best catacombs tour in rome

Best catacombs to visit in Rome

Sure, we all know that visiting Rome means you’ll likely hit the must-see attractions like the Colosseum , Pantheon , and Trevi Fountain . But if you’re looking for a truly unusual experience in Rome, why not check out the Roman catacombs?

Dating back to the first century, these man-made subterranean passageways were used as underground tombs in Ancient Rome. Unlike the Roman pagans who cremated their dead, the Jewish and Christian populations believed in religious burials. However, under the rule of the Roman Empire, bodies were not allowed to be buried within the city walls due to hygiene concerns.

Hence, Jewish and Christian catacombs were constructed to allow the dead to be secretly buried underground. Fearing persecution, many Christians also began praying belowground, and the catacombs became sacred sites of worship. When Christianity eventually became legalized, catacombs gradually fell out of popularity and were only rediscovered in the 1600s.

Today, there are about 40 Christian and six Jewish catacombs scattered around Rome, although not all of them are open to the public. Most of them require entry tickets, and wheelchair access is fairly limited. Women are advised to cover their shoulders, and pictures are also forbidden out of respect, so leave these sacred sites only in your memories.

Whether you’re a history buff or a traveler with a taste for the macabre, get ready to explore the secrets contained within the best catacombs in Rome .

1. Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

Located along the historic Appian Way , the catacombs of Saint Callixtus are the largest and most well-known of the Roman catacombs. These catacombs were featured in Ben-Hur , and were named after Pope Callixtus I, who served as a deacon and administrator of the catacombs.

Once the official underground cemetery of the Church of Rome, the catacombs of Saint Callixtus were the final resting place of close to half a million Christians. These catacombs stretch over more than 12 miles and five levels and are divided into multiple sections, including the Crypt of the Popes, the Crypt of Saint Cecilia, and the Crypt of the Sacraments.

If you get squeamish easily, there’s no need to worry about encountering any human remains here—all bodies within the tour route have since been respectfully relocated.

It’s easy to get lost and confused in this maze-like complex, so we recommend joining a guided tour to learn more about the famous popes and martyrs laid here to rest. As the catacombs are a distance away from the city center, you can also consider joining this tour that includes transportation from Piazza Venezia .

2. Catacombs of Saint Domitilla

The catacombs of Saint Domitilla still hold human remains, but that’s not what they’re known for. Instead, most people flock to the catacombs of Domitilla to admire the intricate frescoes depicting biblical figures and Ancient Roman history. These thousand-year-old frescoes are still undergoing restoration, but you can spot iconic images like Jesus with the apostles.

This is also where you’ll find the fourth-century Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus. The catacombs of Saint Domitilla’s underground basilica are 1 out of only 2 Roman churches dedicated to the two saints, who were martyred for refusing to carry out military orders to kill Christians.

Don’t be intimidated by the size of these catacombs—large portions haven’t been completely excavated, so you won’t need to dedicate too much time here. In fact, this small-group express tour promises to take you to the catacombs and back to downtown Rome in less than two hours. Or if you’d like to check out other historic sights nearby like the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti , this multi-stop walking tour will take you along the treasures of the Appian Way.

While photographs aren’t allowed, the catacombs of Saint Domitilla have a gift shop, so you can pick up souvenirs to commemorate the experience.

3. Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The catacombs of San Sebastiano have had numerous identities, including a former pozzolan mine, a pagan cemetery, and finally, a catacomb used by Christians. The underground graveyard was said to have contained the remains of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and also housed the remains of Saint Sebastian, which are now kept in the basilica above the catacombs.

Unfortunately, these small and accessible catacombs are one of the least preserved. Out of the compound’s original four floors, one has been almost completely destroyed. However, you can still find some stunning relics like the paintings of Jonah’s cubicle and Bernini’s bust of Saint Sebastian. As you embark on your tour of the catacombs , look out for ancient graffiti by devotees scrawled along the plastered walls.

4. Catacombs of Priscilla

Also known as the Queen of the Catacombs, the catacombs of Priscilla are one of the oldest underground graveyards in Rome , used for Christian burials. Pope Marcellinus and Pope Marcellus I were buried here, and the remains of Saint Philomena have also been found within these catacombs.

Explore the tunnels after dark with this evening tour , where you’ll get to appreciate some of the oldest known biblical paintings without the crowds. Most notably, the catacombs of Priscilla contain what’s believed to be the first rendering of Mary, created in the third century. You can also find elaborate frescoes covering the Greek Chapel, which depict scenes from the Old and New Testament.

5. Vatican Necropolis

While the Vatican Necropolis lies outside Rome , it’s still worth a visit, especially if you’re already in Vatican City . Located below St. Peter’s Basilica , the necropolis was once an open air cemetery for early Christians, including Saint Peter himself.

Eventually, Emperor Constantine built a basilica over Saint Peter’s grave, and the necropolis remained undiscovered until the 20th century. During the pontificate of Pope Pius XII, excavation work began in an attempt to locate the grave of Saint Peter. Various mausoleums were gradually discovered, and eventually “Field P” where the Apostle had been buried.

To protect and conserve the sanctity of the necropolis, only a limited number of visitors are allowed at a time, especially as archaeological excavations are still ongoing. You’ll need to join the official Scavi Tour to visit the ancient cemetery and pay your respects to Saint Peter. Bonus: The tour will also allow you to skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica.

6. Crypt of Capuchins

Perhaps one of the most famously macabre sights in Rome , the Capuchin Crypt technically isn’t a catacomb, but an ossuary. Still, most catacomb tours like this small-group tour include a trip to the legendary “Bone Chapel.”

Venture underground beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini to explore these six chapels adorned with the skeletal remains of 3,700 Capuchin friars, who were buried here from the 1500s to the 1800s. Various crypts are dedicated to selected body parts like skulls, pelvises, and leg bones.

While the crypt is probably unsuitable for young children or the faint of heart, if you’re able to get over your squeamishness, we highly recommend paying this iconic site a visit. After all, it exists not for morbid reasons, but as a poetic reminder of the constant cycle of life and death: “What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be…”

If you need a pick-me-up after your tour, we suggest heading to the nearby Trecaffè Due Macelli for a cappuccino—the espresso-based drink was named after the hooded robes worn by the Capuchin monks.

Recommended tours and activities

The 5 Best Catacombs Tours In Rome [2022 Reviews]

Rome is a fascinating city for anyone interested in ancient history, the history of early Christianity, and grand architecture. However, not all the most amazing sights are found within the city walls. The catacombs scattered along the ancient Roman roads are among the most important attractions in Rome.

Also see our Rome Tour Guide which is helpful for anyone who wishes to see all the main attractions in Italy’s capital. And most catacombs tours in Rome also include other fascinating historic sites, such as the Aqueducts Park or the St. John in Lateran Basilica.

I’ve identified the 5 top-rated catacombs tours in Rome. Read my reviews below to discover which Rome catacombs tour interests you the most.

Best Roman Catacombs Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best-rated catacombs tours in rome.

• Rome: Crypts & Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel Visit
• Rome: Catacombs and Crypts Small Group Minibus Tour
• Catacomb of St. Callixtus and Appian Way: Guided Tour
• Catacombs & St John in Lateran Combo Tour
• Rome: Catacombs, Appian Way & Aqueduct Park Small Group Tour

Catacombs Tours In Rome Reviews

#1. rome: crypts & catacombs tour with bone chapel visit.

• Departure Point : The Triton Fountain, Piazza Barberini
• Departure Time: 2:30 PM
• Duration : 3½ hours
• Includes : Licensed guide, small group tours, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees to the Capuchin Crypt and Museum, admission to the catacombs, and admission to the Basilica San Clemente

Your tour begins outside the ancient city walls and within the 2 nd -century catacombs found alongside Roman roads.

Here, far beneath the ground, the earliest Christians prayed while suffering persecution from the authorities in Ancient Rome.

Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you through the maze of tunnels and tell you all about their history, including their use as both burial ground and place of worship.

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Next, you’ll return inside the city walls to visit the Basilica of San Clemente, near the Colosseum. Although it looks like a normal church from outside, inside be prepared for a treat. The church is a Russian Matryoshka nesting doll of layers.

The visible basilica dates to the 11 th century, but beneath is a 4 th -century basilica. That basilica was a conversion of an aristocrat’s villa that was once used for secret Christian worship during the persecutions. The basement beneath the villa was used as a Mithraeum in the 2 nd century, meaning a pagan temple dedicated to worshipers of Mithras.

A highlight of this tour is a visit to the Capuchin Crypt below Santa Maria Church. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 3,700 monks in complex floor-to-ceiling patterns. The Roman Catholic Church states that this is a physical representation of how fleeting and fragile our lives are.

The attached Capuchin Museum also contains religious relics relating to St. Francis and a famous painting by Caravaggio.

You’ll enjoy air-conditioned transportation as you’re whisked from one amazing sight to another on this excellent tour of some of the lesser-known wonders of Rome.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

#2. Rome: Catacombs and Crypts Small Group Minibus Tour

• Departure Time: 9:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 3¼ hours
• Includes : Licensed guide, air-conditioned transportation, a tour of ancient catacombs, a tour of the Lasagna Church of San Nicola in Carcere, and entrance fees to the Capuchin Crypt

Your tour will take you to the Capuchin Crypt, known as the “Bone Chapel”. Inside the crypt are the skeletal remains of over 3,700 monks.

The bones are used as decorations for several small chapels within the crypt, which is found below the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini Church. This use of the bones is not meant to be disrespectful but rather a physical representation of our mortality.

The Lasagna Church of San Nicola is a more cheerful stop on your tour. The church was only built in the 10 th century, but it incorporates large portions of pre-existing pagan temples that are visible within the more modern stonework.

Admire the marble columns dating to the 4 th century and left exposed on the 10 th -century church walls. Stepping through this fascinating basilica is like stepping back through time.

The many levels you experience while touring this church are the reason for its nickname.

Another highlight of the tour is a guided tour of one of the 2 nd -century, early Christian catacombs found outside the city walls and alongside one of the main roads leading away from Ancient Rome.

Within the catacombs, you can admire examples of the earliest Christian art and learn all about the emergence of Christianity during a time of persecution.

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

#3. catacomb of st. callixtus and appian way: guided tour.

• Departure Point : Bus stop at Via Cavour 224
• Departure Time: 9:45 AM
• Duration : 3 hours
• Includes : Licensed guide, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, the Appian Way, and the Aqueducts Park

During this tour, you will walk along a section of the ancient Via Appia Antica, one of the most important roads of Ancient Rome.

The historic cobblestones still bear the scars of a million chariot wheels. In Ancient Rome, burials were always held outside of the city walls and usually close to one of the main roads, so several catacombs are located along the path of the Appian Way.

Your tour will take you into the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. These catacombs are almost 2,000 years old and notable as the Crypt of the Popes. Within these ancient passages, you can see examples of the earliest Christian art.

Another highlight of this tour is a view of the 1 st -century Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the daughter of a Roman Consul. In later years, the mausoleum was expanded and became an important castle defending the Appian Way.

You’ll also explore the aqueducts park, where you can see the remains of a 1 st -century aqueduct and a surviving 16 th -century aqueduct.

#4 Catacombs & St John in Lateran Combo Tour

• Departure Point : OMNIA Vatican & Rome in St. John Basilica
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
• Includes : Licensed guide, entrance fees to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, entrance fees to St. John in Lateran Basilica, the Holy Stairs, and the Sancta Sanctorum

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in the Lateran is the main church of the Diocese of Rome and the official seat of the Pope, who is also the Bishop of Rome.

It is the oldest public church in Rome, founded by Pope St. Sylvester I, who was a companion of Constantine the Great and oversaw the period when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

A major highlight of this tour is the opportunity to ascend the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) located in the basilica.

These marble steps once graced the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, and it is believed that Jesus Christ climbed them during His Passion. Anyone climbing these steps today is literally following in Jesus’ footsteps!

