A visit to the Capuchin Crypt will make your adventures in Rome unconventional. Enjoy the music performances of Sistine Chapel by Palestrina, Arcadelt, Morales, Victoria, Pitoni, Agazzari, Gregorian chant performed live by "Schola Romana Ensemble" in the Crypt full of 4,000 Capuchin friar skulls.
Join a guided tour in English by an art historian, who will highlight the history of Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome, the six burial vaults of the Capuchin Crypt and Museums. And last but not least, we will view the original masterpiece of Carravaggio's painting of the Mediation of Saint Frances.
Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, Santa Maria della Concezione was built in honour of Pope Urban VIII's brother, Cardinal Antonio Barbarini, who himself was a Capuchin friar. Until this day, the tomb of Antonio Barbarini is still preserved in front of the main altar of the Church. Yet, the most striking secret and bizarre decoration is hidden underground, the Capuchin Crypt in Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome.
As you walk down to the ossuary, there is undeniable uncommon sight of 4,000 Capuchin friar's skull decorating the crypt in six series of small burial vaults in Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome. At the order of Antonio Barbarini, the remains of the Capuchin friars are to be removed from the cemetery to the church's crypt. Skulls and bones of old friars are replaced by every new friar who is exhumed. Each motif are decorated by skulls and bones to create a religious symbolism for friars to reflect and pray, making it a macabre work of art. In the six different chambers of bones and skulls, each depicting an altar piece using different bones.
It is an unusual sight to see altarpieces decorated with human skulls and bones, albeit to create an ethereal atmosphere, a Baroque Live Concer performed by Schola Romana Ensemble will deliver you the Renaissance musical era of the Gregorian Chant, Morales and many more polyphonic music in Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome.
If you are interested in discovering more of the artistic beauty in the center of the Eternal city, have a look at the Baroque Music Concert in Sant'Agnese in Agone Church - Piazza Navona, Rome.
Meeting point information and local telephone numbers at your destination are included on your Confirmation Voucher.
We suggest you to wear an appropriate robe during visit to church and museum.
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