The crypt in Ferentillo and its unique natural mummification process
The Museum of Mummies in Ferentillo, Province of Terni, displays the preserved bodies of the town’s former inhabitants.
- Natural Phenomenon: Unlike Egyptian mummies, these were preserved entirely by environmental factors (microorganisms and airflow) rather than human intervention.
- Diverse Collection: The museum displays a wide range of social history, from a Napoleonic soldier and murder victims to two Chinese pilgrims from the 18th century.
- Modern Preservation: Originally discovered in the 19th century, the bodies are now housed in a specialized museum (established 1992) to protect them from humidity.
Related article: The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo & the Mummy of Rosalia Lombardo; Ancient Mummies in Italy
The museum was established in the late nineteenth century after excavations in the crypt of the old town church uncovered numerous mummified bodies, some with well-preserved clothing. However, over time, the humid air entering through the windows began to deteriorate both the clothing and the mummies.
To prevent further damage and in response to the significant interest generated by the phenomenon, a new museum was established in 1992 with updated display cases for the preservation of the bodies. The church, built in the 15th century over an older burial ground used from the 16th to 19th centuries, features a crypt that is 24 meters long, 9 meters wide, and about 2 meters high, containing architectural and artistic elements from the medieval church phase of the 13th century.
The mummification of Ferentillo’s bodies resulted from a natural process, where the presence of microorganisms and the unique ventilation in the crypt prevented the corpses from decaying. Due to this, a Napoleonic edict in 1871 prohibited further burials in the crypt.
Among the mummies are individuals with preserved beards, teeth, and hair. The collection includes elderly people, a Napoleonic soldier, a murderer and his victim, a mother with her child, two birds (one of them an eagle), the hunchback Severino, and two Chinese lovers who died of cholera during their pilgrimage to Italy.
Today, the museum houses 24 human mummies, including men, women, and children, as well as 10 preserved heads, over 270 skulls, a sealed coffin, and two mummified birds. The legend of the two Asian lovers tells of a wealthy Chinese couple who died in Ferentillo during their honeymoon in Italy for the Jubilee of 1750. This legend is supported by the presence of their clothing, which remained in good condition until the 1970s.
Images of the mummies of Ferentillo
How are the mummies in Ferentillo naturally preserved?
The mummification is a natural process caused by specific microorganisms in the soil and the unique ventilation system of the crypt. These factors rapidly dehydrated the bodies, preventing decay without the use of chemical preservatives.
Who are the "Chinese lovers" in the Ferentillo Museum?
They were a wealthy Asian couple who reportedly died of cholera in Ferentillo during a pilgrimage for the 1750 Jubilee. Their well-preserved bodies and original clothing have become one of the museum’s most famous legends.
Can you visit the Museum of Mummies in Ferentillo?
Yes, the museum is located in the crypt of San Stefano Church in the Province of Terni. It houses 24 human mummies, including a Napoleonic soldier and the famous “hunchback Severino,” displayed in modern preservation cases.
Photos: Musei Terni , dr. Labude
Article originally published on Feb 13, 2013. Updated Mar 20, 2019
Weird Italy, Guide to Unusual & Amazing Places to see in Italy. Italy’s news in English: Art, History & Facts