Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo Tour: Exploring the History of Mummification
4.9
116 Ratings
Palermo
Embark on a captivating tour of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo and delve into the intriguing history of mummification. Discover over 2,000 embalmed mummies, including the renowned Sleeping Beauty of Palermo, and gain insights into Sicilian society and the unique mummification techniques developed by the Capuchin friars.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Catacombe dei Cappuccini - With this fascinating and partly macabre tour, we will discover one of the most spectacular and unique places in the city of Palermo, the ancient cemetery of the Capuchin fathers, a cemetery that houses almost 8,000 mummies inside!
What's Included
  • entrance ticket
  • Authorized tourist guide
Additional Information

The renowned Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo is a world-famous mummies’ graveyard. Accompanied by a well-informed local guide, we will delve into the histories of more than 2,000 preserved mummies, including the celebrated Rosalia Lombardo, also known as Palermo’s Sleeping Beauty. As we tour the numerous passages of this subterranean burial site, we will gain insights into the ancient Sicilian society and the diverse preservation techniques developed by the Capuchin monks.

Location
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
Piazza Cappuccini
Appointment in front of the entrance of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(116 Ratings)
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Andrealynn1200
May 25, 2024
Wonderful tour by Simon - Simon is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the catacombs. You can tell how much passion he has for the site, and he seems genuinely excited to educate others on it, even though he’s obviously been many times. I highly recommend choosing Simon, because without a guide, the site can’t be fully appreciated. We arranged a private tour in advance with Simon, who was very easy to coordinate with.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kennethb2363
May 16, 2024
Historic experience - We had Simon as a guide, very talented and committed, very knowledgeable, he explained so that you understood the history, can be recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O672duheidit
May 7, 2024
Great tour, great guide - Brilliant tour, Simon the guide was really knowledgeable and you can tell he loves his job. Everything is very thoroughly explained and it is very interesting. It is well worth having a guide so you can really appreciate the history behind the people there, as this would be difficult from just looking around. Again, great tour and would definitely recommend if you want to gain a proper understanding and appreciation for the catacombs
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9167mfpatricial
Apr 23, 2024
A wonderful experience - Simon was remarkable! Despite technical problems (not his fault) He made it all happen! He is delightful and informative!
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Discover44041718093
Apr 13, 2024
Impressive experience - The catacombs were very impressive and interesting. Simon impressed us with his expertise and his friendly manner. We would do a tour with him again in a heartbeat.
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Benjaminw797
Apr 9, 2024
an absolute must-see attraction. - This is an absolute must-see place but be forewarned: it is very creepy, probably the creepiest and most disturbing thing I've ever seen in real life. There are tombs and mummies in other places, including the Cistine Chapel, Egyptian mummies, etc. But this place is the creepiest.
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Anavaquer
Apr 8, 2024
This a very unique experience you should not miss! - This is a very unique experience, but it may not be for everyone. Definitely do not bring young children. I did not have any problems walking through the crypt, even by myself. There are over 2,000 embalmed mummies in various states of decay, including the famous Rosalia Lombardo, called the Sleeping Beauty of Palermo. The oldest body is Brother Silvestro from 1599, and is immediately to your left and above you as you enter. I watched a travel show on TV before visiting that went through many corridors and explained the purpose of the crypt. One of the Capuchin monks explained on the show that our time on earth is short and what really matters is what comes next. These 'bodies without souls" as they call them, are a reminder that we are all mortal. Explained by one of the monks. For him being with all these bodies brings him joy and peace as it causes him to focus not on our earthly existence but on eternity. I don't know if this helps while you see this place, but I am passing it on. I wanted to take a tour with one of the online tour companies, but there was a three person minimum. A tour might have made the experience more meaningful. It still was quite interesting for me.
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Dovile_m
Mar 26, 2024
Great guide and amazing experience - Simone was very kind and easy to understand. His story telling is very captivating and unique, the stories of the individuals who are now buried in the catacombs are chilling, but not scary. Definitely worth booking this tour not only for the experience, but also to know the history of this unique place.
Review provided by Viator
Nataliad
Mar 17, 2024
Strange and spooky but worth a visit - Very strange and spooky experience but would definitely recommend. Not for very sensitive people. I would also strongly suggest avoiding taking children with you (we saw a few bizarre mums with little kids walking around dead bodies and mummies... I was shocked that parents like that exist).
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Happytraveler793
Mar 10, 2024
Guide make the experinece much more meaningful - Simon was a wonderful guide and made the experience special. He has extensive knowledge of the catacombs and provides great history of both the location and those who are buried there. We found this tour very interesting and we were glad whe had Simon to guide us and teach us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor