In short
- No photos or videos are allowed anywhere inside the museum or crypt.
- The site is a consecrated cemetery holding the remains of nearly 4,000 friars.
- Visitors must follow strict church rules, including a modest dress code.
In this article
The Capuchin Crypt serves as a powerful memento mori rather than a typical tourist attraction. Because it is an active religious site and burial ground, the friars enforce strict rules to maintain respect. You cannot take photos of the bone chapels or the museum exhibits.
Can I take pictures inside the Capuchin Crypt?
No, you cannot take pictures or videos inside the Capuchin Crypt.
The strict no-photography rule applies to all visitors. Guards and staff actively enforce this rule throughout the subterranean chapels. You must keep your phone and camera put away. This policy ensures the space remains a respectful environment.
Why did the monks ban photography?
The crypt is a consecrated religious space and an actual cemetery.
The chapels hold the skeletal remains of approximately 3,700 to 4,000 Capuchin friars. These remains were collected between 1528 and 1870. The space requires the reverence of a church. Taking photos of human remains here is considered disrespectful to the deceased brethren.
Does the photo ban apply to the museum?
Yes, photography is also prohibited inside the adjacent Capuchin Museum.
The museum details the history of the Capuchin order and houses religious artifacts. It features the painting 'St. Francis in Meditation', attributed to Caravaggio. You must pass through this museum before descending into the crypts. The camera ban applies to this entire indoor area.
What other rules apply inside the crypt?
Visitors must dress modestly and maintain silence.
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Silence: You must maintain hushed voices to respect the burial site.
- Bags: Large backpacks are prohibited. Free lockers are provided near the entrance.
- Food: Food and drinks are banned, though you can carry a water bottle.
What is the message of the crypt?
The bones serve as a memento mori, reminding visitors of their mortality.
The crypt features six distinct rooms. Five of these are completely decorated with human bones. In the final room, a famous plaque delivers a blunt message without the need for photos. It reads: 'What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.'
How do I tour the crypt without taking photos?
An audio guide is included with your standard ticket to explain the site.
Adult tickets cost €10 and include the audio guide. The device helps you understand the context of the displays in the dark chapels. You can bring your own wired headphones to use with the provided devices while your phone stays in your pocket.
Questions travellers ask
Can I use flash photography in the Capuchin Crypt?
No. All forms of photography, including flash and video, are strictly banned inside the crypt and the museum.
Do I have to pay to lock up my camera bag?
No. Free lockers are provided near the entrance where you must store large bags and backpacks before your visit.
Is there a dress code for the Capuchin Crypt?
Yes. Because it is a consecrated church space, all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. You will be denied entry otherwise.
