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Rosalia LombardoItalian little girl embalmed after dying of pneumonia
Date of Birth: 13.12.1918
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Rosalia Lombardo
- Balming Process
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Preservation in the Capuchin Catacombs
- The Controversies
- Scientific Evidence
- The Opening Eyes Phenomenon
- Legacy
Biography of Rosalia Lombardo
Early Life and DeathRosalia Lombardo was born on December 13, 1918, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 6, 1920, just a week shy of her second birthday. Rosalia's father, Mario Lombardo, was devastated by her death and reached out to a Sicilian chemist and embalmer named Alfredo Salafia for help in preserving her body.
Balming Process
Alfredo Salafia developed a unique embalming solution consisting of formalin for disinfection, zinc salts and salicylic acid for body strength, glycerin to prevent dehydration, and alcohol for rapid drying. This solution was injected under pressure into Rosalia's arteries to preserve her body. The process was a success, and Rosalia became Salafia's most famous work.
The Sleeping Beauty
Rosalia Lombardo, also known as "The Sleeping Beauty," appeared remarkably well-preserved. It seemed as though she was merely sleeping and not deceased. Salafia had not only preserved the soft tissues of Rosalia's face but also treated her eye sockets, hair, eyelashes, brain, and internal organs.
Preservation in the Capuchin Catacombs
For the past hundred years, Rosalia Lombardo's body has remained largely unchanged. However, in the mid-2000s, signs of decay started to appear. Currently, her mummy is housed in the Chapel of Saint Rosalia, in a sealed glass container filled with nitrogen and insulated with lead foil. The chapel is located deep inside the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, where approximately 8,000 people are buried. The catacombs attract thousands of tourists from around the world each year, with Rosalia and the buried US vice-consul Giovanni Paterniti being the main attractions. Interestingly, Rosalia was the last person to be buried in the catacombs, even though they officially closed in 1881.
The Controversies
Throughout the years, various rumors and controversies have surrounded Rosalia Lombardo's life and preservation. There are no official photographs of her when she was alive or any official documents revealing the identities of her parents. Some speculate that Rosalia was the daughter of Italian General Mario Lombardo. It is known that she was frail and weak from birth, enduring numerous illnesses and pain during her short life.
Scientific Evidence
To dispel rumors, X-ray examinations were conducted on Rosalia's mummy, confirming the preservation of her cellular structure and internal organs. Her brain had shrunk by 50% due to the mummification process. In 2009, a documentary was released, showcasing Rosalia's body both externally and internally. This documentary revealed her hands, which were previously covered.
The Opening Eyes Phenomenon
Several years ago, reports emerged that Rosalia had "opened her eyes." Her left eye was said to have opened by nearly 5 mm, while her right eye opened by 2 mm. Some claimed that her blue eyes were visible beneath her eyelids. While this phenomenon frightened visitors to the catacombs, the caretaker, Dario Piombino-Mascali, explained that it was merely an optical illusion caused by the lighting conditions in the catacombs. According to Dario, Rosalia's eyelids were never tightly closed, and the changing angles of light throughout the day created the illusion of her eyes opening and closing. Others speculate that temperature fluctuations in the catacombs might be the cause of this phenomenon.
Legacy
Rosalia Lombardo continues to captivate and intrigue visitors to the Capuchin Catacombs. Her story and preserved body stand as a testament to the advanced embalming techniques of Alfredo Salafia and the enduring fascination with the "Sleeping Beauty" of the catacombs.
