The Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is located underneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Piazza Barberini on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. After winding through a series of rooms dedicated to the history behind the crypt, there is a dark staircase leading underground. The crypt consists of several rooms adorned with human bones. Scholars believe it contains the skeletal remains of around 3,700 Capuchin friars. All of the bones are placed in intricate patterns on the walls, artistically styled.
The sight is absolutely horrifying. And fascinating. I could only stay in the crypt for about 10 minutes before feeling nauseous and overwhelmed.
3,700 skeletal bodies.
Skulls.
So much death.
The Catacomb of Priscilla
The Catacomb of Priscilla dates back to the 2nd century. Although it was already customary to bury the dead underground, Christians established a more intricate postmortem resting place in order to incorporate whole communities within one necropolis. Enter, the Catacombs.
I toured the Priscilla Catacomb on a class field trip. Our tour guide? A four foot five inch Italian nun, who hardly knew any English. Not to worry though, the dark, winding pathways spoke for themselves. Before entering, our professor muttered “down we go into the bowels of the earth.” A cheery and motivational speech prior to our descent.
Fun fact: the Catacomb of Priscilla contains the oldest known Marian art.
I would highly recommend visiting both the catacomb and the crypt. Although death is not easy or fun, these two sights reminded me of how fleeting life can be. Every day is a precious gift, and if you do not treasuring every second, then you are not living right. As the Italians say, ‘chi be vive, ben muore.’ A good life makes an easy death.
A Year of Adventure 