In the depths of the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Sicily, lies a chilling mystery that has fascinated visitors for centuries. Within the catacombs, where limestone caves were transformed into a macabre resting place in the late 16th century, lies a unique collection of mummified bodies. Among them, the story of Rosalia Lombardo, a young girl who, even after a century in death, seemingly defies nature’s course.
Legend has it that the catacombs were born out of necessity when the local order of Capuchin friars ran out of burial space. Forty-five deceased monks were laid to rest within the catacombs, and to their astonishment, their bodies did not decompose. This phenomenon, likely due to the environmental conditions, was perceived as a divine miracle by the friars, leading them to display the miraculously preserved remains for public viewing.
The allure of the mummified monks prompted many affluent residents of Palermo, between the 17th and 19th centuries, to seek eternal rest within the catacombs. The bodies were arranged based on social status, gender, and profession, with dedicated corridors and chapels for women, men, children, families, the clergy, and specialized professionals.
However, in 1880, the catacombs reached full capacity, and further burials were prohibited. Only two exceptions were made: the admission of Giovanni Paterniti, the Vice-Consul of the United States in 1911, and a little girl named Rosalia Lombardo in 1920.
Rosalia’s background remains shrouded in limited documentation. According to local lore, she was the daughter of wealthy nobleman Mario Lombardo, a military general. Due to her delicate health and susceptibility to illness, her father commissioned the services of master taxidermist Alfredo Salafia to preserve her body after her untimely death. Reportedly, Salafia used a unique chemical formula of glycerin, formalin saturated with zinc sulfate and zinc chloride, and an alcohol solution saturated with salicylic acid to embalm Rosalia. Remarkably, he preserved her body without removing her organs, achieving an immaculate state of preservation.
To this day, Rosalia’s remarkably lifelike appearance continues to astound visitors. In the 2000s, an x-ray examination confirmed the presence of a human skeleton inside her coffin, while a 2009 National Geographic MRI scan created a detailed 3D map of her body, revealing the position of every organ. Her pristine preservation challenges belief, considering she passed away nearly a century ago.
Some claim to have witnessed a terrifying phenomenon—the opening of Rosalia’s cool blue eyes. Reports suggest that her eyes open several times a day, with photographic evidence capturing the eerie spectacle. Paranormal enthusiasts speculate that her spirit lingers within her preserved body, while skeptics attribute the phenomenon to humidity and ambient temperatures within the catacombs. Curator Piombino-Mascali suggests that the optical illusion of open eyes may be due to side-window lighting and the fact that her eyes were not completely closed during the coffin placement.
As the century-old mystery of Rosalia Lombardo endures, the chilling sight of her eyes seemingly opening continues to captivate and terrify those who witness it. Whether a haunting specter or a scientific anomaly, the enigma surrounding Rosalia and her preserved body may forever remain unresolved, leaving us to ponder the mysteries that lie within the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo.
