Museo delle mummie, Specialized mummy museum in Ferentillo, Italy
The Museum of Mummies is housed in the crypt of Santo Stefano Church and contains 24 human mummies, 10 preserved heads, and over 270 skulls from archaeological excavations. The display provides a complete picture of burial customs and the remains of people from different time periods.
The mummies were discovered in 1871 when the local cemetery was relocated following a decree that required burial grounds to move away from churches. This shift in burial practices uncovered the preserved remains, creating an unexpected historical record.
The collection displays remains of local inhabitants from different social backgrounds, revealing how communities honored their dead in previous centuries. These preserved individuals tell stories about the social structure and beliefs of people who lived in Umbria.
The museum operates on limited schedules, particularly closing completely during winter months and opening only on weekends during that season. Visitors should confirm opening dates before planning a trip to avoid disappointment.
The mummification occurred naturally due to the unique soil chemistry and conditions in the crypt, a process studied and documented by the Accademia dei Lincei in 1887. This early scientific investigation became one of the first detailed analyses of how natural preservation works.
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