Rosalia Lombardo
# Rosalia Lombardo
Rosalia Lombardo (1918 1920) was an Italian child who became famous for the exceptional preservation of her body after death. Her mummified remains are housed in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Sicily. Rosalia's preservation is often cited as one of the best examples of modern mummification.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Rosalia Lombardo was born in Palermo, Sicily, in 1918. She was the daughter of Mario Lombardo, a Sicilian official. Little is known about her early life due to her untimely death at the age of two.
Death and Mummification[edit | edit source]
Rosalia Lombardo died of pneumonia on December 6, 1920. Her father, devastated by her death, sought the help of Alfredo Salafia, a noted embalmer and taxidermist, to preserve her body. Salafia used a special embalming technique that involved a mixture of formalin, alcohol, glycerin, salicylic acid, and zinc salts. This method effectively preserved Rosalia's body, giving her the appearance of a "sleeping beauty."
Capuchin Catacombs[edit | edit source]
The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are a burial site that houses thousands of mummified bodies. Rosalia Lombardo's body was placed in a small glass-topped coffin and displayed in the catacombs. Her preservation is so remarkable that she appears to be merely sleeping, earning her the nickname "Sleeping Beauty."
Preservation Techniques[edit | edit source]
Alfredo Salafia's embalming technique was a closely guarded secret until it was discovered in his handwritten memoirs in 2009. The use of zinc salts was particularly innovative, as it helped to maintain the rigidity and lifelike appearance of the body. The preservation of Rosalia Lombardo is considered a significant achievement in the field of embalming.
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
Rosalia Lombardo has become a symbol of the Capuchin Catacombs and a subject of fascination for both tourists and researchers. Her preservation has sparked interest in the methods of embalming and the history of mummification practices in Sicily.
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