Capucchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy....

My love for Italy and its history (the good, the bad, and the hauntingly mysterious continues) with part 2 of the catacombs where Rosalia Lombardo lays to rest; The Italian Girl with the Yellow Bow in Her Hair.

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So what is a catacomb anyway? The Ancient Romans constructed underground cemeteries consisting of subterranean galleries with recesses to entomb their dead.

The word catacomb comes from the Latin word catatubas which means among the tombs. 

This is one of those times teaching Latin in our homeschooling curriculum paid off.  Learning Latin is so under-rated.

I think everyone should learn Latin and Greek, emphasis on the base words at least.  Anyway....

Catacombs can be found all over the world including Salzburg, Egypt, Australia, Greece, Spain, Bosnia, and right here in the USA in Indianapolis; even though, traditionally, catacombs are more common in Rome and Paris.

No other catacombs in the world are quite like Catacombe dei Cappucini in Sicily.

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This cadaverous territory for the decomposing was created in the late part of the 16th century due to overcrowding at the Capuchin monastery cemetery.

In 1599, Silvestro of Gubbio was the first priest to claim a spot.

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Meet Silvestro

This oubliette of death was originally designed to be the forever home of the deceased religious men/monks; however when word got out that this vault of the dead could created a natural mummification process, everyone wanted in.

Securing a spot to immorality became a status symbol that only the wealthy could procure.  That helps to explain all the finely dressed mummies you can find there.  The dearly departed are essentially on display and a few are arranged in outlandish poses.

This catacomb is also divided into separate areas for the religious people, priests, children, families, professional men, and women.

There are also a few famous folks resting in peace with Rosalia including the son of a Tunisian king, Sicilian painter, Giuseppe Velasco, Colonel Enea DiGuiliano, sculptor, Lorenzo Marabitti, and surgeon Salvatore Manzella.

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If you find yourself in Sicily, you can hang out with these guys if you dare.

Affascinante!!

Here are a few additional links just for fun or if you ever decide to pay them a visit but don't bring your camera because they have currently banned anyone from taking pictures.  Luckily, there are plenty of pictures online.
Palermo Catacombs
Tripadvisor
The Wonders of Sicily (this is a great site)
Here is a short YouTube video to peek inside.