We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 132 Palermo Attractions »

Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini)

Piazza Cappuccini 1, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
091-212-117
Ranked #19 of 102 attractions in Palermo
4.0 of 5 stars 131 Reviews
Type: Cemeteries, Historic Sites
Owner description: Visit, if you dare, this web of spooky subterranean passages where 8,000 of Palermo's mummified dead will greet you; some dating back over 500 years...... more » Owner description: Visit, if you dare, this web of spooky subterranean passages where 8,000 of Palermo's mummified dead will greet you; some dating back over 500 years and still dressed in their absolute best. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

131 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    55
    50
    18
    5
    3
Date Rating
Munich, Germany
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

A very impressive site, highly recommended for a visit. There are probably few such places on earth (or slightly under) that are still open to the public. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by gintasm for Palermo
Bucharest, Romania
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

Embalmed bodies and skeletons wearing clothes, an unpleasant show of death and vanity. Strange, unusual and picturesque. The dead are not resting in peace, with all these tourists staring. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by silvisly for Palermo
Bristol, United Kingdom
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

This rare attraction is difficult to describe. We walked underground to find the decaying bodies of people long passed, some in coffins and many more hung up on the walls as if they're staring back at you. At first I was in awe at how well preserved they were, and how unique this glimpse into the afterlife was, but towards... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 14 more reviews by Jill B for Palermo
Portland, OR
Top Contributor
128 reviews 128 reviews
Reviews in 68 cities Reviews in 68 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

A meaningful experience if you have the right attitude. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by AcePortland_OR for Palermo
Alexandria, Virginia
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
68 helpful votes 68 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2012

Prior to this, the closest I've been to skeletons in clothing was at the Capuchin crypt on Via Veneto in Rome. That one only had four chambers of Capuchin skeletons. This one seemed like endless hallways of skeletons hanging on the walls. I found the skeletons of babies and children the creepiest. Our tour group guide gave us 40 minutes... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Brussels, Belgium
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

8000 - occasionally very well, in fact mesmerisingly well preserved - corpses, clad mostly in their contemporary style. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Gabor188644 for Palermo
London
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

Weird tourist attraction! However, for only 3 euros you can't really complain. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Cat K for Palermo
London
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2012

I can't believe I am really saying "meh" about all those dead people, but "meh" honestly. It's interesting enough, and I'm glad I went and all, but I saw much better stuff in Palermo. Get yourself to the Capelle Palatina. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by charlieinman for Palermo
London
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

About 800 bodies, the first dating from 1599, lie or hang in the catacombs, creating a macabre sight. They look dessicated and rather dusty. A young girl embalmed in the 1920s is rather more disturbing. She looks like a painted doll. It seems awkward staring at her as if she is a tourist curiosity (which, unfortunately, she now has become.)... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by handel21 for Palermo
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is truly one of the creepiest things I have ever seen yet, strangely, I'd recommend it. The catacombs are basically a series of under ground rooms housing a bunch of dead bodies strung up on the walls and in shelves. They're clothed in interesting clothes (one in an admiral's uniform!) and it seemed that they were stuffed with straw... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by ggg17 for Palermo

Travelers who viewed Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) also viewed

Palazzo dei Normanni & Capella Palatina
4.5 of 5 stars 179 Reviews
Palermo, Province of Palermo
Mondello
4.5 of 5 stars 127 Reviews
Palermo, Province of Palermo
 
Stanze al Genio
5 of 5 stars 20 Reviews
Palermo, Province of Palermo
Ballaro Market
4 of 5 stars 60 Reviews
Palermo, Province of Palermo
 

Been to Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »