The phenomenon was discovered accidentally when, during maintenance work at the cemetery in 1957, gravediggers found bodies that, rather than having decomposed, appeared mummified. The remains, some buried decades ago, retained facial features, fingernails, and soft tissues, as if time had stood still. Since then, more than 50 mummies have been exhumed, many of which are now on display at the St. Bernard Mummy Museum, created to preserve and study this enigma. The bodies, nicknamed “the incorrupt saints” by locals, have generated both reverence and intrigue.
What makes Saint Bernards unique is the absence of an artificial mummification process, such as that practiced in ancient Egypt or with the Chinchorro mummies in Chile. The bodies were not treated with chemicals or exposed to extreme conditions, like the ice mummies of the Andes. Instead, they were buried in ordinary coffins, in a humid tropical climate that, in theory, should accelerate decomposition. Yet the remains display a preservation that defies logic: the skin remains supple, the hair intact, and in some cases, even the internal organs are partially preserved.
Scientists have proposed several hypotheses, but none fully explains the phenomenon. One theory points to the properties of the San Bernardo soil, possibly rich in minerals such as natron, which could act as a natural desiccant, similar to that used by the Egyptians. Another suggests that the microclimate within the cemetery’s vaults, with a unique combination of ventilation and low humidity, could inhibit bacterial activity. Studies by the National University of Colombia have ruled out the presence of artificial chemicals, but soil and water analyses have not identified a definitive factor. “It’s as if nature decided to preserve these bodies for reasons we still don’t understand,” one researcher noted in a recent report.
For the residents of San Bernardo, the phenomenon has a deeply spiritual significance. Many believe the mummies are a divine sign, proof of the deceased’s sanctity, or a supernatural message. Some even claim that the mummies “choose” to be preserved, as not all bodies in the cemetery are mummified. This belief has generated mystical tourism, with visitors coming to pay homage or seek blessings. In X, images of the mummies have generated awe, with users debating whether it is a miracle or a whim of nature. “It’s as if San Bernardo had a pact with the afterlife,” wrote one user.
The impact on the town has been significant. The museum, which houses mummies in climate-controlled display cases, attracts thousands of visitors each year, boosting the local economy. However, it has also raised ethical concerns about the display of human remains, with some relatives calling for the bodies to be returned to their graves. Local authorities have responded by implementing protocols to respect the dignity of the deceased, while scientists continue to study the remains with technologies such as CT scans and DNA analysis.
The enigma of San Bernardo remains unsolved, uniting science, spirituality, and mystery into a single phenomenon. While researchers search for answers, the town’s natural mummies remain as a reminder of how little we understand about life and death. This small corner of Colombia, with its “incorrupt saints,” not only challenges science but also invites the world to reflect on the inexplicable, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to contemplate its mystery.
