Cappuchin Crypt (Cripta dei Cappuccini)

Beneath the Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione church is a small crypt. It is here that the bones of over 4,000 Cappuchin monks decorate the walls of several chapels. When the brothers moved to this site from their previous friary, the bones of their deceased brothers were brought with them. As the space was limited the placing of the bones was out of practical necessity rather than as a form of decoration.

There are six crypts, each having a different theme:

• Crypt of the resurrection: Various skeletal parts form the frame for a resurrection painting.
• Mass Chapel: This is a prayer area and the only place completely free of bones. There is however the preserved heart of a Benefactress of the Cappuchin monks.
• Crypt of skulls: Here there are a number of clothed skeletons. Here decorative patterns are made from shoulder blades and skulls.
• Crypt of Pelvises: An altar of pelvises hangs from a fringe of vertebrae. Shoulder blades and skeletons abound.
• Crypt of Leg and Thigh Bones: Four Cappuchin skeletons in vestments stand in four naves. Jaw bones and vertebrae forma frame and shoulder blades the flowers. Here are the crosses of 18 buried Friars.
• Crypt of three skeletons: There are two small skeletons plus a larger central skeleton holding a scythe, the symbol of death. A clock here is a symbolism of the continuum of life and eternity.