The vaults of the Capuchin tombs in Palermo. Wood engraving by E. de S.

The Catacombe dei Cappucini date back to the sixteenth century when local priests mummified a holy monk for all to see. In time locals wanted their relatives remembered in this way. The last monk interred was Brother Riccardo of Palermo, who died in 1871. The halls are divided into categories: men, women, virgins, children, priests, monks and professionals