The basilica also contains the Sancta Sanctorum (the original, private Papal chapel), which is found at the top of the Scala Sancta. This is the only surviving part of the original Lateran Palace that was the first official Papal residence in Rome.

The second highlight of this tour is a visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. These 2 nd -century catacombs are located near the Appian Way.

You will be guided around the catacombs by a local expert and learn all about the history of the catacombs and their various levels.

#5 Rome: Catacombs, Appian Way & Aqueduct Park Small Group Tour

• Departure Point : Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e Martiri
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes : Licensed guide, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, the Appian Way, and the Aqueducts Park

The Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls is found alongside the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way). Typically, the early Christian catacombs in Rome were built outside the city walls and alongside the major roads, like the Appian Way.

The Catacombs of St. Sebastian are the first along the long road.

The catacombs beneath St. Sebastian are said to have held the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul during the Christian persecutions. The church holds a sculpture and the tomb of St. Sebastian.

You will have the opportunity to explore these famous catacombs as they descend through 5 levels.

A little further along the Appian Way, you’ll find the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. The tomb was built in the 1 st -century to hold the daughter of a Roman Consul but later became an important castle held by the Caetani family.

They used its position alongside the important Appian Way to extort a toll from travelers.

In the Aqueducts Park, you can view the impressive ruins of a 1 st -century aqueduct begun by Emperor Caligula and a 16 th -century aqueduct built by Pope Sixtus V.

The park also features part of the Via Latina and the ruins of a large 2 nd -century villa.

Rome Travel Guide

Some visitors to Rome plan their visit specifically around the Vatican and related locations, such as the Sistine Chapel. However, you’ll still want to be aware of accommodations, the expected weather, and even other attractions you may want to visit while visiting Rome.

As you learn more about vacationing in Rome, you may want to plan for a few extra days to truly get the most out of your time in this ancient city.

What attractions are you looking forward to the most when you visit Rome? Where do you plan on staying? We’d love to hear about your plans! If you’ve already visited Rome, let us know what you enjoyed the most.

Airports & Entry

When headed to Rome, you’ll most likely land at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport . This airport is the largest in Italy. Most foreign tourists, no matter their final destination in Italy, land in Rome. This means the airport is usually very crowded. However, this airport is also fairly easy to navigate.

To visit Italy, you must have a valid passport that has at least six months remaining before expiration. You can stay up to 90 days in the country for business or tourist reasons without a visa so long as your passport is valid.

Planning Tips

Before you start packing your bags, you’ll want to know how to make your trip easier and how to get the most out of your time in Rome. These top 5 planning tips can help you do just that.

Tip #1: Dress Appropriately for your Visit to the Vatican

Because the Vatican Museums , as well as the Sistine Chapel, are religious places, you’ll need to dress appropriately. Your shoulders, knees, and abdomen should be completely covered.

Your clothes should not have inappropriate graphics or sayings. If security personnel believe you are dressed inappropriately, you won’t be allowed in. This is true even if you are on a private tour.

Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance

There are millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican every year. This means that some of the attractions you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are a great example of this. If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, these attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours.

While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.

Tip #3: Choose a Tour of the Vatican

If you plan on visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other popular places within Vatican City, purchasing a guided Vatican tour .

While this is true wherever you are visiting within the city of Rome, it is especially true when visiting the Vatican. Large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other cumbersome items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.

You can store them in the cloakroom provided for free, but you may end up having to leave your tour early to retrieve them before closing time. It’s best to carry only what you need when touring the Vatican.

Tip #5: Visit on a Wednesday

If you’re looking forward to seeing the Pope and to the papal audience, you’ll want to plan your visit for a Wednesday.

While there are occasional deviations from the Wednesday schedule, you’ll most likely be able to see the weekly message on that day.

In fact, the Papal Audience and Vatican Museums tour we reviewed above guarantees you will see the Pope as part of the papal audience as long as he delivers his message on schedule.

Restaurants & Eating Out

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Right? There is no better time to follow this rule then when it comes to dining. Eating out in Rome is probably much more affordable than you would’ve thought.

Of course, you’ll want to savor a true Italian pizza. The best place for this is La Gatta Mangiona. This casual restaurant is well known for its thin crust pizzas and may very well have been the start of the pizza craze in Rome.

If you’re looking for lighter fare, stop by Il Forno Campo de’ Fiori . The restaurant serves up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and light snacks. The bakery next door produces delicious biscuits, pastries, and more. Both the restaurant and the bakery offer take out so you can avoid the long lines.

While there are many places to get your fill of gelato in Rome, the Gelateria del Teatro is one of the most popular. You’ll find all the traditional flavors and occasionally come across an experiment or two. Have you ever tried raspberry and sage gelato?

NOTE : When it comes to leaving a tip at a restaurant, it’s important not to be too generous. Tipping more than 10% is often frowned upon. Also, you’ll rarely have an opportunity to leave a tip when using a debit or credit card. You’ll want to have a few euros on hand for tips as well as small purchases.

Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in Rome is just as mixed as the combination of both ancient and modern seen all over the city. The Antica Enoteca has one of the most extensive wine lists in Rome and offers a rustic and casual atmosphere. If you’re looking for a traditional bar, you’ll want to stop by the American Bar at the Hotel Forum.

When it comes to cocktails, Rome offers ingenuity and imagination. Take the Carbonara Sour at Co.So Cocktail & Social, for example. This delicious cocktail might be a little different, containing black pepper and egg whites along with other ingredients, but is one of their most popular drinks.

If cocktails aren’t your thing and you’d rather sit down with a craft beer, stop by Brasserie 4:20. This small pub is warm and welcoming, and so is their list of craft beers on tap, plus a selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and other fine drinks.

Getting Around

While there is a great public transportation system in place, it’s often easier to get around in Rome by walking. You can get nearly everywhere you need to go by lacing up your tennis shoes and going for a stroll.

If you’re going a longer distance, you might want to take a bus. A 100-minute bus ticket is quite affordable, as is the day pass.

Renting a car in Rome isn’t a good idea. Those unfamiliar with the city can have a difficult time maneuvering. If car travel is best, you’ll want to take a taxi. You can only grab a taxi in designated areas.

Hailing for a cab outside of these areas is frowned upon. Taxis can be on the expensive side but if you’re going a fair distance and you’d rather not take a bus, a taxi can be quite effective.

Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations in Rome, you’ll see inexpensive hotels and luxury resorts. The cheaper places to stay are often farther away, very small, or offer very few amenities.

Most of these hotels aren’t recommended for tourists. There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Rome, however. The G-Rough is located inside a 16 th -century palazzo and epitomizes the history and art that Rome is famous for.

While staying at a luxury resort is ideal, it may not always be feasible. A great mid-range hotel that offers many of the benefits of a luxury resort without the price tag, is the Nerva Boutique Hotel .

With just 19 rooms, guests can enjoy modern design, great food, as well as a great location.

July and August are the hottest months in Rome. The average temperature is somewhere around 78°F. For many, the 48°F average temperature in Rome in January is very mild.

However, if you want to enjoy Rome with better chances of great weather, you’ll want to visit in the spring or the fall.

Attractions

Rome is full of attractions you can visit around your tour of the Vatican. The National Roman Museum is family-friendly and houses many interesting artifacts.

The Basilica of San Clemente is not just a church, but also an archaeological site. The newer building at the entry level dates back to the 12 th -century while you can head downstairs to the original basilica built in the 4 th -century AD.

If you’d like to see some of the more ancient attractions around Rome, you have several options. The Roman Forum is the location where Romulus made the founding of the city of Rome official.

It was once the epicenter of Roman life. Ostia Antica is just 25-minutes away by train. This location was once a thriving center of commerce. Today, you can explore over 100 acres of ancient shops, baths, temples, and even apartment buildings and houses.

If you have some extra time, a visit to the Tuscany region should not be missed. With beautiful hilltop towns and wineries you should take a day trip to Tuscany . If might be the highlight of your trip!

The Vatican’s Treasures: Both Seen & Felt

A tour of the Vatican is a must if you’re planning a vacation to Rome. The arts, architecture, and history contained within Vatican City simply can’t be experienced anywhere else.

Whether you choose a short, 3-hour tour to see the basics or you opt for the VIP Vatican Experience, it’s guaranteed this is a trip you’ll never forget.

Tour Guides

The Crypts & Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel Visit is our Editors Choice for the best catacombs tour in Rome

Richard Remick

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

9 Most Interesting Rome Catacombs Tours of 2024

From the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, there are so many attractions there is so much to see and do in Rome. However, When in Rome, don’t miss the famous Roman Catacombs! We’ve pulled together the most interesting Rome catacombs tour for you whether you are interested in history, art, or cruising the countryside on a bike.

We spent six weeks exploring Italy with our kids, from Bari up to Venice on our Family Gap Year and we return as often as we can. While Trastevere is our favorite neighborhood in Rome, we love the mix of old and new throughout the city. There are always new things to discover and plenty of activities for all ages. We have found that the underground areas in Italy are some of the most fascinating spaces.

When I first heard about the Roman Catacombs, I had images of piles of bones, much like the famous Paris Catacombs. However, the Catacombs in Rome are some of the oldest catacombs in the world- and seeing stacks of bones is just the beginning. Inside the Catacombs of Rome, you won’t find many bones- instead, you’ll find ancient Christian art, and miles of early Christan history stretching beneath the outskirts of the city. We’ll cover the best tours of the catacombs in Rome, what to expect from each tour, how each Rome catacombs tour is different, and answers to all your questions about the different catacombs you might visit.

We also have a quick history of the Rome catacombs, as well as advice on what to bring with you on your Roman catacombs tour. Rome, called the Eternal City, is such a fascinating place full of history at every turn.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

At the bottom of this post,  download free Mobile Wallpaper images to satisfy your wanderlust!

If you are interested in budget travel to Europe, join our free Facebook Group:  Europe Travel with Families on a Budget .

Editors Pick: Rome Catacombs Tour In a Hurry? Book our Top Pick: Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access

Table of Contents

Are the Roman Catacombs Worth Seeing?

Yes, the Catacombs in Rome are definitely worth seeing! There is an immense amount of history in these tunnels, as well as precious artworks.

Unlike the Paris Catacombs, the main draw of the Roman Catacombs is not the bones, in fact, most Roman catacombs have removed bodies and bones from the tourist route, respectfully moving their final resting place deeper into the tunnels.

Instead, you’ll see ancient passageways, places where early Christians worshipped in secret, and priceless pieces of early Christan art. National Geographic calls Rome “the capital of catacombs”- there are rumors that the legendary Holy Grail may be here- buried in a lost section of the Roman catacombs.

We also visited the catacombs of St. Paul in Malta , and while we enjoyed them for other reasons, they had very few visible pieces of art remaining. Rome really does boast some of the most compelling catacombs in the world.

Quick Guide: The Best Catacomb Tours of Rome, Italy

Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access Restricted Areas Catacombs of St. Agnes

Roman Catacombs: After-Hours Tour

Crowd-free, Includes Bone Chapel Catacombs of St. Priscilla

Rome Catacombs Tour via Golf Cart

Best Catacomb Tour for Families Catacombs of St. Callixtus

The 9 Most Interesting Rome Catacombs Tours

These are the most engaging, best catacomb tours in Rome for every traveler- from those who love history to those who love the macabre. From group tours to biking tours, and even a ghost tour, we’ve got the best catacomb tour in Rome for you!

For each tour, we’ve listed which of the Roman catacombs you should expect to visit. Jump down below the tour list to see a description of each catacomb and what they are famous for to make sure you’re picking the one that interests you most.

1. Top Pick: Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars   ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours   ✅ Exclusive Rooms, St. Agnes   🔎 Check Rates

This night tour is limited to six people at a time and has access to parts of the St. Agnes catacombs that are usually off-limits. You’ll start this catacombs tour at 5 pm with a visit to the Capuchin Monks Bone Chapel, then head to the Basilica of St. Agnes where you’ll see the interior and then descend into the St. Agnes catacombs.

