Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo

The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (also Catacombe dei Cappuccini or Catacombs of the Capuchins) are burial catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. Today they provide a somewhat macabre tourist attraction as well as an extraordinary historical record.

But first! Some of the fun and beautiful photos of Palermo!

LaShelle loving the amazing architecture in Palermo!

Randi got to enjoy one of best Canoli's she's ever tasted!

It's hard to comprehend the size of these columns!

Drawings of what the catacombs looked like back in the day. Now there are walkways with iron railings on both sides to keep the mummies protected.

Photos from the early 1900’s

Bodies were dehydrated on racks of ceramic pipes in the catacombs and sometimes later washed with vinegar. Some bodies were embalmed and others were enclosed in sealed glass cabinets. Friars were preserved with their everyday clothing and sometimes with ropes they had worn in penance.

Initially the catacombs were intended only for deceased friars. However, in later centuries it became a status symbol to be entombed in the Capuchin catacombs. In their wills, local luminaries would ask to be preserved in certain clothes, or even have their clothes changed at regular intervals. Priests wore their clerical vestments, while others were clothed according to contemporary fashion. Relatives would visit to pray for the deceased and to maintain the body in presentable condition.