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Capuchin Crypt Tours

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Capuchin Crypt






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Jose Antonio Mato Miguez
GB

Jose

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
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+2 more

I'm not too much of a believer but it was very interesting to learn about the order and the visit to the Crypt is not to be missed.
Megan L Crockett
US

Megan

United States
Apr 2025
Great experience! We enjoyed learning the culture and history and the tour was wonderful. We learned so much and were happy it wasn't cancelled due to the Pope's passing.
MARIA DE LA PALOMA MAYORAL FIGUEROA
ES

Maria

Spain
Sep 2024
It was a fantastic experience. The guide was a great professional and knowledgeable about the history of Rome. Both the catacombs and the major basilicas are a must see for anyone traveling to the Italian capital. A tour of 10
Kirsten Louise Harding
GB

Kirsten

United Kingdom
Mar 2025
Everything!! Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable, friendly and great at answering questions we had. Website was easy to use, and I had full contact with the team right throughout our city break and various excursions
ceri williams
GB

Ceri

United Kingdom
Feb 2025
Administration was excellent. Guide was outstanding - extremely well informed, took time to check in with us for questions, answered them all. Was a real enthusiast with well-devoted presentation and delivery skills. Was highly informative and engaging at the same time.
William Webb

William

Mar 2018
The stories about the several levels and how they were discovered, how the lower levels were used, and who walked on the same paths is really gripping. It excites you even more to know more
Jamie Hernandez

Jamie

Apr 2018
I had my doubts whether they had the chepaest tickets or not, but they actualy do! bEst price across the internet for all experiences.
Margareth

Margareth

Aug 2018
This was such an informative and eye opening tour. We went on a very hot day in Rome and were grateful when we descended into the cool Catacombs, our guide an English girl was very funny and informative she was a wealth of information it really does open your mind of how they lived then and the history behind it all, well worth the money.

Top things to do in Rome

Capuchin Crypt: Where art meets the afterlife

Journey through time and mortality at one of Rome’s most fascinating treasures—the Capuchin Crypt! Located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, it is famous for its artistic displays made from the skeletal remains of approximately 3,700 Capuchin friars. These remains are arranged in elaborate designs, including chandeliers and decorative arches. Created by the Capuchin friars in the 17th century, this underground world invites reflection on life, death, and the fleeting nature of existence. Join a local expert on a memorable tour. Read more to find why and how to visit.

Things to know before buying Capuchin Crypt tickets

  • Access to the Capuchin Crypt is only permitted through a visit to the associated Museum of the Capuchin Friars. You cannot enter the crypt without first going through the museum, which provides valuable context about the Capuchin Order and its history.
  • Due to high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This will secure your spot and help you avoid disappointment, as last-minute availability can be limited.
  • The Crypt is steeped in Rome's timeless history, and a guided tour can elevate your experience with fascinating stories and little-known facts. Opt for a half-day tour that combines the Capuchin Crypt with nearby sites like the Domitilla Catacombs and San Nicola Basilica—ideal for a well-rounded underground adventure.
  • If you’re a first-time visitor, go for a tour with round-trip transfers from central Rome. It’s a hassle-free way to navigate Italy’s transportation system. While the guide will lead you through the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and Domitilla, you’ll explore the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars on your own using an audio guide.
  • Smaller to medium groups (around 20 guests) gives you a more intimate experience, while larger groups may be more cost-effective but could lack personal attention from guides.
  • The site is not wheelchair accessible due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Capuchin Crypt | Quick facts

Capuchin Crypt? - Quick Facts
  • Historical significance: Final resting place for 4,000 Capuchin monks, created to embody the "memento mori" philosophy.
  • Time period: Built in the 17th century, with burials from 1500 to 1870.
  • Current use: A tourist site and reflection spot featuring artistic bone displays, alongside a museum on Capuchin life.
  • Accessibility: Located under Santa Maria della Concezione, Via Vittorio Veneto, Rome. Open daily: 10am - 7pm.
  • Key features: Five chambers decorated with bones and skulls in intricate designs. Crypt of Skulls, Crypt of Leg Bones, and the Mass Chapel (relics but no bones). Unique displays like chandeliers from shoulder blades, clocks from vertebrae.

What are Capuchin Crypt opening hours?

Why Visit the Capuchin Crypt?

Daily:

Morning: From 9:30am to 1:30pm (last entry at 12:30pm)

Afternoon: From 2:30pm to 6:30pm (last entry at 5:30pm)

Days closed:The Capuchin Crypt is closed on December 25, January 1, and Easter Sunday.

Complete schedule of Roman Catacombs

Best time to visit the Capuchin Crypt

The best time to visit the Capuchin Crypt is right when it opens at 10am for a peaceful, crowd-free experience. If you're planning your trip, aim for weekdays, especially Mondays or Tuesdays, as weekends can get busy. For the best weather, visit in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to early November), when Rome is at its most comfortable. Summer months like July and August are quite crowded, while the cooler temperatures from December to February create a unique and contemplative ambiance in the crypt's underground chambers.

Where is Capuchin Crypt located?

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.

The Capuchin Crypt is located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, which is just a few steps away from the famous Palazzo Barberini.

  • By bus: Take bus routes 52, 63, or 175 to the nearest stops, which are a short walk from the crypt.
  • By metro: The closest metro station is Barberini on Line A. From there, it’s just a few minutes' walk to the Capuchin Crypt.
Step-by-step directions to Roman Catacombs

Highlights of Capuchin Crypt

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Three Skeletons

This crypt features three skeletons enclosed in an oval, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. One skeleton holds a scythe representing mortality, while the other holds scales symbolizing judgment of one's deeds. A placard reminds visitors of the universal truth: "What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be..."

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Resurrection

Here, you will find a powerful display of human bones arranged to frame a picture of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It serves as a visual representation of the theme of resurrection and the triumph over death.

Capuchin Crypt

The Chapel for the Mass

This is a non-bone area where mass is celebrated. It houses an altarpiece depicting Jesus, Mary, and saints urging the release of souls from Purgatory. The chapel also contains the heart of Maria Felice Peretti, the grand niece of Pope Sixtus V, and the tomb of Papal Zouaves who died defending the Papal States.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Skulls

The crypt showcases an arrangement of human skulls, creating a macabre yet fascinating sight that reflects the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Basins

It features the arrangement of human pelvis bones, forming basins. This unique display highlights the physicality of the human body and creates a thought-provoking and visually striking experience for visitors.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Tibias and Femurs

The crypt displays a collection of leg bones and thigh bones, highlighting the structure and strength of the human lower extremities in an artistic and thought-provoking manner.

Timeline of the Capuchin Crypt

  • 1500-1870: Approximately 4,000 Capuchin friars were buried in the crypt. Burials followed the tradition of exhuming the longest-buried remains to make space for new ones. These reclaimed bones were incorporated into the crypt's ornate decorations.
  • 1631: The Capuchin monks relocated to the site, bringing with them 300 cartloads of bones from their previous monastery. Under Fr. Michael of Bergamo's supervision, the bones were meticulously arranged. Soil from Jerusalem was imported at Pope Urban VIII's request for the crypt's creation.
  • 1851-1852: Entry to the crypt was restricted, prohibiting women from visiting during this time.
  • Present day: The crypt stands as a unique and solemn historical site, drawing visitors with its intricate bone arrangements and its significance as a burial site for friars and poor Romans.

Complete history of Roman Catacombs explained

Visitor tips

  • The crypt and museum can be explored thoroughly in 45 minutes to an hour. This gives you ample time to appreciate the exhibits without rushing.
  • Pair your visit with nearby landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione or Piazza Barberini for a fuller exploration of the area.
  • As a sacred site, the crypt requires modest attire. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered to avoid being denied entry.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited inside the crypt. Respect the sanctity of the space by leaving your camera or phone in your bag.
  • Bring a light jacket. The crypt's underground chambers are naturally cool, even in summer. A light jacket or shawl will keep you comfortable.
  • The intricate displays of human bones serve as a profound reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Take a moment to reflect on the Capuchin motto, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be."

Plan your visit to Capuchin Crypt

Frequently asked questions about the Capuchin Crypt tickets

Do Capuchin Crypt tickets include access to the museum?

Yes, all Capuchin Crypt tickets include entry to the Museum of the Capuchin Friars, where you can explore exhibits on the history of the order, their lifestyle, and the fascinating connection between art and faith.

Can I visit the Capuchin Crypt without a guided tour?

Yes, you can explore the crypt and museum independently with the help of an audio guide included in your ticket. However, guided tours offer more in-depth insights into the crypt’s history and its symbolic bone decorations.

How were the bones arranged in the crypt?

The bones are meticulously arranged along the walls of the crypt, forming intricate and elaborate designs. They are integrated into decorative motifs, including chandeliers, arches, and even a clock made of bones.

Why did the Capuchin monks create the crypt?

The crypt was initially created as a burial site for the Capuchin friars. It served as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

Is there a skip-the-line option for Capuchin Crypt tickets?

Yes, some guided tours help you skip lines, which is particularly helpful during peak seasons like spring and summer when queues can get long.

Are children allowed in the crypt?

Yes, children can visit the crypt, but keep in mind that the bone displays might be unsettling for young visitors. Consider preparing them beforehand or opting for a museum-only visit if needed.

How long should I plan for a visit?

Most visits to the Capuchin Crypt, including the museum, take about 45 minutes to an hour. Guided tours might take slightly longer, depending on the itinerary.

Is the crypt wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the crypt and its underground chambers are not wheelchair accessible due to its historic structure and narrow staircases.

Are there restrooms or a café nearby?

While there are no restrooms or cafés directly within the crypt, you’ll find facilities and dining options around Piazza Barberini, a short walk away.

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