Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini

The history behind the church is fascinated, but going through the museum, first you totally get to know how they lived their lives but also their beliefs. After visiting the museum, it was the crypt which it was a very fascinating and interesting visit. The church it has got an amazing vault ceiling with frescoes, and each chapel tells its own story.

The Church of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is very solemn place and easily to arrive - just infront of the exit from subway or metro. The chapel from the right is the St Michael the Archangel, followed by the Transfiguration and many more. FREE entrance, going to the Crypt cemetery you need to buy a ticket for that.

I visited the capuchin crypt at 10:30 on a Wednesday morning. There was no Q and I bought my ticket on the door for €8.50. For that price you get a set of headphones that guide you through the newly built museum that you have to go through to get to the crypt which is what people come to see, as the guide explains the museum has been set up to help you understand the history of the capuchin monks before you enter the crypt and I must say it is very well thought out and interesting. The guide is really interesting and so are the items on display. I bought my ticket at just gone 10.30 and I didn’t leave until 12 and I enjoyed every minute. I’ve seen photos online but nothing beats seeing it in person. The crypt is underneath the church of Santa Maria del concezione on via Vittorio venito which is a beautiful little 17th church and worth a visit in its own right. Within walking distance you have the Spanish steps, trevi fountain and many beautiful church’s to visit

What a beautiful church located in the amazing Capuchin crypt. After visiting the crypts, the church puts everything into perspective of life and our time on earth. Definitely worth the visit

Very informative and wounderful. Audio tour in many many languages. The crypto was very morbid and at the same time very wholy .

Really enjoyed this one. It was kind of scary but also fascinating & mind-blowing seeing the bones of monks from over 1500 years compiled into works of art. Wish they allowed photos. The original Caravaggio work there was really cool to see. & also the chapel & artifacts before the bones. It wasn't much or that crowded. Totally worth the stop, especially if you don't have time for the catacombs. Also be aware if your shoulders or thighs are showing you cannot enter unless they get covered. They have a covering there they can give you, I can't remember if it cost extra, if so it was only a couple euros.

Visiting the Capuchin Crypt in Rome was one of the most unusual and thought-provoking experiences of my trip to the Eternal City. Located right next to Piazza Barberini, under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, this small site left a much deeper impression on me than many larger and more famous attractions. The visit begins with a small museum that introduces the history of the Capuchin friars and their way of life, focused on austerity, humility, and reflection on death. This was already interesting, but nothing prepared me for the atmosphere of the crypt itself. Once you step into the underground chapels, you are immediately struck by the silence, the dim light, and above all the unusual “decorations.” The bones of about 3,700 friars, exhumed centuries ago, have been arranged in incredible patterns across the walls and ceilings. Skulls, femurs, vertebrae, and pelvises are not simply stacked; they form arches, crosses, rosettes, and even chandeliers. At first, it feels eerie, almost unsettling, but after a few moments the artistic and symbolic meaning takes over. Each of the five chapels has a specific theme. The most powerful, in my opinion, was the Crypt of the Three Skeletons, where a skeletal figure holds a scythe and a scale. Above it is written the unforgettable phrase: “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.” It is a direct, unavoidable reminder of human mortality. Reading those words surrounded by thousands of bones is something I will never forget. What impressed me most was that the crypt does not feel grotesque or disrespectful. On the contrary, the way the bones are displayed conveys a sense of peace and reflection. The Capuchins wanted to create a memento mori, a visual sermon about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with humility and faith. Even if one is not religious, the message is universal and extremely powerful. From an artistic point of view, the compositions are astonishing. To see how skulls are used to create decorative borders or how ribs form symmetrical designs is both macabre and beautiful. It reminded me that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials, even from human remains, and still carry deep meaning. The whole visit took me about 40 minutes, but it stayed with me for days. I left the crypt thoughtful, a little shaken, but grateful for the experience. It is not a place for everyone—some may find it too unsettling—but for those who appreciate history, spirituality, and unusual art, it is absolutely worth it. Practical note: the crypt opens daily, and photos are not allowed, which actually helps preserve the atmosphere. The entrance fee also includes the museum upstairs. In conclusion, the Capuchin Crypt is not just another stop in Rome—it is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is at once strange, beautiful, and moving, a reminder that life is short and precious. Among all the things I saw in Rome, this is the one that made me reflect the most. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something beyond the classic monuments, something that speaks directly to the soul.

This was something different to do in Rome. I finished everything else on my list and I had seen this and thought let's try it. It was really interesting and the crypt themselves were incredible to see.

