Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo Tour: Exploring the History of Mummification

Embark on a captivating tour of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo and delve into the intriguing history of mummification. Discover over 2,000 embalmed mummies, including the renowned Sleeping Beauty of Palermo, and gain insights into Sicilian society and the unique mummification techniques developed by the Capuchin friars.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Catacombe dei Cappuccini - With this fascinating and partly macabre tour, we will discover one of the most spectacular and unique places in the city of Palermo, the ancient cemetery of the Capuchin fathers, a cemetery that houses almost 8,000 mummies inside!
What's Included
  • entrance ticket
  • Authorized tourist guide
Additional Information

The renowned Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo is a world-famous mummies’ graveyard. Accompanied by a well-informed local guide, we will delve into the histories of more than 2,000 preserved mummies, including the celebrated Rosalia Lombardo, also known as Palermo’s Sleeping Beauty. As we tour the numerous passages of this subterranean burial site, we will…

Location
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
Piazza Cappuccini
Appointment in front of the entrance of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(143 Ratings)
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560reganr
Jun 17, 2025
Fantastic. - What a unique experience. Very enjoyable and Simon our tour guide was fantastic, incredibly knowledgeable and made learning about the history so much better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O8277sasandrah
Jun 12, 2025
Very interesting - A very unusual and interesting experience - it is 100% worth a visit - although the sections are laid out well ie 'families', 'professionals' etc I think more information boards would have been useful but it is a unique experience and one I will remember.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joanne
May 31, 2025
Simon is great - Simon did a great job explaining the museum. You can do it on your own, but we enjoyed hearing the stories behind it all. He's very animated and brings meaning and interes to what could be a very somber experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4161xjmarlenep
May 29, 2025
Great experience - 10/10 Simone was an excellent guide with lots of great informations. We can 100% recommend this tour. We started at 4pm, which was the perfect time for a less crouded tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sineo66
May 24, 2025
A surprising curiosity - A curiosity you won't see everywhere! I think it's a good thing to do, even if you might find it "silly" at first glance. Pass your a priori silent and do not hesitate to cross the threshold... 5 euros is fine again. Some mummies are in an amazing state of conservation with their hair, beard, eyelashes, skin in the form of tanned leather... and others are just dressed skeletons. I don't regret my visit. Be careful, pictures forbidden for mummie conservation I guess.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
445virginiac
May 14, 2025
Interesting and Miraculous - The tour guide was punctual. Very good communication prior to tour. He was a professor of history who really knew what he was talking about.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I4666zrpamelal
May 1, 2025
I would totally recommend this~ to everyone! - This was an amazing tour and Simon was just so smart ad just fabulous! He taught us so much and had such positive energy. We just loved him and the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_k
May 16, 2025
Not for everyone if you... - Not for everyone if you are squeamish about dead bodies. Expected a private tour for 4 and ended up with eight. Sometimes difficult to hear. Overall recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Cricrid2014
May 14, 2025
Must-see - A little apprehension at the entrance, but quickly erased by the particular aspect of this place. You cannot visit Palermo without visiting the catacombs. Unfortunately given the state of the bodies, I do not think this “curiosity” remains open for long, the passage of thousands of visitors will end up totally degrading this place. With a little preparation you can go with children, those we met were not even impressed but especially curious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Baruchbarrypinnick
Jun 11, 2025
Unusual site, and interesting - Very interesting. It's especially touching to see the mummified remains of children. Thousands of people are mummified here, and after a while it felt somewhat of the same to me. It's definitely worth considering a visit if you're staying in Palermo for several days or if you are particularly interested in this, but I wouldn't classify it as a must-see. For all that we found our visit well worthwhile. There are toilets on site for the living.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 15 guests
3 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).