Palermo Catacombs Tour

Embark on an enlightening journey through the catacombs of Palermo, where you will encounter the macabre beauty of thousands of mummified remains while delving into the intriguing history of Sicily's enchanting capital.

Overview of the Capuchin Catacombs

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo feature a series of interconnected corridors hewn from volcanic rock, spanning an area close to 300 square meters (around 3,230 square feet). Inside these burial sites lie approximately 2,000 skeletons and mummies, which, as folklore suggests, include the remains of the Count of Cagliostro.

Within these catacombs, mummified individuals are organized into separate sections based on gender, social class, and occupation. The oldest segment is designated for the Capuchin Friars, who are displayed in their traditional religious attire. A specific room is allocated to priests, clothed in elaborate clerical garments.

Notable zones within the catacombs include the women’s passage, the Chapel of the Crucifix housing the remains of young virgins, the men’s section, the Chapel of the Children, and a family corridor.

Itinerary and Experience

Our tour will commence at the designated hour in Piazza Cappuccini, where we will set off to explore the captivating Capuchin Catacombs. Are you prepared to uncover one of Sicily's most extraordinary locales?

As we enter, we’ll navigate through the various sections of the catacombs, such as the area reserved for the Capuchin Friars, the final resting place of young Rosalia Lombardo—often referred to as "sleeping beauty" due to her remarkably lifelike features—and the corridor honoring renowned figures including sculptors Filippo Pennino and Lorenzo Marabitti.

After immersing ourselves in the rich history of the catacombs, we’ll proceed to the Cementerio de los Capuchinos, a captivating historical site where many of Palermo's notable personalities rest. Here, you’ll encounter authentic tombs and impressive memorial sculptures!

Following that, we will continue to the Palermo Cathedral Catacombs, where even more significant historical individuals are interred. Please note that this segment of the tour is self-guided.

After a 2-hour exploration, we will conclude our experience in front of the cathedral, saying our farewells.

Self-Guided Tour with Audioguide

If you prefer a more independent exploration, consider choosing the self-guided option which includes an audioguide to enrich your visit. This option grants access to the Capuchin Catacombs along with an audio guide in English.