The Convent of the Capuchins in Palermo is world famous for the presence of a huge cemetery in its cellars. These were excavated in the 16th century and form a large rectangular cemetery. The number of bodies present has never been counted, but is believed to be up to 8,000. The mummies, standing or lying down, dressed in neat clothes, are divided by gender and social class. Most belong to the upper classes, as mummification was an expensive procedure. In the various branches one can recognise prelates, merchants and the bourgeoisie wearing Sunday best, army officers in parade uniforms, young virgin women, missing before they could marry, wearing their wedding dress, family groups standing on high shelves, separated by thin balcony-like railings, and children.
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