“ Our guide was very knowledgeable and made this tour amazing. Didn’t want it to end. “ Heather_J (Read more reviews )

After the catacombs, you’ll visit the Mausoleo di Costanza behind the Basilica, where Emperor Constantine’s daughters are buried. There are impressive 4th-century mosaics here.

This tour is the only one that we found that visits these particular Roman catacombs- combine that with the extremely small size of the group, and you have a very special experience.

Book Now: Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access

Night tours are a fun way to explore Rome after the heat of the day. Rome is lit up at night and everything is aglow. From special photography tours to food tours, we’ve got the best night tours of Rome for every traveler.

2. Roman Catacombs: After-Hours Tour

🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars   ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours   ✅ Crowd Free, St. Priscilla   🔎 Check Rates

With a 5:45 start time, this evening catacombs tour takes you first to the Capuchin Crypt and its famous Bone Chapel. You’ll then head outside of the main city to visit the catacombs of St. Priscilla after they have closed to the general public. You’ll have a more relaxed, quiet experience in these catacombs, which are renowned for their artwork including the oldest known images of the Virgin Mary.

“ Great tour. Crypts were interesting and catacombs were fascinating. Alessandra was very knowledgeable and kept the group engaged throughout the tour. “ Taxmonkey121 (Read more reviews )

This tour is a little larger than some small group tours, with a max capacity of 18 travelers, travelers often comment on how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the guides are.

Book Now: Roman Catacombs: After-Hours Tour

3. Semi-Private Small Group Catacombs Tour

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars   ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours   ✅ Small Group, St. Domitilla   🔎 Check Rates

This small group morning tour starts at the Capuchin Crypts and then moves to the Catacombs of St. Domitilla. This is a very small group- never more than six people so you can expect an intimate experience.

“ Fascinating tour, outstanding guide! We brought our children, and we all had a great time and learned so much. “ Clifford_G (Read more reviews )

St. Domitilla is where St. Peter’s daughter is buried and is known for its important ancient mosaics, which have been recently restored. The artwork in this Roman catacomb also includes a fresco that is the earliest known depiction of Christ as the Good Shepherd.

Book Now: Semi-Private Small Group Catacombs Tour

4. Rome Catacombs Tour via Golf Cart

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars   ⏳ 3 Hours   ✅ Golf Cart, St. Callixtus   🔎 Check Rates

Golf carts are a really fun way to get around Rome! These vehicles don’t get stuck in traffic, and are open-air, so you see more than from a closed van while cutting down on the walking time during your tour.

This catacombs golf cart tour includes a visit to the catacombs of Saint Callixtus, as well as stopping at the Colosseum, and Appian Way. This tour also includes a stop inside Basilica San Sebastiano to see a Bernini Masterpiece, as well as a stop at the famous Mouth of Truth.

“ Absolutely fantastic- one of the top highlights of our 3 week trip. So informative and interesting- a little off the beaten path of what you can see on foot. He was so passionate about the showing us the history of Rome and all it was, that the catacombs (which we thought would be the highlight) came in as just an agreed bonus. “ jKimmerling88 (Read more reviews )

A golf cart tour is fantastic for families with different abilities. The visit to the catacombs requires walking and often quite a few stairs, but the golf cart allows you to see a lot of Rome while escaping the heat, and with less walking than a standard tour.

Book Now: Rome Catacombs Tour via Golf Cart

We love golf cart tours of Rome- we wrote a whole article on the best tours! Don’t miss the best golf cart tours to explore Rome – from night tours to foodie tours.

5. Small Group Rome Catacombs Tour with Aqueduct

🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars   ⏳ 3 1/2 Hours   ✅ Aqueduct, San Sebastian   🔎 Check Rates

This small group tour is longer than the standard half-day Rome catacombs tours as it includes time to visit the Roman Aqueducts at the end of the tour. You start at the Crypt of the Capuchins, then visit the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. This is a great catacomb to visit to learn a wide history of Rome as it is only partially excavated and includes pagan tombs as well as Christian.

“ Our guide through the catacombs was very informative and interesting. Even our 11 year old was kept interested. The added trip out to the aqueduct was very interesting – lots of lovely photo opportunities.” sandamuzzell (Read more reviews )

After the catacombs, you’ll drive to the Roman Aqueducts and have time to explore and take photos at this marvel of engineering. This tour is capped at 18 travelers per group.

Book Now: Small Group Catacombs Tour with Aqueduct

6. Hidden Gems and Catacombs of Rome

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars   ⏳ 3 Hours   ✅ Hidden Gems, St. Callixtus   🔎 Check Rates

This hidden gems tour does not include the Capuchin Bone Crypt that most catacomb tours begin with. Instead, a visit to the catacombs of St. Callixtus is part of a larger tour designed to show you some of the hidden gems of Rome.

“ Absolutely fantastic, probably the best trip we booked whilst in Rome, what a find!. Our host was Assem and he was kind, patient and knowledgeable .” Marcus_O (Read more reviews )

You’ll visit the ancient gates of Rome, walk along the famed Appian Way, and see the Vatican through a keyhole viewpoint. This is a great tour if you’re interested in seeing the catacombs but would like to combine it with a more expansive list of sights and countryside around Rome.

Book Now: Hidden Gems and Catacombs of Rome

7. Bike Tour of Catacombs and Appian Way

🌟 Rating: 5 Stars   ⏳ 4 Hours   ✅ Electric Bike, St. Callixtus   🔎 Check Rates

This five-star bike tour starts in central Rome and then heads out to the Appian Way. You can choose a 4-hour tour that includes the catacombs of St. Callixtus, or a 5-hour tour which includes biking to the Roman Aqueducts. This tour includes an electric bike, helmet, and a poncho in case of rain.

“ What a wonderful way to see another side of Rome! The guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and excellent for all levels of biking. Highly recommend! “ Jason_K (Read more reviews )

This tour is intended for all levels, but you will be biking approximately 29km (18 miles), including the first few miles from the center of Rome to the Roman countryside. There is some “city” biking, so judge for yourself whether this is right for you and your family.

Children are welcome to join this biking tour- those over 140 cm can ride on their own, shorter can join with a child extension, and infants up to 20 kg are welcome to join in a child seat at no charge.

Book Now: Bike Tour of Catacombs and Appian Way

8. Rome Catacombs and Ghost Walking Tour

🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars   ⏳ 8 Hours   ✅ Combines 2 Tours, St. Domitilla   🔎 Check Rates

This double tour combines a more traditional Roman catacombs tour which includes a visit to the Bone Chapel and a visit to the catacombs of St. Domitilla, with a ghost and mysteries-themed walking tour around Rome. The catacombs tour begins at 2:30, followed by the ghost tour which begins at sunset and lasts well into the evening.

“ The tour of the crypts was really spectacular and Divan was a wonderful guide. It’s really obvious that he is passionate about Rome’s history and that comes across in your experience on the tour. The ghost and mystery walking tour wasn’t what I was expecting, it was much, much better. “ briann_R (Read more reviews )

This tour is a long day- but a great way to see more of the city, and keep teens and older kids entertained. The ghost and mystery tour is a 1 1/2-hour walking tour that is limited to 20 people or less. It focuses on the darker side of Roman history- stories of executions, murders, and more.

Book Now: Rome Catacombs and Ghost Walking Tour

9. Catacombs and Half-Day Walking Tour of Rome

🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars   ⏳ 3 Hours   ✅ Countryside walks, St. Callixtus   🔎 Check Rates

This half-day tour of Rome combines walking routes along the Appian Way with a visit to the catacombs of San Callisto. This tour does not include the Crypt of the Capuchins and it’s Bone Chapel. Instead, you’ll visit the Claudian Aqueduct, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, and Circus of Maxentius among others on your walking tour of the Roman countryside.

“ Excellent guide and very interesting tour. Highly recommend it especially for teens. Also the aqueduct and Appian way was very interesting.” Gita_V (Read more reviews )

This is a walking tour- both above ground and below, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some time in the sun while you explore the Appian way and the Roman countryside. This is a great way to get outside the city into a quieter area and also get a bit of exercise!

Book Now: Roman Catacombs and Half-Day Walking Tour

Is There More Than One Catacomb in Rome?

Yes, there are many catacombs beneath Rome, several of which are open for visitation. You’ll want to pay attention to which catacombs each tour visits, though they may switch if one is closed on the day of your tour. We’ve listed the catacombs of Rome that are open to the public below so you can choose the best catacomb in Rome for you.

Capuchin Crypt and Museum

Most Roman Catacomb tours begin with the Capuchin Crypt, known for its Bone Chapel. This is where you’ll see all the bone art. Here you’ll find 6 chapels filled with the bones of over 3,000 monks, arranged artistically to remind us all that death is part of the cycle of life. This is the most touristy part of many Rome catacomb tours, with more visual punch, and less historical significance.

Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

One of the most popular Rome catacombs to visit, the catacombs of St. Callixtus are located along the Appian Way- also called the Via Appia Antica, one of the most important ancient Roman roads. One of the largest catacombs, St. Callixtus stretches over 12 miles, with some tunnels reaching an impressive height of 70 feet!

This space includes the remains of 16 popes and many saints. It was famously featured in the movie Ben Hur. Please note that all bodies and bones along the tour route have been removed.

Catacombs of Santa Domitilla

These Rome catacombs include an underground basilica with 1,000-year-old mosaics that are newly restored. Parts of these catacombs are still unexcavated- the sacred spaces and artwork are the main draw. These are the only catacombs with some bones still on display. Closed on Tuesdays.

Catacombs of San Sebastian

The remains of apostles Peter and Paul were rumored to once reside in these Roman catacombs. This is one of the least preserved of the catacombs. Also includes some pagan Roman tombs. Closed Sundays.

Catacombs of St. Priscilla

This is one of the oldest catacombs in Rome. Several Popes were buried here, and you’ll find what might be the first depiction of Mary from the 3rd Century. There are also extensive frescos in the Greek Chapel here.

Catacombs of St. Agnes

This is one of the least visited Roman catacombs on traditional tours as it is not on the Appian Way but on Via Nomentana. There are three tiers to the catacombs here, as well as the beautiful Saint Agnes Outside the Walls Basilica.

Tips for Visiting the Catacombs in Rome

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your tour of the Bone Chapel and the catacombs of Rome.

• Photography is not allowed in the Bone Chapel or in the various Roman catacombs.
• These Roman catacombs tours are not recommended for people who struggle with confined spaces or have asthma or other breathing problems.
• All of these Rome catacomb tours are operated in English, check for other languages as needed.
• Tickets to enter the Rome catacombs may or may not be included in the tour, some expect you to purchase a ticket on-site, check details.
• While the Capuchin Bone Chapel contains bones (as one would expect), most of the Roman catacombs themselves have very few or no bones on display. Instead, you’ll find chambers, passageways, mosaics, and other artifacts as well as a lot of Roman history.
• Because it was illegal to bury people within the city walls of Rome, the Roman catacombs are located outside the city center. These catacombs tours are a great way to learn more about Roman history and see a bit of the Roman countryside. Some catacomb tours in Rome also include visits to the Appian Way and/or aqueducts in the same area.
• Roman catacombs are sacred spaces, so please dress respectfully, with both your shoulders and knees covered. Also, keep in mind that these underground spaces are quite cool, even in summer, so bring a light sweater or jacket.

A Quick History of the Catacombs of Rome

The Catacombs of Rome, Italy are some of the oldest in the world. Many of these man-made tunnels date back to the Etruscans who were mining for stone. While pagan Romans preferred to cremate their dead, Christians and Jews preferred burial. Burial was illegal within the city walls (for hygiene purposes), so these old passageways were expanded to use for burial, and later worship. This is also the reason that these sites are outside the main city walls.

