Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, commonly known as the Capuchin Church, is a unique and somewhat macabre religious site located in Rome, Italy. This church is part of the larger complex, which includes a crypt decorated with the skeletal remains of Capuchin monks, known as the Capuchin Crypt.

The church was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Its exterior appears relatively unassuming, but the real intrigue lies beneath the church itself, where the Capuchin Crypt is situated.

The Capuchin Crypt is famous for its unusual and striking decoration. The walls and ceilings of several small chapels within the crypt are entirely adorned with the bones and skeletal remains of Capuchin monks. These skeletal arrangements are intricate and artistic, forming patterns and designs with skulls, leg bones, and other human remains. The crypt serves as a stark reminder of the transitory nature of life and the importance of contemplation of mortality.

Within the church itself, visitors can find various chapels and altars adorned with religious artwork, paintings, and sculptures, providing a more conventional religious experience compared to the crypt below.