Capuchin Catacombs
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
Some 8,000 mummified bodies displayed in the underground vaults of a monastery, arranged by social rank. The best known is 'Sleeping Beauty' Rosalia Lombardo, whose body is so well preserved it looks as if she is asleep.
The Capuchin Catacombs lie beneath the Capuchin monastery on the west side of the old town. From the late 16th century, the friars began preserving their bodies here, and later nobles and wealthy citizens also sought burial in the catacombs, right up until the end of the 19th century. The long corridors are divided by category: friars, priests, men, women, children and professionals. Thousands of mummified bodies, some dressed in their clothes, stand or lie in the niches. The most famous is two-year-old Rosalia Lombardo, who died in 1920 and whose face remains intact to this day. Admission is a few euros, and photography is prohibited. Children and anyone who is easily frightened should think twice before going in.
Opening hours
About 09:00–12:30, 15:00–17:30 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- La Zisa
- Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina
- San Giovanni degli Eremiti
- Mercato del Capo
- Palermo Historic Centre
- Teatro Massimo
- Teatro Politeama Garibaldi
- Ballarò Market