Right next to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (that rolls off the tongue like a Latin exam you didn't study for), this museum is part chapel, part crypt, and part humble brag for the Capuchin friars, the Franciscan branch known for vows of poverty, haircuts, and a surprising flair for interior bone design. Did we come to this museum to learn about the friars, Mmmmmm. Ok maybe. You'll walk through exhibits showing how these robed legends brewed up herbal potions, lived in literal caves, and humbly redefined the phrase less is more. We really came for the Caravaggio. Turn the corner, and there it is, the Caravaggio's "St. Francis in Meditation", just casually hanging there like it's no big deal. Spoiler: It is a big deal. This moody masterpiece punches you in the soul. Saint Francis looks like he's just remembered his iCloud password and is deeply not okay with it. Shadows engulf him, light hits him like a holy spotlight, and suddenly you're questioning all your life choices in front of a painting that's older than the United States. Caravaggio, ever the art world's tortured bad boy, painted like he lived, fast and bold, and usually on the run from the law. His contribution here adds gravitas to an already gravity-heavy museum, where death is literally the décor.

Only 8 euro? Yes, please. I can't believe more people don't visit! This was the most interesting thing we saw in Rome (I've been twice!). The museum is good. They actually explained thoroughly the history of the monks. The crypt is amazing. It's so interesting, but also super creepy. Don't miss it!!!

Also know as " The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks" Absolutely creepy as hell, but worth every minute spent here. This place is fantastic. My wife, son and nephew and I thoroughly loved it. It can be a little hard to find, but all that's expected is a small donation and a promise not to take pictures. The ones that I've included are from their website and the Internet. Here's some additional information: "The crypt is located just under Santa Maria della Concezione, a church commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. The pope's brother, Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel. Here the Capuchins would come to pray and reflect each evening before retiring for the night. The crypt, or ossuary, now contains the remains of 4,000 friars buried between 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches. The underground crypt is divided into five chapels, lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks, and small fluorescent lamps. The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits, but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs. The crypt originated at a period of a rich and creative cult for their dead; great spiritual masters meditated and preached with a skull in hand. A plaque in one of the chapels reads, in three languages, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be." This is a memento mori." Thank you Wikipedia. Well worth the visit, and there are some excellent restaurants close as well.

Macabre? Maybe. Fascinating? Definitely! After visiting the Vatican filled with glitz and fancy, intricate art, this was quite the juxtaposition! Learning about the simple lives of the monks and what they stood for was very educational. The art that is included in the museum itself is beautiful. I regret not taking a tour of this place to learn still more, and ask the questions I was left with. The actual crypts are something to behold! What detail and intricacy, all done with human bones. Beware that no photos are allowed. The unfriendly staff member who we bought our tickets from didn't mention this and I missed the very small sign. This lead to me being aggressively reprimanded by a security guide of sorts. First, be sure to clearly inform guests to begin with. Second, why not allow pics without flash?! It will only increase interest in this incredible place, and can't cause damage. Finally, if someone does make a mistake, try being nice so that they're not left with a bad experience of this worthwhile place. Anyway, I got a couple cool pics before I was attacked so I might as well share them.

This was one of my favorite places we went on our trip to Italy. It is a wonderfully unique attraction and loved that even though it is popular it felt a bit off the beaten path. The entrance fee is 8.5 euros and it is completely worth it. You start in a small museum and then walk through the crypt. After that, you can go up an additional set of stairs to the church itself. I loved this part of our trip because it was so unique and interesting. It was pretty quick but completely worth the money - I highly recommend!

We did the church tour with the Ancient Music concert in the church. It was a great experience. The Gregorian chant style of singing in this amazing space was remarkable. The crypt tour was a bit creepy but so very interesting. The concert truly made this experience.

Skull freak? Bone lover? Fascinated by death? Yes... Ok - go to the capuchin crypt. The entrance fee is a bit steep, but theres a small museum in connection with the crypt and you can learn a little something about the capuchin order before you are amazed/chilled by the artistic presentation of monk skeletons/bones. Go slow, it will be over before you know it. Go when The Sun shines to make it less scary and even slightly beautiful. And afterwards you can support the crypt/church by buying some good old merch!

The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks is pretty creepy and grotesque yet strangely amazing. More than 4,000 monks, who died between 1528 and 1870, are buried near Via Veneto which is a popular tourist spot in Rome. There are six crypts beneath the church of Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini (Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins or sometimes referred to as the "Bone Church.") Initially the bones where lined up but the displays became more elaborate. Seeing is believing.

Out of this world! One of the strangest places I have visited! Note ***No photos allowed when I went*** #Spooky

Creepy, yet absolutely worth the visit, especially with teens who are tired of historical sites. Pros: Right next to Metro Station ("Barberini"). Unique. Nice, modern museum. Good for teens. Cons: The museum staff fusses too much about putting one's camera into bag. Posters are too expensive. Crowded. Tip: Schedule this later during the day, when you are too tired to walk and take the Metro to this church. Might be too creepy for younger children. Take the time to reflect with one another WHY this may have been done. More information on the "Capuccini" community at Via Veneto can be found at http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/index.htm

An amazing sight to see while in Rome. They recently added a museum which is pretty interesting and an informative way to learn about the life of the Capuchin monks. At the end of the museum tour, there is a crypt where all of the displays made from the bones of Capuchin monks. Definitely a must see! Great for anatomy buffs too! It's super easy to find, It's right across the street from the Barbarini metro exit.