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Capuchin Catacombs (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) Tours
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One of the most famous sights in Palermo—albeit a rather macabre one—is the extensive network of catacombs under the city’s historic Capuchin Monastery. The subterranean Capuchin Catacombs (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) are home to thousands of mummified remains in varying states of preservation dating from the 16th to 20th centuries.
The Basics
A small entrance fee is required to visit the Capuchin Catacombs. A stop here is included on some Palermo sightseeing tours, with the sight sometimes paired with a visit to the Monreale Cathedral. Visiting with a tour guide is the best way to understand the catacombs’ historical and religious significance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The catacombs are dark and often slightly humid, and may not be a suitable attraction for everyone—especially children or anyone who is claustrophobic.
- Taking photographs inside and touching the remains is prohibited—iron grills have been installed to protect the mummies.
- The underground catacombs are not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Capuchin Catacombs are located beneath the Capuchin Monastery on Piazza Cappuccini in central Palermo. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the monastery from the city’s historic center.
When to Get There
The Capuchin crypts are open daily but closed on Sunday afternoons in winter. As one of the most important catacombs in Italy, the sight can get crowded in summer, so plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to experience the eerie atmosphere in peace and quiet.
History of the Capuchin Catacombs
The Capuchin friars began burying the deceased in crypts beneath the monastery in the 16th century. They soon discovered that the unique conditions in the catacombs combined with their own burial rituals preserved the bodies extremely well, and it wasn’t long before being buried in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo—and therefore being preserved after death—was a status symbol and Sicilians began requesting this in their wills. Today, 1,252 mummified bodies remain divided among chambers dedicated to Capuchin monks, priests, virgins, professionals, women, men, and children, all encased in coffins or propped in poses. One of the last bodies to be placed in the catacombs is also the most famous: 2-year-old Rosalia Lombardo, who looks today as if she was just put down for a nap—though she’s been dead since 1920.
Address: Piazza Cappuccini, 1, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Capuchin Catacombs (Catacombe dei Cappuccini)
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Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Palermo Catacombs and Monreale Half-day Tour
Discover two of Palermo’s most distinctive landmarks on this immersive, private tour. Set off from your accommodation—hotel pickup and drop-off are included—and venture first to the Capuchin Catacombs: a macabre destination home to thousands of mummified bodies, many of them priests. Next, discover the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Monreale, famous for its fusion of Norman and Arabic architecture. A break for Sicilian coffee and nibbles is also included.
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From
$111.50
Price varies by group size
From
$111.50
Price varies by group size
Monreale Tour and Catacombs
the tour was organized to admire the beauty of the wonderful Cathedral of Monreale Unesco World Heritage Arab Norman itinerary, then continuation for the visit of the famous Catacombs of the Capuchins
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From
$136.28
Price varies by group size
From
$136.28
Price varies by group size
Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral - Private Tour
Visit with us one of the most suggestive places in the world! At the Capuchin monastery in Palermo you can discover the Catacombs. Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, in exchange for rich donations, illustrious Sicilian characters entrusted the bodies of their deceased to the Friars, who were mummified with natural techniques. In addition to being an impressive place, the Catacombs are today a very important historical testimony of a Palermo full of charm and mystery.
The second stage of the tour includes the city of Monreale, located on the slopes of Monte Caputo. Founded by the Arabs, it is one of the most important testimonies of the synergistic fusion of two cultures: Arab-Norman. Imposing and dominant, the famous Duomo, a World Heritage Site, rises above the town. You will be impressed by the refinement of the Byzantine elements and the immensity of the Christ Pantocrator.
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From
$185.83
Price varies by group size
From
$185.83
Price varies by group size
Palermo city half day tour
The tour was organized to admire the beauties of the historic center of Palermo with its marvelous Cathedral, Castello della Zisa and the renowned Capuchin Catacombs.
Finally stop at Porta Carbone with street food tasting (Panelle, Crocchè Panino con Milza)
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From
$154.86
Price varies by group size
From
$154.86
Price varies by group size
Private tour Palermo and Monreale
A fascinating tour that will allow you to admire artistic masterpieces of rare beauty. We will go up to Monreale, by car or minivan, to visit the Cathedral of Monreale, a UNESCO site, with its splendid Byzantine mosaics that extend over an area of 6000 square meters. Then we will move to Palermo to admire another UNESCO site: the Palazzo dei Normanni, an Arab-Norman jewel embellished by the beautiful Palatine Chapel, the Capuchin catacombs and the historic Cape market.
Read more about Tour Palermo and Monreale 2019 - Sicily
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From
$371.66
per group
From
$371.66
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Palermo & Monreale Historical Tour
Palermo is rich in historic and cultural treasures, but getting around the city and nearby Monreale with public transportation can be stressful and time consuming. Save hours by exploring with a private driver, skipping the hassle of crowded buses and trains and taking in highlights like the Norman palace, Zisa Castle, and Ballarò and Vucciria markets in just hours. Afterwards, set off to nearby Monreale to admire its magnificent cathedral.
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From
$192.53
Price varies by group size
From
$192.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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