The Capuchin Crypt or “Church of the Bones” is located near the Piazza Barberini under the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome.  It contains the skeletal remains of 3,700  Capuchin friars buried by their order.  While it’s not meant to be macabre, it’s comprised of six separate chapels each containing thousands of bones displayed in various ways.  Some are nailed to the walls in intricate patters, there are full skeletons mummified in their robes and some are hanging from the ceiling as light fixtures.   There are also large numbers of skulls stacked one on top of the other.  I found out the hard way, as I was getting reprimanded by the front desk gal, that no photos are allowed. I did manage to snap quite a few prior to her wanting to confiscate my camera much to the horror of my traveling partner Diana.  I probably wouldn’t go back but I would recommend a visit if you have time and are in to that kind of thing.

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Italy - Church of the Bones, Rome

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