Christians also worshipped in these spaces, and they are still considered sacred. You will see mosaics and paintings here. In fact, the Roman catacombs have one of the most valuable collections of Christian art outside the Vatican!

(Psst… don’t forget to visit the Vatican when in Rome!)

Christians buried rich and poor next to each other, in the same manner, so bodies were labeled with name only- with no mention of status or title. When Christianity became legal in the year 313 CE, there was no longer a reason to worship in secret, and the catacombs slowly fell out of use. The catacombs were then forgotten until they were rediscovered in the 1600s by an explorer who almost died when he got lost in the extensive maze below the streets of Rome.

What to Bring on a Catacombs Tour in Rome

• You won’t be able to take photos inside the Roman catacombs, so only bring your camera if you choose a tour that includes other sites around Rome.
• You will need a sweater or jacket as the catacombs in Rome can be quite chilly.
• Please dress appropriately for sacred spaces- catacombs and basilicas require that shoulders and knees be covered and that men remove hats.
• Please wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for uneven terrain.

FAQ: The Top Rome Catacombs Tours

You can go to any of the catacombs in Rome that are open to the public and buy a ticket directly. You will then join a tour by a priest or monk and may get a more spiritual than historical lecture. We highly recommend taking a guided tour which will include transportation and a balanced historical perspective.

The best Roman catacomb depends largely on your particular interests. For history and the “wow” factor of huge, extensive catacombs, the popular catacomb of Saint Callixtus is the best one in Rome. For art lovers, Santa Domitilla and St. Priscilla are the best options. For Christian History, San Sebastian is a great choice.

The Catacomb of St. Callixtus is the most visited catacomb in Rome. It has extensive tunnels, vast spaces, and a lot of history to share. It is the resting place of 16 Popes! It’s also been featured in famous movies and is located close to the Appian Way and Aqueducts.

The Capuchin Crypt is a series of crypts that house the remains of Capuchin monks and is much younger than the Roman catacombs. The Catacombs are miles of tunnels underneath the outskirts of Rome where early Jewish and Christian citizens buried their dead and practiced their religion in secret.

No, you should not wear shorts to visit the catacombs. The catacombs of Rome are considered sacred spaces. Many miles of them are controlled by the Christian Church. You should plan to dress as you would to enter a church or basilica. For both men and women, shoulders and knees should be covered.

Hundreds of thousands of bodies are buried in the catacombs beneath Rome. As the tunnels were lost and rediscovered, there is no exact count. It is possible there are additional tunnels that have not been excavated.

The catacombs contain the remains of Popes, martyrs, and ordinary citizens. Most were buried between the 2nd and 5th centuries.

There You Have it: Best Rome Catacombs Tours

The Catacombs of Rome are a great destination to learn more about Roman culture and the history of Christianity in Rome. For an intimate visit with exclusive access that is not available to the general public- check out our top-pick tour: Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access.

Traveling with toddlers or grandparents in your group? You’ll love the Rome Catacombs Tour via Golf Cart which takes the walking out of your day.

Ready for a more active day? Then the Bike Tour of Catacombs and Appian Way is just right for you!

Visiting Rome? We’ve got the best hotels in Trastevere , our favorite neighborhood in Rome. Visiting during the hot summer months? We’ve got the best hotels with pools in Rome !

We’ve also got the best places to eat in Rome and a 4-day itinerary for Rome with kids !

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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11 BEST Catacombs of Rome Tours (selected by an Italian)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: October 9, 2023

Categories Europe , Italy

Find the very best Catacombs of Rome tours to make sure you have a memorable adventure exploring the eerie, underground side of the city. I’ve made a super comprehensive list for you!  

Rome is one of the most important – and visited – cities in the world. Center of the Roman Empire and later capital of the Kingdom and Republic of Italy, Rome has an incredibly rich history that’s evident in pretty much every corner. 

From the astounding Colosseum to the Forum and Palatine Hill, the ruins of its past keep the stories alive. And if you add mouthwatering Italian cuisine, picturesque streets, and breathtaking architecture to the mix, you’ve got yourself an unparalleled city destination . 

But did you know there’s more to Rome’s ancient settlements…and many of them are underground? Rome in fact hides a mysterious world beneath its streets: the catacombs . 

These centuries-old tunnels are a time capsule, packed with art, relics, and mind-blowing constructions from the first five centuries AD. Home to enthralling tales as well as invaluable antiques, the catacombs are a lesser-known and highly recommended attraction that’s a great addition to your 3-day itinerary in Rome .

In this article, I’ve rounded up the 11 best catacombs of Rome tours so that whichever option you decide to join, you know it will be good value. From unveiling the mysteries beneath the Appian Way to soaking in the ambiance of Capuchin Crypt, the choices are many and varied. Check them out!

👉 Why rely on my guide for Catacombs of Rome tours? As an Italian who’s devoted years to exploring and writing about Italy’s rich history and hidden gems, I’ve curated this list with an eye for the exceptional. My recommendations focus on tours that delve deep into the mysterious world beneath Rome, offering both quality and captivating storytelling.

I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

OUR PICK: The BEST Catacombs of Rome Tour

Unearth the mysteries lurking beneath the city’s streets on this Rome: Crypts & Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel & Transfers . You’ll hop on an air-conditioned coach and breeze through the city to explore three of Rome’s most intriguing attractions. 

Start by visiting the 2-millennia-old catacombs where Christians would practice their faith, safe from their persecutors. You’ll learn about the history and purpose of the passageways which were not only used for praying but also for burials. 

Next up is the 4th-century Basilica di San Martino al Monte, filled with spectacular and ancient frescoes. Your last stop will be the spine-chilling Capuchin Crypt, an eerie series of chapels adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks, and the Capuchin Museum. 

This tour of catacombs in Rome allows you to skip the lines at the three attractions, and gain insights on each location from your knowledgeable guide. 

📝 This tour includes : Transfers, a guide, skip-the-line tickets for all attractions, and an audio guide to the Capuchin Crypt and Museum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Other 3 GREAT Tours of the Catacombs in Rome

▶️ This Guided Rome Catacombs Tour of St. Callixtus and Appian Way is a 3-hour excursion that takes you to the catacombs located beneath the city’s ancient aqueducts. Travel by bus to the site, and then trace the footsteps of the early Romans as you walk along the rustic Appian Way. 

Then, travel back in time as you explore the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, which were carved in the first centuries AD and served as the final resting place for Christians. Discover the burial niches, venture into the Crypt of the Popes, and admire the haunting beauty of sarcophagi as your guide provides the stories that go with the sights. 

📝 This tour includes : Roundtrip transfers from a meeting point, entrance tickets, a guided tour of the catacombs, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Small-Group Express Tour of Roman Catacombs with Transfer   and unearth Rome’s enigma with a professional guide. Hop on a comfortable minivan and head to Appian Way’s fabled Catacombe di Santa Domitilla, a series of subterranean burial chambers and tunnels. 

Descend 16 meters underground to discover the four levels of the crypts, and trace the religious and mythological frescoes to discover the site’s history. Learn about the local martyrs and the shift from Paganism to Christianity, and pay a visit to the 4th-century Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus, also located below the ground. 

📝 This tour of Catacombs in Rome includes : Roundtrip transfers from a meeting point, a guide, entrance fees, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ On this Ancient Catacombs and Underground Rome | Semi-Private and Private Tours , pick your preferred tour mode – shared or private – and embark on an irresistible adventure to uncover the mysteries of subterranean Rome. 

You’ll visit the incredible old tunnels of Basilica di San Clemente, and follow a guide through the underground passageways, listening to stories about the Pagan rituals that took place there before it was turned into Christian catacombs.  

Marvel at the millennia-old paintings, and then head to the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla where the early Christians were buried. It’s one of the most important ancient graveyards in Italy! The small-group tour is limited to six people, guaranteeing personalized attention. 

📝 This tour of the Catacombs in Rome includes : Transportation between the sites, a local guide, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Appian Way & Rome Catacombs Tour by E-Bike

The Appian Way Catacombs and Roman Aqueducts – Cannondale EBike Tour is a fun-filled adventure that combines a scenic e-bike ride along the beautiful Appian Way with a trip to the eerie underground. 

Catch sight of the impressive Aurelian Walls and the grand Circus of Maxentius as you glide toward the tranquil countryside, passing by the ancient aqueducts and the Thermal Baths of Caracalla. Leave your bikes behind to descend into the 2nd-century Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where you’ll learn about the burial rituals that took place in that very spot. 

📝 This tour includes : A Cannondale e-bike and helmet rental, a guide, catacombs visit, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Catacombs in Rome Tour by Golf Cart

Ditch the foot fatigue with this Rome: Catacombs and Appian Way Guided Tour by Golf Cart , and cruise the city in style. Zoom past some iconic sights, including the Trajan’s Column, Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum on a very original tour of the city. 

Then, head to the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road used for military purposes in the 4th century. There you’ll visit the intriguing catacombs located 16 meters below the ground, which brim with history, religion, and a tad of eeriness. 

Geared with a set of headsets, you’ll hear your guide loud and clear as they cover everything you might be eager to know about these mysterious burial sites. 

📝 This tour includes : A tour of Rome by golf cart, a guide, entrance to the catacombs, headsets, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

After-Hours Tour of the Catacombs in Rome

This Tour of Rome Catacombs: Exclusive After Hours & Bone Chapel grants you access to the ancient burial grounds when all the tourists have already gone home, ensuring an intimate and very special experience. 

Start by touring the Capuchin Crypt, better known as the Bone Chapel after the 4,000 remains of Capuchin Monks that decorate the chapels. Take advantage of the audio guide provided to learn about this creepy location, and then follow your guide to the Roman Catacombs. 

Descend into the ground for a tour of the catacombs after they’ve closed to the public, relishing the excitement of being the only group to walk the silent, mysterious passageways. The best part? Your expert guide will tell you all about the birth of Christianity, and the role that these catacombs played in the religion! 

📝 This tour includes : Transportation, a guide, tickets with audio guide for the Capuchin Crypt, and Rome Catacombs visit with after-hours entrance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Private Tour of Rome Catacombs

On this Catacombs of Rome and Ancient Appian Way 3-Hour Tour with Private Driver you will descend into the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano to explore tombs and art. 

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel, and tell you what to expect at the catacombs which you’ll explore on your own with the provided tickets. You’ll then be taken to the Appian Way, the road used by the Romans to transport military supplies during the 4th century AD. 

Learn about the sites from your driver, and take your time exploring them before returning to your accommodation in Rome. 

📝 This Rome Catacombs private tour includes : Private transportation, an English-speaking driver, and entrance tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Family-Friendly Tour to the Catacombs

Dive into a thrilling adventure at Rome’s Catacombs with this Catacombs for Kids – Private Family Tour . You’ll visit the underground cemeteries with a friendly guide who’ll be in charge of conducting the treasure hunt, an activity that will keep you and your children invested in the tour. 

Solve riddles as you explore the Capuchin Crypt and the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla, and win prizes while learning about the catacombs’ history in a way that’s appropriate for children to hear. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, entrance tickets, transfers between the sites, and a treasure hunt. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Rome Catacombs Guided Tours with No Transfers

▶️ Uncover the hidden world below with a Rome: Catacombs of Priscilla Entry Ticket & Guided Tour , getting to visit one of the many underground sites used by the early Christians for funerals and burials. 

What makes the Catacombs of Priscilla stand out, however, is that it wasn’t originally used as a resting place for the departed but as an arenarium, which was then found by the Christians and incorporated into the complex structure of floors and niche tombs that comprised the catacombs. 

You’ll gain access to the site and explore it with a guide, learning about the history of Christianity in Rome, the process of shifting from Pagan rituals to Christian belief, and stories of local martyrs. 

