The photography rules at the Capuchin Crypt have changed – and most of the information online is incorrect.
The bone chapels of the Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is one of Rome’s more ghoulish attractions. Inside are six chapels made with human bones, and surprisingly decoratively so.
It’s an unnerving example of an artform that is now banned in Italy, but one that has been allowed to stay as it was constructed before the ban came in. I’ve written a review of the Capuchin Crypt, should you want further information.
Tickets can be bought via the Capuchin Convent website and the entrance is at Via Vittorio Veneto 27.
5 great Rome experiences to book
- 🏛️ Skip the queues on a small group tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s.
- 🍝 Discover the tastes of Trastevere on an expert-led food tour.
- 💀 See Rome’s darker side on a combo tour of the catacombs and Capuchin Crypt.
- 👩🍳 Learn how to make fettuccine, ravioli and tiramisu at a hands-on Roman cooking class.
- 🖼️ Explore a quieter side of the city on a small group tour of the Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens.
Can you take photos inside the Capuchin Crypt?
However, there is often confusion over whether you’re allowed to take photographs within the Capuchin Crypt.
Most online sources say no photography is not allowed within the Capuchin Crypt, but this is no longer the case. These sources are out of date. In 2024, the rules were quietly changed.
It is now permitted to take photographs inside the Capuchin Crypt, as long as they are for private, personal use.
For images intended for publication, either in print or digitally, permission is required from the Fund for Places of Worship (FEC).
Why book a Rome crypts & catacombs tour with transfers?
- ⏱ Skip the long lines with priority access to the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt
- ⛪ Explore the shadowy Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano
- 💀 Marvel at the Capuchin Crypt adorned with the skeletal remains of friars
- 🚌 Enjoy hassle‑free round‑trip transfers in a comfortable minivan
- 👤 Small group with an expert guide brings hidden Christian history to life
Photography in Rome’s catacombs
Many travellers visit the Capuchin Crypt on a tour that also visits the vast catacombs on the outskirts of Rome. And it’s the second part of this tour where you need to be careful on photography.
Photography within the catacombs IS prohibited, and the guides are sharp on this too.
Why book the Roma Pass for your visit?
- Free entry to top attractions: Enjoy complimentary admission to many of Rome’s leading museums and archaeological sites with a Roma Pass.
- Public transport included: Use buses, trams and the metro across the city without needing separate tickets throughout the pass validity.
- Flexible duration options: Choose between 48-hour or 72-hour passes to suit how long you’re exploring Rome’s sights.
- Skip-the-line entry: Access select sites faster with priority or skip-the-line benefits where available.
- Cost-effective sightseeing: Save money compared with buying individual tickets, especially if you plan to visit several museums and landmarks.
Things to do near the Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is located just off Via Veneto, within walking distance of several of Rome’s best known historic sights. These nearby attractions are easy to combine in a single itinerary.
Pantheon
Around a 15-minute walk away, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome. Its vast concrete dome and central oculus remain among the most influential architectural achievements of the classical world.
Palazzo Barberini
A short walk from the crypt, Palazzo Barberini houses part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art. The palace itself is a major attraction, with interiors designed by Bernini and Borromini.
Trevi Fountain
Roughly ten minutes away on foot, the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most visited landmarks. It is usually combined with walks through the surrounding historic streets.
Piazza Barberini
Just around the corner from the Capuchin Crypt, this busy square is centred on Bernini’s Fountain of Triton and marks the gateway to Via Veneto.
Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese
A longer but manageable walk north, Villa Borghese offers landscaped gardens and viewpoints, while the Galleria Borghese houses one of Rome’s most important art collections.
More Rome travel
Other Rome travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
