Creepy Places to visit in Italy

Yes, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for this stuff. If you stumbled upon this article, it means I did a good job, and you’re in for a satisfying read.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve compiled a series of creepy places to visit throughout Italy: dubious churches, catacombs, ossuaries, anatomical museums, criminology museums, and more. For some, you’ll find detailed reviews, creepy places I’ve had the chance to visit and write about (don’t underestimate that, okay).

I plan to keep this list constantly updated, making it an endless macabre bucket list, ensuring you always have my latest findings at your disposal. Note: The list follows no particular order.

University Museum of Sciences and Arts, Campania

A hidden gem in the alleys of Naples, the University Museum of Sciences and Arts is a treasure trove of hidden secrets and mysteries. Explore the fascinating halls, uncover its captivating history, and enhance your experience with an audio guide. Losing yourself in this museum is an incredible journey!

Capuchin Catacombs, Sicily

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo are a captivating and eerie labyrinth of underground passages housing well-preserved ossuaries and mummies. Witness centuries of history and spirituality, surrounded by mysterious legends. An extraordinary and spooky experience, inviting visitors to explore the supernatural and the past.

“Le Nuove” Prison Museum, Piemonte​

Ever been to a prison? Well, if you’re from Naples like me, probably (just kidding, Neapolitan friends). Located near Turin, the “Le Nuove” Prison Museum reveals the dark secrets of the past prison system. Immerse yourself in the gloomy atmosphere of bygone prisons, with stories of prisoners, inhumane conditions, and escape attempts engraved in its walls.

My visit was accompanied by the testimony of someone who was actually there: spine-chilling!

Museum of the Mummies, Sicily​

The Museum of the Mummies in Agrigento is an extraordinary creepy place bringing visitors face to face with human and animal mummies. Dating back to different historical periods, these miraculously preserved mummies carry intriguing stories and legends. Through detailed exhibitions, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the mummification process and burial traditions.

“Luigi Cattaneo” Collection of Anatomical Waxes, Emilia Romagna

Alright, you got me, I have a thing for anatomical and wax museums. In Bologna, the “Luigi Cattaneo” Collection of Anatomical Waxes showcases extraordinary wax sculptures depicting detailed representations of human anatomy. This fascinating creepy place provides a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of anatomy through detailed and realistic models. Each sculpture tells a story of scientific discovery and artistic skill, creating a unique atmosphere of learning and admiration.

Poggi Palace, Emilia Romagna

Bologna’s Poggi Palace rightfully earns its place on my list of eerie locations, thanks to its splendid Anatomical Venus, beautiful, elegant, and split in two to reveal all her beautiful organs. Besides the Anatomical Venus, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of scientific artifacts, ancient instruments, and archaeological artifacts.

Cesare Lombroso Criminal Anthropology Museum, Piemonte​

I’m sure there’s some controversy about this museum. Essentially, Cesare Lombroso conducted research suggesting that “criminality” could be attributed to one race over another, studying facial physiognomy. Some found it disrespectful (especially because it pointed fingers at us poor souls from the south as the most criminal).

Anyway, this peculiar museum in Turin provides a captivating and eerie look into the study of criminals and their characteristics, hosting an extraordinary collection of scientific artifacts, documents, and objects related to criminal anthropology.

Morgagni Museum of Pathological Anatomy, Veneto

Not far from Padua, with REALLY INCONVENIENT opening hours that prevented me from visiting, the Morgagni Museum of Pathological Anatomy is a must-visit for those wishing to explore the world of human diseases and pathologies. The museum offers an impressive collection of pathological cases, providing detailed insights into past medical conditions and diseases. As you explore the museum’s halls, you can gain a deeper understanding of medicine and pathology through exhibits and illustrations.

Capuchin Crypt, Lazio

The Capuchin Crypt in Rome is a place I haven’t visited yet, mainly because the last three months had temperatures of 40 degrees and 34982 million tourists. Anyway, the crypt is a sacred place offering a unique perspective on life and death. This unique burial space displays the bones of Capuchin friars arranged artistically and suggestively. The crypt’s walls are adorned with human remains, creating an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation. This extraordinary creepy place invites visitors to reflect on mortality and spirituality.

Doll Hospital, Campania

A gem nestled between the macabre and the eerie, the Doll Hospital is one of the most intriguing creepy places to visit in Naples. It’s a laboratory dedicated to restoring toys and dolls from all over Italy and the world. Despite its potentially creepy appearance, it’s actually a place full of love and passion.

Fontanelle Cemetery, Campania

Here it is, couldn’t be missing from my list of creepy places: the Fontanelle Cemetery, located in the heart of Naples, is an extraordinary place with an unusual and mysterious history. Its walls of human bones and unique atmosphere convey a sense of mystery and contemplation. Known for the ritual of the “pezzentelle” souls, the Fontanelle Cemetery offers visitors a unique and unsettling experience that raises questions about life and death. I know, I’m ashamed not to have been there yet, but it’s under renovation since I found out >:(

Torture Museum, Campania

Also located in the heart of Naples, small and hidden, right next to the Church of Santa Luciella. It’s a place that preserves reconstructions of torture instruments used in the past. Through detailed exhibitions, visitors can explore the brutal and frightening methods used to inflict pain and justice, offering a chilling perspective on the past.

Church of Santa Luciella, Campania

The Church of Santa Luciella in Naples holds stories of miracles and mysteries. This church is a fascinating testimony of faith and devotion. It remained abandoned and neglected for a long time, but fortunately, a group of passionate young people decided to bring new light to it. The church is famous, especially for its “skull with ears.” It definitely deserves a place on my list of creepy places.

San Bernardino alle Ossa, Lombardy

I was amazed when I stumbled upon such a gloomy gem in Milan’s business city: the church of San Bernardino alle Ossa. Small, precious, and well-maintained: a macabre jewel, decorated entirely with human bones. Just what I needed to escape the Milanese frenzy.

Clemente Susini’s Collection of Anatomical Waxes, Sardinia

Well, Sardinians don’t mess around when it comes to creepy places. We’re in Cagliari, and as usual, I bring you another anatomical wax museum, specifically the museum of the renowned sculptor Clemente Susini.

The Demon’s House, Piemonte​

Yes, yes, I know, I’ve talked about churches, museums, and ossuaries, but you have to allow me this exception. The Demon’s House is actually a steakhouse, but trust me: you’ll NEVER find a steakhouse so cool and macabrely decorated. IN ADDITION to good food because yes, absurdly, apart from being a delight for the eyes of an ever-living goth like me, they also have delicious food. I’m sorry, it absolutely had to be included among my favorite creepy places.