This is Probably One of the Best Preserved Mummies Ever!

At the end of the Catacombs of Capuchin in Palermo, Sicily, in the southern part of Italy lies the body of a real-life “Sleeping Beauty”.

But contrary to the famous fairy tale, she is not a maiden who awaits for her prince and her true love’s kiss.

This sleeping beauty was once a two-year child named Rosalia Lombardo who died of pneumonia in the 1920’s. Her little body rests in the chapel at the end of the catacombs, enclosed in a glass top coffin and placed above a wooden pedestal.

Rosalia’s body has been very well preserved.

She looks like she’s just fallen into a deep sleep.

The Catacombs of Capuchin.

The young girl’s early demise devastated her father, General Mario Lombardo.

He sought the help of a Chemistry professor, embalmer, and taxidermist, Alfredo Salafia.

Because of Salafia’s method, even the little girl’s organs remained surprisingly intact. His technique remained a secret for a very long time until his handwritten journals were recently discovered.

Aside from his once secret embalming technique, people had been wondering why Rosalia’s eyes seem to open and close from time to time!

Watch the video:

Many cultures believe in preserving the body of the dead for use in the afterlife. Whatever reasons Rosalia’s bereaved father had–thanks to Salafia–his little girl is now considered the most beautiful mummy in the world.

What do you think?