📝 This tour includes : A guided tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla with entrance tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Delve into the depths of history with this Rome: Catacombs of Domitilla Entry Ticket & Guided Tour . Descend 16 meters underground to explore the chillingly ancient burial chambers decorated with a blend of Pagan and Christian frescoes. 

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll learn about the martyrs’ sacred resting grounds, and the importance of the catacombs for Roman Christianity in the first centuries AD. As you navigate the maze of chambers, you’ll discover the site’s restoration processes and hear stories from almost 2,000 years old. 

📝 This tour includes : A tour guide, and entrance tickets to the catacombs. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Rome Catacombs Tours FAQs

Visiting the Catacombs in Rome is possible, though there are no longer bones in them. When touring the sites you’ll get to explore the narrow passageways and discover the burial niches of the early Christians. 

You don’t need a tour to visit the Roman catacombs, but it’s highly recommended to avoid the hassle of transportation from Rome and to fully grasp the meaning and history of these ancient burial sites. 

Catacombs tours in Rome take approximately three hours and include roundtrip transfers from the center of Rome, and a guided visit of the underground tunnels. Some also take you to visit the Bone Chapel or the Appian Way, taking a bit longer. 

Taking photos inside the Roman Catacombs is not allowed. 

In my opinion, the best Rome catacombs tours are these:  • Rome Underground Tour: Crypts & Catacombs with Bone Chapel & Transfers • Catacomb of St. Callixtus and Appian Way: Guided Tour • Appian Way Catacombs and Roman Aqueducts – Cannondale EBike Tour

The Catacombs are beneath the city, most of them on the Appian Way Regional Park, located 4 miles (6.6 km) away from the city center. 

The Vatican Necropolis can only be visited with special permission, so it’s not a popular underground location to visit in the city. Vatican Scravi, however, can be visited with a guided tour. 

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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The 5 Best Catacombs in Rome

Home / Blog / What to do in Rome / The 5 Best Catacombs in Rome

Descending into the Catacombs in Rome is not an experience for the faint-hearted. Dimly lit passageways and mostly open tombs (often with no remains) welcome visitors who dare, rewarding them with a richly important insight into the burial sites of the Eternal City’s past inhabitants; Christian, Jewish, and even Etruscan.

Whilst there are thought to be over 40 catacombs cascading underneath modern-day Rome, only a handful are open to the public today. What’s more, once inside the seemingly neverending winding corridors, one will understand why a guide is necessary for all catacomb tours. 

These underground spectacles can become so confusing that Antonio Bosio, the archaeologist who rediscovered the catacombs, got LOST inside, wandering the cold, dark, and muddy passages for hours… something best not to be repeated!

Passageways of the catacombs on the Old Appian Way

Catacombs of San Callisto

Situated on the Old Appian Way , the Catacombs of San Callisto span five levels and a total 20 kilometers in length. Named after the (soon-to-be pope) St. Callixtus, these are among the most significant Christian catacombs in Rome, and acted as the official cemetery of the Church of Rome in the 3rd century AD.

It is believed that roughly half a million Christians were buried in these catacombs, which were built in roughly 150 AD. Of these, there were some 16 pontiffs and 50 martyrs. Today, the Catacombs of San Callisto are open from Thursday to Tuesday between 9 am-12 am and 2 pm-5 pm.

→ Click to a look at our Private Catacombs and the Appian Way Tour !

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

If you are journeying Via Appia Antica, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano will show themselves as an easily accessible option, much like San Callisto. In fact, this hypogeum cemetery has always proved easy to access, resulting in a lack of respective preservation. 

However, what is left of this smaller four-story catacomb is truly worth the visit. A restored crypt of St. Sebastian includes a table altar and a bust of the saint attributed to Bernini , as well as pagan mausoleums and Christian iconographies covering the walls of the catacomb. 

More graffiti, reading ‘ domus Petri ’ also hints at the possibility that Peter the Apostle was buried within these walls, or more likely gives us the idea that this was of general consensus at the time. 

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano are open to visitors from Monday to Saturday between 9 am-12 am and 2 pm-5 pm.

Pagan mausoleum in the Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Bone Church and the Capuchin Crypt

Whilst not technically one Rome’s catacombs, the Bone Church (also known as the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini ) offers many visitors greater exposure to the buried themselves that they may feel the more well-trodden path of the catacombs in Rome can provide. 

Passing through the church, which is still in operation, one will arrive at the Capuchin Crypt. Here, six rooms contain the skulls and bones of friars who died between 1528 and 1870 – clearly a more recent development than the catacombs of the Old Appian Way.

Taking an Underground Rome Tour with Walks Inside Rome, you can discover the stories behind these 3,700 Capuchin monks that decorated the crypts, and why they were decorated in this way over hundreds of years.

A Capuchin monk’s remains in the Bone Church

Catacombs of Domitilla

Also situated on Via Appia Antica, the Catacombs of Domitilla were discovered in 1593 by Bosio, the archaeologist who slightly lost his way upon discovery. A Christian cemetery, the passageways were mostly used throughout the fifth century AD, and host over 26,000 tombs.

These catacombs differ from their Old Appian Way counterparts in the fact that they still hold human remains. Moreover, the walls are covered in paintings depicting scenes of the mundane, such as bakers and grape vines, to biblical, pagan, and mythical images.

The Catacombs of Domitilla are open to visitors from Wednesday to Monday between 9 am-12 am and 2 pm -5 pm.

Good Shepherd painting in the Catacombs on Domitilla

The Jewish catacombs of Vigna Randanini

The necropolises that stretch from outside ancient Rome’s walls do not all belong to Christianity. Six Jewish catacombs have been unearthed from Rome’s underbelly, although only Vigna Randanini can be visited today.

With a Jewish Catacombs and Old Appian Way Tour , one can see the wider galleries and the ‘Kokhim’ graves with the wonderfully painted cubicula. Well-preserved, yet more intimate than others, the modest nature of these tombs can be attributed both to the poverty endured by the Jewish community of the time and the Jewish tendency to shun ostentatiousness.

Moreover, we can attribute the fact that the Jewish Romans created their own catacombs to their wish to avoid the Greek and Roman custom of cremation.

Wall paintings in the Jewish Catacombs

Visit the Catacombs with Walks Inside Rome

Walks Inside Rome has been guiding visitors through the city’s catacombs for over two decades, providing immersive, authentic, and educational experiences for those who wish to delve deep into underground Rome.

Our local, licensed guides who are experts in art, history, archaeology, and food endeavor to transform your catacombs tour into something unforgettable.

See our website, or contact us via email to see our entire catalog of catacombs tours and more. We can’t wait to hear from you so we can customize your catacombs in Rome experience and explore the Eternal City together!

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Rome catacombs: how to visit + what you need to know

All you need to know about Rome catacombs: what they are, where they are, the best catacombs in Rome to visit and how to book a tour.

The catacombs are one of the most fascinating underground attractions in Rome .

Rome’s catacombs are early Christian cemeteries , dating from the early days of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

They develop as an extensive network of underground tunnels and they are one of the most fascinating ancient Christian sites in the city.

There are several catacombs in Rome, all wonderful for different reasons.

In this guide, I share fun and intersting facts about the Rome catacombs and tips to plan your visit.

Since photography is not allowed inside the catacombs, I added images of the outside and the free info panels at San Callisto, showing drawings of the catacombs.

Safe travel planning!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Table of Contents

What are the catacombs of Rome? Essential catacombs facts at a glance

• Rome catacombs are underground, early Christian cemeteries
• The Catacombs of Rome date from the II century AD and stayed in use until the V century
• They are excavated in tufa, a volcanic rock typical of central Italy
• The catacombs spread over several kilometres. The catacombs of St Callixtus alone are over 20km long!
• The catacombs develop over several floors and get to a depth of over 20mt underground
• The catacombs of Rome hosted the remains of many saints, martyrs and Popes
• The catacombs were abandoned in the Middle Ages
• The were rediscovered during the Renaissance(XVI century) and partially restored and made accessible in the XIX century
• There are many catacomb complexes in Rome, only some of which are open to the public
• Visits to the catacombs are by guided tours only

How to visit Rome’s catacombs

There are five catacombs in Rome currently open to visitors and managed by organisations offering guided tours.

Due to the nature of the site, access to the catacombs is by guided tour only: booking is essential.

Need to know : access to the catacombs is by steep steps that are not suitable to people with mobility impairments. Due to the underground nature of this site, the catacombs are always cold: bring a shawl even in the hight of summer! See more tips about what to wear for your visit at the end of this page.

The Catacombs of St Callixtus – recommended for a first visit

The Catacombs of St Callixtus (Catacombe di San Callisto) are the largest in Rome and the most visited.

The are along Via Appia, in an area with several other significant attractions such as the Quo Vadis Church and ancient Roman Tombs.

They are managed by the Vatican, via the Religious Congregation of the Salesians Don Bosco.

Guided tours are available in several languages; you can book online here .

The tour is excellent and aI found it to be the most informative I have take so far.

This is why I recommend this a a tour of choice for a first catacomb visit. the tour is child friendly (school age and up for accessibility and type of attraction – see below)

The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus date from the II century AD and are one of the most important Christian sites in Rome.

They are there esting place of over half a million Christians and count, among their original residents, St Cecilia and many Popes, resting in a chamber aptly called ‘Little Vatican’.

The most noticeable things in the catacombs of St Callixtus are the tunnels themselves, a stunning statue of St Cecilia, now marking her original burial niche, the ancient frescoes in some of the wealthiest chapels and the impressive Little Vatican, a powerful place for Christians especially.

The visit to the Catacombs of St Callixtus lasts about 45 minutes and includes a talk explaining what the catacombs are and how they came to be and a walk though the tunnels.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The catacombs of ST Sebastian are also located on Via Appia, only a short distance from those of St Callixtus.

These are among the most ancient catacombs in Rome and are wonderful especially for the beautiful frescoes that still decorate the chamber known as  the cubicle of Jonah , dating from the IV century AD.

The catacombs of St Sebastian started as a pagan burial area and became Christian cemeteries in the II century, when they were dedicated to St Peter and St Paul.

They owe their name to St Sebastian, who died martyr in Rome and whose remained where moved here by matron Lucina, who saw the Saint in a dream and felt called to give him proper burial in this location.

You can visit the Catacombs of St Sebastiano with the aid of a guide. You can book your tour here .

Catacombe di Priscilla

The catacombs of Priscilla are located in the north of Rome, close to via Salaria, and are unique as they are where you find the first ever depiction of the Virgin.

The fresco represents Mary with the Christ Child on her lap and dates from the IV century AD.

Access to these catacombs is by guided tour, you can book your ticket here .

These are among the best and most interesting catacombs in Rome.

I recommend a visit especially to visitors with religious interests, Christian art lovers and to families with kids, as they are beside the large Villa Ada park.

Catacombs of Domitilla

Domitilla Catacombs are on Via Ardeatina, in the south of Rome. They have tunnels over 17 kilometers long, they develop over four levels and were the burial grounds of over 150,000 Christians.

They are most famous for being the resting place of St Nereus and Achilleus, who were buried here in the IV century AD and they are also home to a unique site: a partially underground basilica, dating from the Pontificate of Pope Damasus 366-384 A.D.

Access is by private tour only: you can book your ticket contacting the catacombs office directly here .

Catacombe di Santa Agnese

The catacombs of St Agnes are under the stunning Christian complex of St Agnes’ Basilica and Costanza’s mausoleum, in the north of Rome.

The catacombs develop under the church and take their name from St Agnes, who is celebrated here and in the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone in P iazza Navona , where you canals see her relic.

These catacombs are lesser visited than others in Rome; however, they are interesting, especially if you combine your visit to the church of Sant’ Agnese and the unique Christ of Santa Costanza beside it, which is a rare example of round church in Rome.

You can arrange a tour of the catacombs contacting the parish office here

Visiting Rome catacombs with kids

The catacombs are an interesting site for kids; however, due to the nature of the attraction and the the logistics of its accessibility, they may pose challenges to families with small kids.

