Capuchin Crypt: The Creepiest Place in Rome

An important Rome attraction that often gets missed is a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, a set of six chapels made up of human bones and skulls. Sound creepy? It’s ultra creepy! But after spending a few days exploring Rome’s better known attractions as a family, this might be just the type of attraction to break the monotony of historic and religious sites (while still doing precisely that!)

capuchin crypt in rome - chapel made up of skulls and bones

Check out all of these skulls. Unfortunately, the Capuchin Crypt does not allow photographs in the chapels so the only way to share the macabre vision is through photos of their post cards. The bones are nailed to the walls in intricate patterns, piled around each chapel, and there are even bone chandeliers.

Want help planning an amazing trip to Italy with kids?

Ciao Bambino Family Travel Advisors can book accommodations, arrange kid-friendly tours and guides, recommend age-appropriate activities, and more. Click to send us a request!

church made up of bones rome italy

Four thousand friar skeletons occupy the crypt, buried by their order after being transported to Rome in 1631. People have visited these bone chapels for hundreds of years — really, this site has to been seen to be believed.

Is the Capuchin Crypt kid-friendly?

I’d say categorically this is not a good place for little kids unless you are carrying a sleeping baby. Older school-age kids, tweens, and teens, however, will think you are the coolest (or craziest) parent ever for bringing them in here.

The crypt is below the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini off Piazza Barberini on the Via Veneto. This is not a well-known attraction — I must have asked 15 people how to find the church and I got countless shoulder shrugs, even in Piazza Barberini. Anyway, in retrospect, it’s not difficult to find if you get yourself on Via Veneto from the piazza. Here is a link to the official website for hours and more information.

Finding off-the-beaten-path gems like the Capuchin Crypt in Rome is exactly why our planning service is so popular, especially for our top planning market (Italy). We’ve got additional ideas for unusual things to do in Rome with kids here.

Ciao Bambino can help you plan an incredible family vacation in Rome

Our Family Travel Advising Team will work with you to book accommodations, recommend activities and more, all with one-on-one support. Click here to send us a request

Relevant Links:

72 hours in Rome with kids

52 things to know before traveling to Italy with kids

Rome family hotels

Rome and Florence car rental tips

Where to stay in Rome

Rome travel tips and guides

Kid-friendly tour guides in Italy 

Top things to do Rome

Unique Rome sights with kids

Family-friendly dining in Rome

Start a Discussion

10 Comments
  • This creepy spot was a hit with my kids, too! I also thoroughly enjoyed it, too.
    Since it isn’t often on other itineraries – SO much to see in the delightful city of Rome, that I did include it in my travel guide for kids on Rome.
    Once you find a family friendly place to stay via Ciao Bambino, come check out my book.

  • My husband and I visited this on our trip through Rome and Venice in 2007. It was also one of our last stops on the trip and kind of a pain to find (not as hard as the internet cafe we were looking for though!). It was incredible. I agree with the sleeping baby comment. My 1.5 year old is a little too active. I don’t think he would care about the actual bones, but he would want to touch everything. What a cool experience for your kids though! Glad you enjoyed.

  • We spent this last January in Rome with our 5 and 2 year old for my husband’s work. My husband went here first and very much thought we should not take our 5 year old! He has a very active imagination and thought it would be a very, very bad idea. (Our 2 year old wouldhave been fine.) I loved it, amazing to see and so many bones I do not recognize! We do love Rome!

  • I think as a kid I would have loved this, as I was all over anything that freaked me out! (That said, I’m also a huge wimp…I keep a blanket over my head during any entire horror flick I watch, ha.)

  • Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids
Get the latest family travel news, exclusive deals & more!

Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign In

Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!

Create an Account

Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.