Full disclosure, I'm a weirdo who is in to death stuff professionally. Ossuaries and catacombs, and the history behind them, is endlessly fascinating to me and far from grotesque. Part of Sicily's rich history that they inherited from the east is the preservation of bodies. You also see this in Napoli, where people even adopted the abandoned dead. But that is another place and review! The Catacomb of the Capuchin monks in Palermo is incredible, there's nothing quite like it. One like me could spend hours perusing and observing, the clothes, the teeth, the differing states of delayed decay. Admiral and cardinal hats still intact. The "Professionals" section was particularly interesting for period clothing. Beautiful fancy outfits that scream money. The Capuchin monks did not discriminate - any person of means could pay to have themselves preserved. Still, we are all equal in death. Though one might not choose this for themselves, or want to see their loved one in this condition, it is worth seeing. And reflecting. No pictures allowed, but I could not help but snap one of conjoined twins, born around 1850 I think. That they survived birth at all at that time is a miracle, and can be witnessed today. We had no guide, so I wondered, is the mother here also? It was sad seeing batches of children together, sometimes together in the same horizontal box, sometimes standing together. Were they all from the same family? Probably, which in itself gives one pause, and reminds us to be grateful for our health and this life. 100% worth a visit. Face your fears, face death, remember what life is all about. read more

Catacombe dei Cappuccini - Conjoined twins? Wow! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Palermo, Pennsylvania

We arrived a few minutes before 3 PM, which is when they reopen after being closed for lunch. There are free toilets before you go into the catacombs. Outside, there are some stands with souvenirs, orange juice, and snacks. The visit took under one hour. It is not possible to take photographs, and out of respect to the dead You should follow those instructions. right outside next to the catacombs there is also the Capuchin Cemetery. You can roll by while you wait for the catacombs to open. It is beautiful and very peaceful. There are also free toilets available there. these catacombs were nothing like I had seen before. And I have previously been to the Paris and Rome catacombs. The ones here are more like mummies that are lined up on the walls and you walk right between them. Most of them seem to date from the mid 1800s to late 1800s and they are grouped by profession. There are not many signs at all, so it would be beneficial to learn more about the catacombs before visiting. Overall, I thought that it was worthwhile, especially because I have been to other categories and it was interesting to see the difference. read more

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Interesting place. A bit unsettling with all the dead bodies. Unless you understand the history of the place first it will not make sense. Also pay attention to the operating hours. They close over lunch and do not open until 3pm. I did see people bringing small children, which I really question. read more

This is a very well known tourist spot in Palermo and catacombs in the world. My husband and I have been to others but this one was notable. This site is not for everybody and definitely not for young children. Dead bodies are arranged by either family or their station in society. They are also dressed and in varying states of decay. It was particularly jarring to see children. The site is still run by the Capuchins and I imagine that it is a decent source of income because the site is so well visited. My husband who is not easily unsettled left shortly after entering. Photographs are understandably not allowed. read more