Capuchin Rome Crypt – Off the Beaten Path in Rome
Capuchin Rome Crypt – What to see off the beaten path in Rome
Visit the Capuchin Rome Crypt with Kids
If you are traveling with a boy or tween or anyone who loves the creepy and unusual then you will absolutely love the Capuchin Rome Crypt on your Rome vacation itinerary. Take time to see what is off the beaten path in Rome and this will not disappoint! Bones of the deceased line the walls here. Some are piled neatly and others are used in a more decorative fashion. This cool crypt is both creepy and interesting and a big draw for the sometime reluctant sight seeing ages like tweens and teens.
When we visited Rome on the kids’ first international family vacation, they were just 5 and 7 years old. We rented an apartment just one street over from the Capuchin Rome Crypt so it was easy for us to visit. Our son was especially interested in seeing so many bones. Even at just 5 years old he was already ‘all boy’ in the sense that the creepy appealed to him.
Capuchin Monks Rome – Off the Beaten Path in Rome
First things first, the capuchin religious mean are no monks – they are friars. what’s the difference between a monk and a friar? Monks choose to live a solitary life away from society. Friars, on the other hand, live among the people and this Franciscan order is still active today.
Why is the Capuchin Rome crypt holy? – Off the Beaten Path in Rome
Four hundred years ago, soil was brought from Jerusalem to serve as a holy resting place for the friars. Currently 18 friars are buried in the holy soil in this crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione. Over the years, as space in the holy soil was needed for more burials, previously buried friars were exhumed and their bones were stored in other sections of the crypt. Newly deceased friars are then buried in the soil.
There are 6 rooms –
1 – Crypt of the Resurrection – Â This crypt highlights the important religious cornerstone of the Catholic religion – resurrection.
2 – Mass Chapel – This room does not contain any bones and is used to celebrate mass.
3 – Crypt of the Skulls – As the name implies…there are lots of skulls here.
4 – Crypt of the Pelvises – Again….you can probably guess that there are a lot of pelvic bones here.
5 – Crypt of the Leg bones and the thigh bones – Yes….leg bones. In addition to the expected leg bones, you’ll see whole skeletons of friars still dressed in robes.s
6 – Crypt of the Three Skeletons – Three skeletons decorate this crypt and symbolize the circle of life. The sign says,
“What you are now…. we used to be; what we are now….you will be”
Capuchin Rome Crypt hours –
Daily 9 – 12:00 AND 3:00 – 6:00
***NOTE sometimes closed on Thursdays**
Capuchin Rome Crypt cost –Â
1 euro donation
This low costs makes you worry less about being creeped out. If someone in your travel group wants to leave after just a few minutes you are only out  1 euro. Feel good about your donation which supports the still active group of friars.
Interesting note – The coffee drink cappuccino is named after these Capuchin friars and their brown robes.
After your short visit you’ll be near the Villa Galleria Borghese Gardens and Museum which would be a great stop on your family vacation in Rome.
CLICK HERE Â Rome in 5 Days – the Perfect Itinerary for a Family Vacation in Rome
Take the kids with you to explore Rome, the Eternal City.
CLICK HEREÂ The Kids’ Travel Guide to Rome
CLICK HERE to Download the Kids’ Travel Guide to Vatican City
Happy Travels,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
Yea, The Capuchin Crypt is a small space comprising several tiny chapels located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto near Piazza Barberini in Rome, Italy.
We found it fascinating!