I left out an important Rome attraction earlier this week when I published my post on 72 hours in Rome with kids. On the morning of our departure, we got up extra early to ensure we’d have time to visit the Capuchin Crypt — a set of six chapels made up of human bones and skulls.
Sound creepy? It’s ultra creepy!
Check out all of these skulls. Unfortunately, the church does not allow photographs in the crypt so the only way to share the macabre vision is through photos of their post cards. The bones are nailed to the walls in intricate patterns, piled around each chapel, and there are even bone chandeliers.
4,000 friar skeletons occupy the crypt, buried by their order after being transported to Rome in 1631. People have visited these bone chapels for hundreds of years — really, this site has to been seen to be believed.
Is the Capuchin Crypt kid-friendly?
I’d say categorically this is not a good place for little kids unless you are carrying a sleeping baby. Older school-age kids, tweens, and teens, however, will think you are the coolest (or craziest) parent ever for bringing them in here.
The crypt is below the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini off Piazza Barberini on the Via Veneto. This is not a well-known attraction — I must have asked 15 people how to find the church and I got countless shoulder shrugs, even IN Piazza Barberini. Anyway, in retrospect, it’s not difficult to find if you get yourself on Via Veneto from the piazza.
Here is a link to the official website. Note, opening hours are 9a-12 and 3-6p. The crypt is closed on Thursdays.
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Relevant Links:
72 hours in Rome with kids
Ciao Bambino recommended Rome family hotels
Rome and Florence car rental tips
Where to stay in Rome
Rome travel tips and guides
Top things to do Rome
Unique Rome sights with kids
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Topics: Activities, Blogsherpa, Europe, Italy, Rome, Tips