The macabre Capuchin Crypt
Located in the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Via Veneto, the capuchin crypt represents an extremely interesting and unusual sight, a unique work of art. Built around the first half of the eighteenth century, the Crypt arose because of the need of making room for the new deads in the small cemetery of the convent and then find a proper place for the bones of exhumed friars. The macabre and brilliant composition becomes an excellent occasion for the announcement of all the positive Christian meaning of human life and his landing to the resurrection.
In 1631 the Capuchin Friars left the convent of St. Bonaventure near the Trevi Fountain, and came to live in this current of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rome, where the remains of the deceased religious were transported and placed.
It can be assumed that the work of adornment of the crypt was built in the years 1732-1775. The long corridor, about thirty metres, is divided in 5 rooms where the mortal remains of almost 3,700 dead, mostly Capuchin friars were collected. The rooms, arranged along this windowed corridor, have practical names like “The Crypt of Shin Bones and Thigh Bones, or the crypt of the Skulls” And the decoration is not limited to the walls. Looking up, the arrangements of bones are set into the ceiling as well and include macabre chandeliers that loom above the uneasy visitor. The bones have been fashioned into rosettes, crosses, coats of arms, crowns, and stars as well as two explicit reminders of the passage of time – an hour glass and a clock with no hands. Diaramas of corpses can be seen, praying and resting on carefully mounded piles of bones.
It was suggested that the "genius artist" who executed the decoration had to be P. Raffaele from Rome, a talented painter cappuccino, died in Rome in 1805. Others have identified the mastermind of this "monument" in Father Norberto Baumgartner Vienna (1710-1773), a painter known cappuccino, this with certainty in the convent in Rome in 1745; him remain some works also in the church above the cemetery. But it also mentioned the name of Ennemond (Edmond) Alexandre Petitot (1727-1801), who was in Rome from 1746 to 1750.
Before visiting we recommend to browse internet for more pictures of that particular site, then take the decision and chose if you are able to see it or not, especially if you are with children.
Rember also that it is not permitted to take pictures inside.
Interesting side note for the next time you have a coffee - the name of the drink "cappuccino" is derived from the brown hood that the order of friars wear.
To see the crypt you need to buy the ticket for the museum because it is part of the tour, and it is opened everyday from 9:00am to 7:00pm, but they sell tickets only until 6:30pm.
The ticket costs €6, and costs €4 for people above 65 and younger under 18.
The museum is located in Via Vittorio Veneto, 27
Recap: before visiting we recommend to browse internet for more pictures of that particular site, then take the decision and chose if you are able to see it or not, especially if you are with children.