Based on my experience visiting the Rome catacombs with kids, I believe it is important to know the following things.

The catacombs are not stroller friendly : access is by steep steps and due to the humidity in the tunnels, they can be slippery.

If you plan to visit the catacombs with a baby , a baby carrier and proper shoes are essential.

Also, always hols handrails when climbing down as it is very easy to slip!

I do not recommend visiting the catacombs with a toddler : while it is technically possible, it is of paramount importance that they do not trot ahead or ever leave your side.

Getting lost here is very easy and there are over 20km of tunnels: while safety precautions are in place, it is not a chance you want to take!

They also have no interest for small kids since there is nothing they can touch or engage with except the echo – which is fun for them to experiment with but not ideal for you or anyone else present..

Kids of primary school age and up are likely to love the catacombs: the underground tunnels and the history of the place is likely to pique their attention and curiosity.

However, I recommend you take into account that these are cemeteries and that you will hear stories of gruesome deaths and see the graves of babies and children.

This may or may not be an issue for your children, however, I believe it is essential to be prepared.

A grave of a young child, even if very ancient, is the one thing my daughter remember the most about the whole experience. Preparation is key.

I believe the catacombs are a fantastic site to visit in Rome with teenagers .

Those I recommend with them are those at St Callisto , which you can combine with a bike trip along Via Appia.

More interesting facts about the Catacombs of Rome

The catacombs of Rome are early Christian underground cemeteries.

According to the Vatican, Christian catacombs started under Pope Zephirinus (199-217).

To answer the growing need for a safe burial ground for Christians, he assigned to soon-to-be-Pope Callixtus the task of managing the burial grounds on Via Appia and turn it into a Christian cemetery, able to host the remains of Popes and fellow Christians alike.

The cemetery grew over time and became a vast underground city for the dead.

The same concept replicated in several areas of Rome so now we can visit several catacombs, in different parts of the city.

What are Rome catacombs made of?

The catacombs are excavated in a type of stone that is typical of central Italy and called tufa.

This material is very malleable when underground but become very strong and resistant once exposed to air.

This characteristic means that diggers ( fossores , in Latin) were able to efficiently excavate long tunnels and burial slots that were then solid and able to stand the test of time once completed.

The excavation would have started with one layer of underground niches, like a modern cemetery; as the need for space grew, diggers would go deeper, adding more and more corridors.

The biggest catacombs in Rome are over 4 storey deep, each storey hosting several rows of burial slots on each side of its walls and numerous chambers.

What do the catacombs look like?

Pleas note: Photography is not allowed inside the catacombs.

The catacombs are a network of long underhand tunnels.

You enter them by rather steep staircases leading you several stories underground and they spread like tall, meandering corridors.

Along their walls, there are slots excavated to accommodate a lying body. Each wall has several niches, one on top of the other, to allow the use of all the space possible.

Each slot would have been covered with a burial stone and had space for a small oil burning lamp, for light and hygene.

As you walk along the corridors, you also encounter chapels and bigger chambers.

These were mausoleums belonging to the wealthiest families or, in the case of the catacombs of St Callixtus, the burial chapel for Popes.

Overall, you experience the catacombs like an underground city, with streets (corridors), crossroads (the network is vast) and a mix of more modest homes and beautifully decorated ones.

What does ‘catacombs’ mean?

The word catacombs comes from the elating ad catacumbas , which in turn seems to come from the Greek expression kata koumbas = at/among the grottos.

How dark are the catacombs? Can I visit if I suffer from claustrophobia?

Since they are underground, there is not natural light in the catacombs.

The areas accessible to the public are now lit up by electric lighting but, back in the day, the small burial lamps and torches would have been the only light sources.

Currently, the catacombs are not ideal if you suffer from claustrophobia but they are well lit and ventilated, so the overall feeling is not too oppressive.

What to wear to visit Rome catacombs

There are two main items you need to visit the catacombs in Rome:

A shawl or a cardigan and good walking shoes.

The shawl/cardigan is essential in all seasons: the catacombs are cold and stay at a temperature of about 16C/61F degrees.

This is regardless of the temperature outside: the last time we visited, we have 35C/95F degrees out and 16C/61F in – make sure you have an extra layer you can easily out on/ take off!

In terms of shoes, I recommend you opt for comfortable shoes with rubber sole: this is to help you with the long walking required and also to give you extra grip on the steps. Avoid flip flops at all costs.

You can find here >>> my tips on the best shoes for Rome .

I hope you found this quick guide to the Rome catacombs useful and it helped you plan your visit. Safe travels to Rome!

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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Dating back as far as the first century, the Rome Catacombs are sometimes thought of as a place where Christians were forced to take refuge and hide their burials from the Roman Empire, but the truth is a little more peaceful. That’s not to say that Christian life in Rome was always easy—just ask Saint Sebastain or one of the many other martyrs buried among these catacombs, along with popes from centuries past. Stretching out over more than 12 miles underground and home to hundreds of thousands of bodies, catacomb sites such as St. Callixtus, Priscilla, and Domitilla provide a remarkable peek into Italian history and early Christian art. Our tours make getting to the catacombs and the Appian Way a breeze, and our knowledgeable guides help bring these tombs of the dead to life!

Looking to see a darker side of Rome? It doesn’t get much darker than the ancient Roman Catacombs, and our expertly guided tours make visiting these incredible underground crypts so much easier! Escape the daytime heat or see the tombs at their creepiest on a night tour, take in stunning bone displays of the Capuchin Crypts, and make the most of your time by combining your catacombs with a tour of the Colosseum or Vatican City. Just pick the experience that’s right for you, and let our guides do the rest! Dating back as far as the first century, the Rome Catacombs are sometimes thought of as a place where Christians were forced to take refuge and hide their burials from the Roman Empire, but the truth is a little more peaceful. That’s not to say that Christian life in Rome was always easy—just ask Saint Sebastain or one of the many other martyrs buried among these catacombs, along with popes from centuries past. Stretching out over more than 12 miles underground and home to hundreds of thousands of bodies, catacomb sites such as St. Callixtus, Priscilla, and Domitilla provide a remarkable peek into Italian history and early Christian art. Our tours make getting to the catacombs and the Appian Way a breeze, and our knowledgeable guides help bring these tombs of the dead to life!

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• Nov 9, 2023
• 15 min read

A Guide to Rome Catacombs: Everything you Need to Know

Updated: Nov 14, 2023

Introduction:

Rome's catacombs represent a historical intertwining of faith, death, and the art of burial, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the spiritual life of the early Christians. As you consider delving into this subterranean world, here's a comprehensive guide to prepare for your journey.

Origins of the Term 'Cemetery'

The term "cemetery" holds its etymology in the Ancient Greek word meaning "place of rest," reflecting a serene finality. The catacombs of Rome, an intricate labyrinth of narrow passageways beneath the city’s edge, encapsulated this sentiment. Here, the first Christians in Rome found their final resting place, an intricate underground network that bore witness to their hope for resurrection and salvation.

The Catacombs: Rome's Underground Enigma

A journey into the catacombs is like a descent into the pages of history. These catacombs were not only the resting place of martyrs and saints but also of everyday individuals like farmers—all part of the nascent Christian community. The vastness of these subterranean tunnels, housing hundreds of thousands of the deceased, is a humbling reminder of the past. Located adjacent to the venerable Appian Way, these catacombs present an entangled maze so complex, that without a knowledgeable guide, one could become a permanent addition to its ancient enigma.

Subterranean Symbolism: The Catacombs' Spiritual Significance

Visitors are often captivated by the catacombs' spiritual resonance, an echo of the enduring faith of those who once walked the streets of ancient Rome. These catacombs are an emblem of the trials and tribulations faced by early Christians and their unwavering hope for a life beyond death.

A Modern Pilgrimage: Touring the Appian Way and Catacombs

Embarking on a tour along the Appian Way is a journey through time. The road itself is lined with relics and whispers of the past, from imposing tombstones to the picturesque Roman countryside. Yet, the catacombs remain the centerpiece of this historical pilgrimage. Venturing deep beneath the earth, visitors traverse corridors carved with the simplest of tools, an enduring testament to the sheer will and devotion of Rome's early Christians. These tours do more than illuminate history; they provide a profound connection to the nascent moments of Christianity—a Rome seldom seen and rarely experienced.

Ensuring a Memorable and Enlightening Experience

A visit to Rome's catacombs is more than a simple tourist excursion; it's an emotive expedition offering insight into the world of those who lived two millennia ago. By choosing to explore these ancient passageways with a guide, one not only ensures safety but also gains access to the rich tapestry of stories and historical context that might otherwise remain buried in the sands of time.

Remember, the catacombs are not merely an attraction; they are hallowed ground, a place of deep historical and religious significance. As such, visitors are encouraged to approach with respect and a readiness to discover the profound legacy of Rome's early Christian ancestors.

Table of Contents:

What are the catacombs, history of the catacombs in rome, facts about rome's catacombs, visiting rome's catacombs, tickets for the catacombs, what to see at the catacombs, insider tips.

In Conclusion

Crypts & Catacombs Tour

Rome Catacombs Tour

Understanding the Catacombs: Rome's Underground Sanctuaries

The catacombs of Rome stand as enigmatic portals to the ancient past, beckoning the curious to uncover the sacred practices of early Christian burials. Here, we delve into the essence of these cryptic tunnels and the traditions that led to their creation.

The Birth of the Catacombs

The Appian Way, one of Rome's oldest and most significant roads, serves as more than a historical thoroughfare; it is a bridge to the city's ancestral rituals. The catacombs here were not a mere matter of choice but a necessity, as early as the 5th century BC, due to Roman law prohibiting burials within the city's sacred boundaries. This led to the establishment of necropolises at the city's margins, with the Appian Way, the crucial artery to the south, becoming a preferred burial ground.

A Refuge for the Deceased

For Romans, the commemoration of the dead was an affair marked by roadside monuments and elaborate tombs. In contrast, early Christians opted for a more discreet, communal form of burial, carving out extensive networks of tunnels into the soft volcanic tufa rock beneath Rome. These catacombs became the final resting place for a multitude of believers, from the most venerated saints and martyrs to the multitude of unsung Christians.

The Appian Way's Holy Underground

The catacombs along the Appian Way are significant not only for their spiritual importance but also for their historical and architectural merit:

The Catacombs of St. Domitilla (Santa Domitilla):

As the oldest and most sprawling catacomb complex, it showcases the longevity and extent of early Christian burials, offering visitors a rare glimpse into antiquity with some areas still adorned with skeletal remains.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus (San Callisto):

This is the most extensive and frequently visited network, renowned for its early Christian art, a testament to the faith and artistic expression of the era's devout.

The Catacombs of St. Sebastian (San Sebastiano):

A site of significant pilgrimage, reputed to have once cradled the remains of Apostles Peter and Paul, and home to a treasure trove of ancient Roman and Christian tombs, epitomizing the confluence of cultures.

A Tour Through Time

Embarking on a catacomb tour is to step into the past, tracing the hallowed steps of history. Each catacomb offers a unique narrative, a distinct glimpse into the socio-religious fabric of early Christianity. As you traverse the labyrinthine corridors, you encounter not only the sacred silence of the crypts but also the evocative artwork and inscriptions that speak volumes of a bygone era's beliefs and ways of life.

In conclusion, Rome's catacombs are not simply ancient tunnels but sanctuaries of history. They serve as a testament to the resilience of faith and the human spirit in the face of adversity and temporal law. Through these tours, visitors can connect with the distant past, engaging with stories etched into the very stones beneath Rome's bustling life.

Tracing the Epochs: The Evolution of Rome's Catacombs

The catacombs of Rome offer a silent narrative of the city's transformation from the zenith of imperial grandeur to the symbolic heart of Christianity. This section unveils the catacombs' historical journey and their significance in the broader tapestry of Rome's history.

