Justin Plus Lauren
Eerie, Creepy, yet Thoughtful Experience
We visited the Capuchin Crypt on a tour while traveling to Rome. It was an eerie and creepy experience, but also a thought provoking one. Upon entering the Capuchin Crypt, we walked through a small museum that showcased a couple of artworks as well as what a monk there would typically wear. The main attraction was the bone crypts themselves. The bones of the monks were elaborately displayed here in several exhibits. In some rooms, there would be hundreds and hundreds of skulls piled on top of one another. In another room, there were strictly pelvic bones or leg bones. Lamps made out of bones hung from the ceilings, and there were even bone decorations such as a clock.
The monks aimed to inform people that life is short, and you should make the most out of the short life you have on Earth. The practice of burying the monks in dirt imported from Jerusalem, and then digging up their bones to put on display is no longer allowed in Italy, though members of the public are permitted to visit the crypt and museum. It was a little startling to see so many human bones, but I did enjoy the message. Go here for a very unique experience!
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