What To Do in Palermo When You’re Dead

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And now for something really strange–and not recommended for children–is a visit to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, or Capuchin Catacombs, of Palermo. This series of underground corridors houses approximately 8,000 mummified bodies and skeletons of Palermitani of all ages who died between the late 16th century and early 20th century. The “inhabitants” are separated by class, gender, religion, and professional status. The unique environmental conditions have preserved the corpses in excellent condition.

(Photo credit: Experience Sicily’s Filippo Buttitta)

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About the author

Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.

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