The Contrast of Ancient Burial Customs

As one strolls the Appian Way, the stark disparity between ancient Roman and early Christian burial practices is evident. Grand monuments like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella stand as a testament to the wealth and power of Rome's elite. These opulent edifices, erected for the nobility, contrast sharply with the modest beginnings of Christian burial sites. Unable to afford such lavish memorials, the early Christians sought refuge in the subterranean depths, carving out their sanctuaries beneath the land.

The Christian Underground: A Realm of Equality

The catacombs became the great equalizer in death. Here, the bodies of hundreds of thousands of Christians, from revered saints and martyrs to common folk, were interred on multi-tiered shelves, a humble yet poignant reminder of the community's unity in faith and fate.

Middle Ages to Modern Rediscovery

With the catacombs falling into disuse by the Middle Ages, they slipped from the collective consciousness of Rome, their entrances overgrown and their memory fading into legend. It was not until the resurgence of interest during the 18th century, particularly among the intrepid travelers of the Grand Tour, that the catacombs were thrust back into the limelight. Intrepid explorers, drawn by the allure of the past and the thrill of discovery, ventured into the catacombs’ enigmatic embrace, guided by the flicker of candlelight.

The Catacombs Today: A Journey into the Past

Today, although stripped of bones and the physical remnants of those who once lay within, the catacombs remain a poignant pilgrimage site. They invite the modern visitor to step away from the sunlit splendor of Rome into the dimly lit passages that once cradled the city's earliest Christian ancestors. These tours are not only an exploration of the physical tunnels but also a journey through the annals of early Christian history, offering an alternative perspective on Rome's cultural and religious evolution.

The catacombs, now absent of their original occupants, continue to captivate those who seek a deeper understanding of Rome's complex past. Each silent corridor and empty tomb offers a story, an indelible connection to the lives and beliefs of the early Christians. For today's seekers of history or the simply curious, Rome's catacombs stand as an enduring testament to a faith that once, and still, shapes the world above.

Deciphering the Catacombs: Revelations from Rome’s Underground Labyrinths

The catacombs of Rome hold countless stories in their silent chambers, their origins and rediscovery as shrouded in mystery as the tunnels themselves. This section aims to illuminate some intriguing facts about these subterranean wonders.

Etymology and Origin of 'Catacomb'

The term "catacomb" itself whispers of antiquity, rooted in the Greek words 'kata' and 'kymbas', suggesting proximity to caves. Adopted into Latin as 'cata tumbas', it aptly described the resting places nestled among the graves along the Appian Way. These ancient names evoke the catacombs' essence as communal resting places by the caves.

A Serendipitous Rediscovery

Antonio Bosio, the intrepid explorer of the 16th century, stumbled upon the catacombs almost as if by fate, his quest nearly leading him to a permanent residence among the ancient dead of St. Domitilla. His subsequent work, "Roma Sotterranea," became a foundational text for the archaeological community, offering insights and guidance into the catacombs' depths that continue to benefit researchers and historians today.

St. Domitilla and Her Legacy

The Catacombs of St. Domitilla carry the legacy of a devout Christian woman from the influential Flavian family, cast into exile and ultimately finding eternal rest in a familial mausoleum that would later bear her name. The catacombs emerged as a poignant homage, a place where faith and social status intersected in death.

Resting Places of Saints and Martyrs

Throughout the warren of catacombs, saints were interred, their remains sometimes relocated to other sacred sites as their veneration grew. The notable shifts of St. Cecilia to a cathedral in Trastevere and the absence of St. Sebastian, St. Peter, and St. Paul from the catacombs bearing St. Sebastian’s name reflect the evolving landscape of religious relics. However, the catacombs still cradle the remains of lesser-known martyrs and saints, serving as hallowed pilgrimage destinations.

The Unseen Labyrinth

Today's catacomb tours offer but a glimpse into the sprawling network that ancient Rome's Christians created. What visitors traverse is a mere fragment of the entire subterranean matrix, with vast sections remaining shrouded in darkness, their secrets locked away in history. Archeologists continue to theorize about the full scale of these underground sanctuaries, suggesting an expansive complex that might never be fully uncovered or understood.

The catacombs of Rome, in all their elusive grandeur, stand as a testament to early Christian life and death, a reminder of a community that thrived on the edges of ancient society. They beckon the living to remember, to explore, and to wonder at the profound legacy left in the depths beneath the Eternal City.

Unveiling the Journey to Rome's Ancient Underground: A Visitor's Guide

Embarking on a voyage to the past, the catacombs of Rome await beneath the storied cobblestones of the Appian Way. This guide is meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless pilgrimage to these venerable relics of early Christianity.

Embarking from the Heart of Rome

While the catacombs are nestled away from the bustling city center, modern Rome has embraced these ancient sanctuaries within its urban sprawl, making them accessible for the intrepid traveler. Here's how to navigate your way:

Via Public Transport: The 118 Bus Odyssey

The 118 bus, a chariot of the modern age, wends its way from the grandeur of the Colosseum, past the Circus Maximus, and onward along the Via Appia Antica. Alighting at the catacombs is made easy with stops directly in front of these subterranean marvels. To circumvent the whims of Roman bus schedules, arm yourself with real-time updates from a transport app such as Muoversi a Roma, transforming potential waits into mere moments.

The Cyclist’s Path

For those wishing to blend the joy of exploration with the rhythm of the pedals, cycling to the catacombs offers a delightful prelude to the underground tour. Rental havens near the Appian Way’s origin provide the steeds for your adventure, which can extend beyond the catacombs, especially on Sundays when the ancient road transforms into a haven free from the modern chariot's hustle.

A March through History

Only the most ardent of walkers are advised to undertake the trek to the catacombs on foot. Those setting out from points like Circus Maximus or the Baths of Caracalla will find the journey manageable, with St. Callixtus welcoming visitors a mere 20 minutes from Porta San Sebastiano. Caution is urged where the pathway wanes, as travelers must share the road with vehicles.

A Word to the Wise: Secure a Ride Home

Regardless of how you arrive, it is prudent to keep a local taxi service’s contact details at hand. Roman buses are fickle, and after delving into the catacombs' depths, even the most resilient of explorers may prefer a restful chariot ride back to the city's heart.

Effortless Explorations: The Rome Catacombs Tour

For those seeking to immerse themselves fully without the encumbrance of logistics, our Rome Catacombs Tour offers an all-encompassing experience with transport included, ensuring your focus remains on the awe-inspiring history that lies beneath.

This guide serves as your compass to navigate the terrain above before you uncover the stories of antiquity below, making your visit to Rome's catacombs a chapter in your journey as timeless as the Eternal City itself.

Securing Your Passage to the Past: Catacombs of Rome Ticket Guide

Unlocking the secrets of ancient Rome requires more than just a map and a sense of adventure. Here's your key to ensuring that your journey into the depths of the city's history is guaranteed.

St. Domitilla's Subterranean Labyrinths

Availability: Open daily, save for Tuesdays.

Admission: A portal fee of €8 opens the gates to this realm of history, with tickets procurable via an online system reminiscent of bygone days or at the on-site ticket office.

Visitation Hours: The hours of passage are from 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, providing ample time to explore the depths.

The Vast Expanse of St. Callixtus

Availability: Welcoming visitors every day.

Admission: For €8, travelers can secure their entry online or at the ticket office, ensuring access to some of the most poignant Christian art and sanctified relics.

Visitation Hours: Open from 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, St. Callixtus offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of ancient Christian Rome.

The Sacred Ground of St. Sebastian

Availability: Open daily, except for Sundays, and closed throughout December.

Admission: Tickets are priced at €8, available exclusively at the ticket office. Advanced booking is reserved for group pilgrimages, accessible via phone or email.

Visitation Hours: From 10:00-17:00, tread the paths once walked by saints and martyrs.

Maximizing the Experience: A Guided Exploration

For those desiring a comprehensive understanding of these sacred spaces, our catacombs tour in Rome includes a thorough exploration of St. Domitilla. By joining our expert-guided tour, you can delve deeper into the catacombs' history, symbolism, and the enduring legacy of the Christians who once sought refuge and eternal rest within these walls.

When planning your descent into history, this guide will ensure your exploration is not left to chance. Prepare to step beyond the veil of time with your tickets secured and witness the catacombs of Rome as few have seen them before.

Unearthing Ancient Wonders: Highlights of Rome's Catacombs

Embark on a time-traveling expedition to the catacombs of Rome, where the whispers of the early Christians resonate through the art and symbols etched in these subterranean sanctuaries.

Marvels of St. Domitilla

Rediscovered Beauty: The catacombs here are a canvas of restored frescoes, with the spotlight on a magnificent ceiling fresco portraying Christ. The crypt known as "the room of the bakers" boasts vibrant decorations that narrate tales of ancient livelihoods and devotion. Awaiting public unveiling, these areas, along with an anticipated new museum, will soon enrich the visitor experience.

Symbols in Stone: St. Domitilla showcases an array of Christian symbols. The olive branch-carrying dove and the salvation-representing anchor are among Rome's earliest Christian art, offering insight into the symbols' profound meanings.

Pagan Artifacts: Beyond the Christian imagery, the catacombs preserve pagan splendors, such as the 3rd-century AD painted cubiculum depicting the myth of Cupid and Psyche, symbolizing the soul's journey and the power of love.

Secrets of St. Callixtus

Labyrinthine Legacy: With miles of tunnels reaching heights of 70 feet, St. Callixtus presents an underground marvel. It houses "the little Vatican," an enclave where nine popes found their resting place, their presence marked by original Greek inscriptions.

Artistic Echoes: The catacombs bear Christian frescoes adorned with timeless symbols—the fish, dove, and phoenix. Family tombs converted into sanctified chambers host some of the most significant frescoes, revealing stories of faith and life eternal.

Saint Cecilia's Crypt: While St. Cecilia's remains have been moved, visitors can still pay homage to her original burial site, a crypt steeped in reverence and history.

The Wonders of St. Sebastian

Tombs of Antiquity: St. Sebastian's catacombs offer a unique perspective with well-preserved Ancient Roman tombs, initially part of an above-ground pagan necropolis. The stucco decorations within the burial chamber are testimonies to the artistry of a bygone era.

Saintly Sculpture: Although St. Sebastian's remains are elsewhere, a Bernini-attributed bust provides a poignant reminder of the martyr's eternal legacy.

Artistic Imprints: With artifacts like Jonah's cubicle paintings and the rich frescoes adorning the mausolea, the catacombs of St. Sebastian are a gallery of ancient narratives waiting to be discovered.

In the catacombs of Rome, the stones speak, the art tells tales, and the echoes of the past invite you to look closer. Your visit promises more than just a tour; it's a pilgrimage through time, art, and faith, etched in the silent corridors beneath the Eternal City.

Navigating the Depths: Essential Advice for Rome's Catacombs

Delving into the catacombs of Rome is a journey unlike any other, a literal step down into history. To ensure a seamless and respectful experience, here are some insider tips to keep in mind:

Confronting Claustrophobia:

The catacombs are a network of narrow, hand-hewn tunnels. They're intimate and enclosed, so if tight spaces make you uneasy, prepare mentally or consider this when deciding to visit.

Sacred Dress Code:

Remember, the catacombs are hallowed ground. Dressing modestly is not just a sign of respect; it's a requirement. Shoulders should be covered, and skirts or shorts should be of a modest length.

Guided Tour Variance:

While each catacomb provides its own guides—often monks or priests—the experience may vary. Some may offer spiritual insights along with historical facts. For a more balanced exploration, consider a group tour like our San Domitilla tour for a comprehensive historical narrative.

Explore Above Ground:

The catacombs are only one layer of Rome's rich religious history. Near St. Sebastian's catacombs, visit the church of San Sebastiano fuori le mure. Marvel at the artifacts, including the saint's statue and the legendary arrow.

