The 17th century church of the Cappuccini monks on Rome's Via Veneto has re-opened after two years of restoration. The church has always been a favourite with tourists especially those with children because of its macabre crypt decorated with the skulls and bones of four thousand brothers who died between 1528 and 1870.
The church itself, however, is a treasure house of art and well worth a visit. The ten side chapels are adorned with works by Guido Reni, Andrea Sacchi, Pietro da Cortona, Giovanni Lanfranco, Domenichino and Gherardo della Notti, all artists working for the powerful Barberini Pope Urban VIII. The wooden crucifix in the first chapel on the left, recently cleaned of layers of smog, has been attributed to a design by Michaelangelo.
The church will hold a series of conferences on Roman 17th and 18th century artists and restoration techniques and problems during the month of May.
