time the Papal States 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 lamps which cast strange shadows.

Each chamber has been decorated with the bones, which are arranged on the ceilings and walls forming intracate patterns or have been sorted in piles against walls. Each of the chambers are different, some even contain the haunting full skeletons of monks clothed in the traditional brown habit. It is quite a strange sight to see human remains displayed in this way, but fascinating nonetheless.

I've read elsewhere that the present monks run the crypt and take donations etc, but none were present when we visited; instead a young woman was seated behind the table in the entrance hall. You are asked to make a donation, and there are postcards for sale, as photography is not permitted.

Definitely a must-see when in Rome!

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Website: http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/