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Private tour in Palermo Valentina M
The Bone-Chilling Catacombs of Sicily's Capuchin Monks
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Valentina M.
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Dear Guest, my name is Valentina and I am a licensed Tour Guide based in Sicily. I have got a Master Degree in History of Art and I am currently a PhD researcher in Archaeology, with a project for the enhancement of the Sicilian Megalithic Heritage. I will be glad to help you set your visit to this beautiful island. I provide a Find Your Roots Tour, if you are originally from Sicily and you want to discover your family's history or meet relatives still living here. Very helpful also the itinerary consultation, to plan your trip with the best recommendations from a local expert! I highly suggest to adopt these good practices for a sustainable trip to Sicily. 1) Staying in an Hotel is the best way to support local hospitality 2) Use a local driver and trains where is possible, renting a car is not recommended. 3) Follow the restaurants opening hours (12. 30/2 pm- 7. 30/10 pm) and the local siesta (2 to 4pm). 4) Winter and fall are the less crowded moment to visit the island. 5) Sicily has got a countless number of archaeological areas and historical sights. Visit them hiring a local authorized guide! 6) Look a map of the island, Sicily is much bigger than you might think! -Licensed Local Guide for Sicily, Rome and Vatican City since 2009 -Phd researcher in Archaeology -Master in Heritage Studies -Bachelor of art in Art History -Teacher of Art History and Italian Language for foreigners -Studied Art History in Rome, Berlin, Rhodes, Amsterdam, Mexico City. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Valentina M.
The Art of Mummification, Death-related Beliefs and Rituals
Overview of your Palermo tour
Visit the Church of the Capuchins, Santa Maria della Pace, and explore the famous Crypt of the Monastery. For centuries, Sicilians practiced mummification to preserve a continuous bond between the living and the dead. Although catacombs are often associated with Paris, Sicily holds the largest concentration of documented mummies in the world outside Egypt. With over 8,000 corpses and 1,252 mummies preserved in churches and crypts, these sites remain among the island’s most fascinating attractions. This tour explores the origins of embalming in Sicily, uncovering cultural traditions while dispelling myths and legends surrounding this unique practice.
Your Palermo tour itinerary
The tour begins with a visit to the Church of the Capuchins, Santa Maria della Pace. Guests will then enter the Crypt of the Monastery, home to one of the most extraordinary collections of mummies in the world. Along the way, the guide explains the historical, religious, and cultural reasons behind Sicilian embalming traditions. Visitors will learn how these preserved remains reflect social status, family devotion, and beliefs about life and death, while discovering the stories of the crypt’s most famous eternal residents.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour
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Meeting location
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
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- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.