The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars is one of Rome’s most unique and intriguing sites, located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione.
Known for its macabre yet artistic crypt, this location offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the Capuchin friars’ views on mortality.
This guide covers everything you need to know about tickets, what to see, and the history of this eerie yet fascinating site.
Tickets for The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Before planning your visit, it's crucial to book tickets in advance, especially since the crypt is a popular attraction. Here are some options:
- General Admission: Entry to the Museum and Crypt.
- Skip-the-Line Tickets: Bypass queues and enter directly.
- Guided Tours: Explore with the help of expert guides who provide in-depth knowledge of the Capuchin friars, the crypt, and the artifacts on display.
Do Rome Passes Work at the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars?
Unfortunately, Rome Passes and other tourist city cards do not provide free or discounted entry to the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. It’s essential to purchase tickets separately.
Things to Do at the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars?
Exploring the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars allows you to engage with art, history, and the spiritualityof the Capuchin friars. Below are the key areas to explore:
The Crypt
The crypt is made up of several chapels, each decorated with the bones of approximately 3,700 Capuchin friars:
- Crypt of the Skulls: Featuring skulls arranged in geometric patterns, serving as a reminder of mortality.
- Crypt of the Pelvises: Using pelvic bones to create artistic designs.
- Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones: Long bones form intricate decorative patterns.
- Crypt of the Three Skeletons: A central skeleton holding a scythe and scales, symbolizing death and judgment.
- Crypt of the Resurrection: Arranged to depict rebirth and eternal life.
The Museum
The museum offers eight rooms of exhibits that explore the Capuchin order’s history, including:
- Historical Artifacts: Items used by the friars, such as religious texts and vestments.
- Religious Art: Notable pieces like Caravaggio’s St. Francis in Meditation.
- Manuscripts and Documents: Rare texts that illustrate the spiritual practices of the Capuchins.
- Interactive Displays: Multimedia presentations that provide deeper insights into the order’s mission and contributions.
The Church
The Church of Santa Maria della Concezione reflects the Capuchin friars’ simplicity. Despite its modesty, it houses significant works of art:
- St. Michael the Archangel: A dynamic sculpture by Antonio Giorgetti.
- Paintings by Pietro da Cortona and Guido Reni: Notable works such as Reni’s St. Michael the Archangel Defeating Satan.
- Altarpieces and Frescoes: Beautiful pieces depicting the spiritual themes of the Capuchin order.
Where Is the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars Located?
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars are located in Via Veneto, in the Ludovisi district. The museum is attached to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini.
- Address: Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma
- Google Maps: Capuchin Crypt Location
How to Get There
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars is accessible by public transport and on foot from major attractions like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain:
- By Metro: Line A to Barberini station, then a 2-minute walk.
- By Bus: Lines 52, 53, 61, 80, and others stop at Barberini, just 1 minute on foot.
You can find official Public Transport Maps via this link.
Opening Hours of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Plan your visit by noting the opening hours for both the museum and church:
- Museum and Crypt: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., last admission at 6:30 p.m..
- Church: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m..
History of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
The Crypt of the Capuchin Friars was constructed in the 1630s by order of Pope Urban VIII to serve as a burial placefor the friars.
Bones from the old friary were used to decorate the walls and ceilings of the crypt in intricate patterns, with a memento mori theme, reflecting the Christian belief in the transience of life. By the time it was completed, the crypt contained the remains of approximately 3,700 friars.
In 2001, a museum was established next to the crypt to provide further context on the Capuchin order’s history and their contributions to religious life in Rome.
Who Were the Capuchin Friars?
The Capuchin friars are a branch of the Franciscan Order, founded in 1525 by Matteo da Bascio. They aimed to return to the original principles of St. Francis of Assisi, focusing on poverty, simplicity, and service.
Recognizable by their brown robes with a pointed hood (cappuccio), the friars have dedicated themselves to spiritual reflection and serving the poor.
Over the centuries, they have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, and spiritual renewalacross the world.
Why Are the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars So Famous?
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars are famous for their macabre and artistic use of human bones as decoration.
