banner image

Capuchin Crypt Rome Tour

What You’ll See Inside

Image description

Bone-Decorated Chapels

The Capuchin Crypt consists of six small chapels, each uniquely decorated with the bones of thousands of Capuchin monks. Bones are artistically arranged into arches, chandeliers, altarpieces, and floral motifs. This church of bones in Italy presents a powerful meditation on death and eternity, far different from the traditional catacombs of Rome, Italy offers.

 

More Details
Image description

Crypt of the Skulls

The most visually impactful chamber is the Crypt of the Skulls, where human skulls are carefully positioned to form crosses and intricate patterns. Many visitors consider this room one of the most unforgettable and sobering stops on a Capuchin Crypt Rome tour, symbolising the frailty and unity of human life.

 

More Details
Image description

Museum of the Capuchin Order

Before entering the crypt, visitors explore a small museum showcasing the history, values, and global reach of the Capuchin Order. Highlights include monk garments, artifacts, and religious paintings — including works by artists like Guido Reni and Caravaggio. It offers essential context for understanding the spiritual message of the Capuchin Crypt.

 

More Details
Image description

Unique Experience

Though not a catacomb in the traditional sense, the Rome Capuchin Crypt is often mentioned alongside what is the best catacomb to visit in Rome because of its unforgettable atmosphere. It’s a must-see for travellers interested in religious art, symbolism, and Rome’s deeper spiritual heritage.

 

More Details

Discover the Capuchin Crypt

    •  The Capuchin Crypt is located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, often referred to as the Capuchin Monk Church in Rome.

    • This unique site is famously known as the skull church in Rome, thanks to its six chambers decorated with the bones of over 3,700 Capuchin monks.

    • The crypt was created in the 17th century, with bones arranged in patterns symbolising mortality, resurrection, and the fleeting nature of life — a powerful memento mori.

    • The most striking chamber, the Crypt of the Skulls, uses human bones to form arches, chandeliers, and religious motifs, earning it the nickname Skull Catacombs of Rome.

    • Despite being frequently called a catacomb, it’s not an underground burial site like the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or San Sebastiano; it’s a crypt, meant to display bones as a visual sermon.

    • The site also includes a museum that highlights the history of the Capuchin Order, with exhibits on monastic life, relics, and artworks by masters like Caravaggio.

    • A visit here is often part of a broader Rome catacombs tour with Capuchin Crypts, especially when combined with the Appian Way catacombs.

    • The crypt's use of human remains is not meant to shock, but to inspire spiritual reflection — as the inscription at the entrance reads: "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be."

    • The Capuchin Crypt Rome tour is usually short (30–45 minutes), making it ideal to pair with other underground sites or nearby attractions.

     

Read More...

Plan Your Visit to the Capuchin Crypt

Opening Hours & Tickets

• Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM)

• Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, and December 25

• Entry tickets (museum + crypt access):

 – Adults: €10

 – Children (6–17): €7

 – Students (with ID): €7

 – Children under 6: Free

• Tickets include access to the museum and all six chapels inside the crypt

• Capuchin Crypt Rome tours with guides typically cost €25–€40 and may include other sites

 

How to Get There

• Location: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27 – near Piazza Barberini, central Rome

• By Metro: Take Line A to Barberini Station, then walk 2 minutes to the crypt

• By Bus: Bus lines 52, 53, 61, 62, 63, 80, 83, 85, 160 and 492 stop nearby

• Easily combined with other sites in the area, such as the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps

 

Visitor Guidelines

• No photography is allowed inside the crypt out of respect for the deceased

• Visitors are expected to dress modestly — shoulders and knees should be covered

• Audio guides are available in multiple languages for self-paced exploration

• Allow 30–45 minutes for a full visit (longer with a tour)

• Strollers and large bags are not permitted inside; there is no cloakroom

 

Tips & Nearby Sites

• Pair your visit with the Catacombs of St Callixtus or San Sebastiano for a full underground-themed day

• Consider joining a Rome catacombs tour with Capuchin Crypts for better value and historical insight

• Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds

• The Capuchin Crypt is indoors and suitable to visit year-round, regardless of weather

• Stop by a nearby café on Via Veneto for a post-visit break and people-watching

 

Yes, all standard tickets include entry to both the museum and the crypt, offering insight into the history and mission of the Capuchin Order before entering the bone-decorated chapels.

 

Absolutely. You can explore the crypt on your own with an audio guide, included in most ticket options. Guided tours are available but not required.

 

The crypt was created in the 17th century to house the remains of deceased monks, arranged as a powerful spiritual reminder of mortality, humility, and resurrection.

 

The bones were artistically arranged over centuries into symbolic shapes — such as crosses, floral patterns, and chandeliers — by the monks themselves. The purpose was meditative, not decorative.

 

Yes. Many online providers offer skip-the-line entry, often bundled with guided tours or combination tickets that include other Roman catacombs.

 

Yes, children are permitted. However, due to the macabre nature of the displays, parental discretion is advised — some young children may find it unsettling.

 

A typical visit lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Guided tours or audio-enhanced visits may take up to an hour, depending on how much time you spend in the museum.

 

Unfortunately, no. The crypt contains narrow corridors and stairways that make it inaccessible to wheelchairs or visitors with serious mobility limitations.

 

There are no restrooms or cafés inside the crypt itself, but you’ll find several cafés, restaurants, and public toilets just outside along Via Veneto.

 

No. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the crypt out of respect for the deceased and to preserve the atmosphere of reflection.