Crypt of the Monastery of Santa Maria Della Pace

This Crypt in Palerma has separate sections for monks, priests,men , women, children , families , .......Many mummies....But here are some fotos from their "Chapel of Virgins".Not an authentic chapel , but rather a vault reserved for girls who died with their virginity intact.

In her hands she holds a palm frond.The palm was a symbol for martyrdom, but here it presents the triumph of faith.

Four figures are placed upright on a ledge in the chapel alongside a large cross. Inscribed on the wall above them are the words: "We follow the lamb wherever he goes, we are virgins."

Traditionally, relatives would come on the Day of the Dead to tend the mummies, anointing them with fragrances, providing flowers and dressing them in new sets of clothing but..................