With bones arranged in elaborate patterns to reflect the impermanence of life, the crypt has drawn visitors from around the world, including notable figures like Mark Twain.
The crypt offers a poignant reflection on the Christian concept of mortality through the phrase memento mori.
What is the Origin of the Term Capuchin?
The term Capuchin comes from the Italian word “cappuccio,” referring to the pointed hood worn by the friars as part of their simple brown habit. The Capuchin order itself was founded in 1525 by Matteo da Bascio, a reformer who sought to return to the original ideals of St. Francis of Assisi.
Facilities & Accessibility of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars offers several services to ensure a comfortable visit:
- Luggage Storage: Free storage for large bags is available.
- Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages, offering detailed information about the crypt and the museum.
- Gift Shop: A small shop with books, souvenirs, and educational materials.
- Accessibility: The museum and crypt are fully wheelchair accessible.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
When planning your visit, keep in mind the following:
- Dress Code: Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Photography: No photography is allowed in the crypt.
- Bags and Backpacks: Large bags are not permitted and must be left in storage.
- Food and Drinks: Not allowed inside the museum or crypt.
- Quiet Reflection: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
Traveler Tips
To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Book in Advance: Tickets can sell out, so it’s wise to secure your spot early.
- Arrive Early: Mornings are usually quieter.
- Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees as it’s a religious site.
- Claustrophobia: If you’re uncomfortable in small spaces, the crypt may feel overwhelming.
- Wear Layers: The crypt can be chilly, even in summer.
Lesser-known Fun Facts & Secrets of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
- Memento Mori: At the entrance, the phrase “What you are now, we used to be; what we are now, you will be” greets visitors, reminding us of life’s impermanence.
- Bone Chandeliers: One of the most captivating sights is the chandeliers made entirely of human bones, hanging eerily from the ceiling.
- Symbolic Bone Arrangements: Every chapel is decorated with bones in symbolic patterns, reflecting themes of mortality, spirituality, and the passage of time.
- Monk's Habit Mural: Inside the museum, there’s a mural made from Capuchin friars’ robes, showcasing impressive artistic creativity.
- Musical Instruments: Surprisingly, the crypt features instruments made from human bones, including violins and harps, highlighting the friars’ ingenuity.
- Famous Residents: The crypt holds the remains of prominent figures, such as papal advisors, adding a layer of historical significance.
- Whisper Room: One room amplifies whispers, earning it the name The Whisper Room, creating an eerie effect that enhances the crypt’s atmosphere.
- A Child's Embrace: Among the friars' remains is a young girl cradled in a friar’s arms, a mysterious and unsettling display.
- Macabre Decorations: The bones are arranged into elaborate designs—think clocks, religious symbols, and even chandeliers.
- Legend of Holy Ground: It’s said the earth beneath the crypt was brought from Jerusalem, making it sacred for the friars’ eternal rest.
- Cappuccino’s Origin: The word “cappuccino” is believed to come from the Capuchin friars' brown hooded habits, reflecting the coffee’s color and foam.
Visiting this crypt offers a rare and thought-provoking experience, combining art, history, and spirituality in a truly unique setting.
Top Attractions Near the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars is close to many of Rome’s famous landmarks, making it easy to extend your visit to nearby attractions:
- Spanish Steps (10-minute walk)
- Trevi Fountain (11-minute walk)
- Galleria Borghese (17-minute walk)
- Colosseum (29-minute walk)
The Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars offers a profoundly moving experience that blends history, art, and spiritual reflection in a way few other sites in Rome can.
Its unique combination of the macabre and spiritual makes it a must-visit for those interested in the impermanence of life and the legacy of the Capuchin friars.
After your visit, you can continue your exploration of Rome’s rich history by visiting nearby attractions such as the Spanish Steps, the stunning Trevi Fountain, or the beautiful Galleria Borghese.
For a full day of adventure, you can even stroll further to Capitoline Museums, the Colosseum, or the Pantheon. These iconic landmarks complement your visit to the crypt, rounding off a memorable day in the Eternal City.