Mummy Monday: The Mummies in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo

It's time again for Mummy Monday! Last week, we explored the crypts of Piraino to learn more about Piraino 1, who is interred there. Today, we will be looking at a group of mummies interred within the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (Catacombe dei Cappuccini) in the city of Palermo, which is about two hours from the MSFS's base in Santa Lucia del Mela. These catacombs are unique in that they house a huge number of mummies and that these mummies were interred here over three centuries. The Order of the Capuchin Friars settled in Palermo in 1534 and built their convent next to the preexisting church of Santa Maria della Pace. A burial next to the church was opened in 1599 to reveal 45 well-preserved bodies. The bodies were considered "incorruptible", which was a sign of God. A total of 40 of these bodies were subsequently transferred to a new space under the main alter. Later, another room was excavated to house the bodies of friars who lived and died in Palermo. The catacombs reached their current configuration in 1732, though construction continued until 1823. This was originally only a place for interring friars, but during the 17th century, other benefactors began to be admitted. Eventually, the site was subdivided into sectors for friars, men, women, children, priests, and professionals. These mummies were created spontaneously in some instances and intentionally in other instances. A variety of techniques were used for artificial mummification, thus the site provides an interesting look at the development of Italian mummification methods over the centuries.

Mummies of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo (Photo Credit: Catacombe dei Cappuccini Facebook Page)

Mummies Profile: The Mummies within the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo

Lived: Between the 16th and 20th centuries

Sex: Both males and females interred

Occupation in Life: Variable

Status: Friars, priests, professionals, and aristocrats

Age at Death: Variable

Cause of Death: Variable

Place of Interment: The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo

Societal Importance in Death: Some of these mummies hold religious significance, while others made up other segments of the Palermo community between the 16th and 19th centuries. These mummies provide a wealth of data regarding mortuary practices.

When Students Will Meet These Mummies: During the second week of the field school.