Eternal sleep: The Ipogeo dei Cristallini will open its ancient Greek tombs to the public in June 2022. Archivio dell'arte, Pedicini fotografi Deeper underground: the site includes the original necropolis road, which was outside at the time. Mimmo Jodice Ancient and modern: The tombs lie 40 feet below ground, connected via a 19th-century staircase. Archivio dell'arte, Pedicini fotografi Bedded down: The bodies were laid to rest in sarcophagi shaped like beds. Luca Torcigliani Don't look now: A mythical gorgon, who could turn people to stone, oversees one of the tombs. Archivio dell'arte, Pedicini fotografi Last breath: The mouth of the gorgon watching over the dead looks mid-breath. Julia Buckley Stairway to the underworld: A 19th-century staircase was built to access the tombs. Luca Torcigliani Ancient upcycling: Romans carved niches in the chambers to fit funerary urns after the Greek period. Archivio dell'arte, Pedicini fotografi Fake views: The tombs are equipped with stone "beds" with trompe l'oeil painting. Ipogeo dei Cristallini Roll call: Names scrawled on the walls are thought to list the dead buried in the tombs. Ipogeo dei Cristallini Pillow talk: Stone pillows were carved from the soft tuff rock and painted turquoise, yellow and red. Mimmo Jodice Deep sleep: Bodies were placed inside the "beds." Mimmo Jodice Sole outsider: The gorgon is the only element not dug out from the hillside; instead it was carved and mounted on the wall. Mimmo Jodice Soft rock: Everything from the chambers to the fake ceiling beams is sculpted from the friable rock. Archivio dell'arte/Luciano Pedicini Prev Next