Trace the Steps of St. Peter:

Don't miss the church of Domine Quo Vadis, steeped in the lore of St. Peter's vision of Christ. It houses what many believe to be the marble-encased footprints of Jesus.

Dining Options:

The catacombs are somewhat isolated, with limited dining nearby. Plan ahead with a picnic in the park or indulge in a meal at local establishments like the Appian Way Café for a casual bite, or L’Archeologia for a more upscale dining experience.

Visiting Rome's catacombs is more than a simple tour; it's a pilgrimage into the past. With these tips in hand, your expedition through these ancient underground corridors will be enriched with respect, understanding, and the right dose of adventure.

In Conclusion: Embracing the Echoes of Antiquity

As our journey through the hushed and hollowed grounds of Rome's catacombs comes to an end, we are left with more than just echoes of the past; we carry with us the weight and whispers of history. These catacombs, a somber lattice beneath the bustling life of modern Rome, serve as a solemn reminder of the city's layered and spiritual heritage.

Walking the same paths that early Christians did, under the soft illumination that dances across ancient frescoes and inscriptions, is to walk through a portal in time. In these cool, subterranean galleries, we find ourselves in intimate communion with those who came before us, their stories etched in stone and preserved in silence.

The catacombs remind us of Rome's enduring legacy, one that has witnessed the full spectrum of humanity, from the mundane to the divine. They challenge us to reflect on our own existence, our beliefs, and the mark we wish to leave for future generations to ponder.

In this sanctified darkness, with the company of martyrs, saints, and countless souls, our hearts beat in unison with the timeless rhythm of history. Here, in the catacombs, Rome's eternal heart pulses, inviting us to listen, to learn, and to remember.

Whether you came seeking knowledge, solace, or the thrill of exploration, may you leave with a sense of connection to the eternal city and the countless lives that have shaped its narrative. The catacombs of Rome, with their silent majesty and enduring presence, are not just a destination but a journey—one that resonates deeply within the chambers of the soul.

Let us carry the memory of our journey into the catacombs as a treasured keepsake, a humbling encounter with the past that enriches our understanding of the human spirit. As the light of day welcomes us back from the depths, may we hold in our hearts the serene beauty and profound tranquility of the catacombs, an indelible part of Rome's immortal story.

Sacred Journeys Beneath Rome: Exclusive Catacomb Tours with Roma Experience

Embark on a profound journey through the sacred underworld of Rome with Roma Experience's bespoke catacomb tours. Whether you choose the intimate encounter of standing alone in St. Agnes' Catacomb with our "Crypts & Catacombs Tour," or the rare opportunity to uncover hidden histories with "Catacomb Tour with Exclusive Underground Access," each tour promises a unique and deeply moving exploration of the eternal city's most ancient sanctuaries. These meticulously curated experiences offer an unparalleled glimpse into the spiritual bedrock upon which Rome is built, inviting you to traverse time and tradition in the silent footsteps of the past.

Step back in time with Roma Experience's "Crypts & Catacombs Tour," where the whispers of early Christian Rome echo through the solemn corridors of antiquity. This immersive tour takes you into the heart of devotion and memory, as you stand alone in the hallowed St. Agnes' Catacomb. Traverse a sacred past across three venerable burial grounds and connect with the spiritual odyssey that shaped a world beneath the bustling streets of Rome. Prepare to be enveloped by the serene embrace of history on a journey that transcends the ages.

Rome Catacomb Tour Exclusive Underground Access

Unlock the veiled mysteries of Rome with Roma Experience's exclusive "Catacomb Tour with Underground Access." Our privileged passage opens doors to a catacomb hidden from the world for generations, inviting you on a rare expedition beneath Rome's storied landscape. With intimate insight, this exclusive tour invites you to delve into the depths of time, where each layer unravels tales of ancient lives and eternal beliefs. Stand where few have stood before and witness history unveiled in the silence of the underground.

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Best catacombs to visit in Rome

Sure, we all know that visiting Rome means you’ll likely hit the must-see attractions like the Colosseum , Pantheon , and Trevi Fountain . But if you’re looking for a truly unusual experience in Rome, why not check out the Roman catacombs?

Dating back to the first century, these man-made subterranean passageways were used as underground tombs in Ancient Rome. Unlike the Roman pagans who cremated their dead, the Jewish and Christian populations believed in religious burials. However, under the rule of the Roman Empire, bodies were not allowed to be buried within the city walls due to hygiene concerns.

Hence, Jewish and Christian catacombs were constructed to allow the dead to be secretly buried underground. Fearing persecution, many Christians also began praying belowground, and the catacombs became sacred sites of worship. When Christianity eventually became legalized, catacombs gradually fell out of popularity and were only rediscovered in the 1600s.

Today, there are about 40 Christian and six Jewish catacombs scattered around Rome, although not all of them are open to the public. Most of them require entry tickets, and wheelchair access is fairly limited. Women are advised to cover their shoulders, and pictures are also forbidden out of respect, so leave these sacred sites only in your memories.

Whether you’re a history buff or a traveler with a taste for the macabre, get ready to explore the secrets contained within the best catacombs in Rome .

1. Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

Located along the historic Appian Way , the catacombs of Saint Callixtus are the largest and most well-known of the Roman catacombs. These catacombs were featured in Ben-Hur , and were named after Pope Callixtus I, who served as a deacon and administrator of the catacombs.

Once the official underground cemetery of the Church of Rome, the catacombs of Saint Callixtus were the final resting place of close to half a million Christians. These catacombs stretch over more than 12 miles and five levels and are divided into multiple sections, including the Crypt of the Popes, the Crypt of Saint Cecilia, and the Crypt of the Sacraments.

If you get squeamish easily, there’s no need to worry about encountering any human remains here—all bodies within the tour route have since been respectfully relocated.

It’s easy to get lost and confused in this maze-like complex, so we recommend joining a guided tour to learn more about the famous popes and martyrs laid here to rest. As the catacombs are a distance away from the city center, you can also consider joining this tour that includes transportation from Piazza Venezia .

2. Catacombs of Saint Domitilla

The catacombs of Saint Domitilla still hold human remains, but that’s not what they’re known for. Instead, most people flock to the catacombs of Domitilla to admire the intricate frescoes depicting biblical figures and Ancient Roman history. These thousand-year-old frescoes are still undergoing restoration, but you can spot iconic images like Jesus with the apostles.

This is also where you’ll find the fourth-century Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus. The catacombs of Saint Domitilla’s underground basilica are 1 out of only 2 Roman churches dedicated to the two saints, who were martyred for refusing to carry out military orders to kill Christians.

Don’t be intimidated by the size of these catacombs—large portions haven’t been completely excavated, so you won’t need to dedicate too much time here. In fact, this small-group express tour promises to take you to the catacombs and back to downtown Rome in less than two hours. Or if you’d like to check out other historic sights nearby like the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti , this multi-stop walking tour will take you along the treasures of the Appian Way.

While photographs aren’t allowed, the catacombs of Saint Domitilla have a gift shop, so you can pick up souvenirs to commemorate the experience.

3. Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The catacombs of San Sebastiano have had numerous identities, including a former pozzolan mine, a pagan cemetery, and finally, a catacomb used by Christians. The underground graveyard was said to have contained the remains of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and also housed the remains of Saint Sebastian, which are now kept in the basilica above the catacombs.

Unfortunately, these small and accessible catacombs are one of the least preserved. Out of the compound’s original four floors, one has been almost completely destroyed. However, you can still find some stunning relics like the paintings of Jonah’s cubicle and Bernini’s bust of Saint Sebastian. As you embark on your tour of the catacombs , look out for ancient graffiti by devotees scrawled along the plastered walls.

4. Catacombs of Priscilla

Also known as the Queen of the Catacombs, the catacombs of Priscilla are one of the oldest underground graveyards in Rome , used for Christian burials. Pope Marcellinus and Pope Marcellus I were buried here, and the remains of Saint Philomena have also been found within these catacombs.

Explore the tunnels after dark with this evening tour , where you’ll get to appreciate some of the oldest known biblical paintings without the crowds. Most notably, the catacombs of Priscilla contain what’s believed to be the first rendering of Mary, created in the third century. You can also find elaborate frescoes covering the Greek Chapel, which depict scenes from the Old and New Testament.

5. Vatican Necropolis

While the Vatican Necropolis lies outside Rome , it’s still worth a visit, especially if you’re already in Vatican City . Located below St. Peter’s Basilica , the necropolis was once an open air cemetery for early Christians, including Saint Peter himself.

Eventually, Emperor Constantine built a basilica over Saint Peter’s grave, and the necropolis remained undiscovered until the 20th century. During the pontificate of Pope Pius XII, excavation work began in an attempt to locate the grave of Saint Peter. Various mausoleums were gradually discovered, and eventually “Field P” where the Apostle had been buried.

To protect and conserve the sanctity of the necropolis, only a limited number of visitors are allowed at a time, especially as archaeological excavations are still ongoing. You’ll need to join the official Scavi Tour to visit the ancient cemetery and pay your respects to Saint Peter. Bonus: The tour will also allow you to skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica.

6. Crypt of Capuchins

Perhaps one of the most famously macabre sights in Rome , the Capuchin Crypt technically isn’t a catacomb, but an ossuary. Still, most catacomb tours like this small-group tour include a trip to the legendary “Bone Chapel.”

Venture underground beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini to explore these six chapels adorned with the skeletal remains of 3,700 Capuchin friars, who were buried here from the 1500s to the 1800s. Various crypts are dedicated to selected body parts like skulls, pelvises, and leg bones.

While the crypt is probably unsuitable for young children or the faint of heart, if you’re able to get over your squeamishness, we highly recommend paying this iconic site a visit. After all, it exists not for morbid reasons, but as a poetic reminder of the constant cycle of life and death: “What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be…”

If you need a pick-me-up after your tour, we suggest heading to the nearby Trecaffè Due Macelli for a cappuccino—the espresso-based drink was named after the hooded robes worn by the Capuchin monks.

Recommended tours and activities

Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

Visit an impressive Roman catacomb in a small group so you can hear and interact with your guide easily.

Explore an eerie bone crypt, a unique burial site covered in the skulls and bones.

Follow in the footsteps of Ancient Romans as far back as 300 B.C. with a drive along the ancient Appian Way.

Travel to and from sites via private air-conditioned transport—no need to worry about the logistics.

Tour description

See a darker—yet equally fascinating—side of rome on a catacombs tour..

Rome's ancient streets are lined with thousands of years of history, both above and below ground level. On this expert-led Rome catacombs tour, you'll venture beneath the surface to explore the city's mysterious yet enchanting underworld.

Witness Rome's strangest sight: a crypt decorated with skulls and bones.

Begin your Roman catacombs tour at one of the eeriest places in the city—a cemetery literally built from bones! Underneath a church in the center of Rome, you'll find a crypt decorated with the remains of some thousands skeletons dating as far back as the 16th century. For kids, it’s a fascinating lesson in anatomy, and for adults, a moving reminder of what we’ll all become. As you'll learn from your guide, this unique site wasn't intended to be a morbid one. After they give you the lay of the land, you'll have time to explore this fascinating burial ground at your own pace.

Board a comfortable private minibus and make your way to Rome's fascinating catacombs.

Next, it's on to the Roman catacombs via private bus transport. Following in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, you'll then drive along the famous Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)—a road dating back all the way to circa 300 B.C. There are miles of ancient Christian catacombs under Rome, and we'll take you on an underground journey to discover the birthplace and deathplace of these early believers. For a more unique and comprehensive experience, we keep our groups small to ensure you can hear your expert Catacombs guide at all times.

Your Rome catacombs tour will transport you beneath the surface of the city—and thousands of years back in time.

With comfortable, air-conditioned transport throughout, you won’t have to worry about coordinating metros, buses, or other means of transportation from one site to the next. Our guides are handpicked not just for their knowledge, but also their enthusiasm and engagement, so they’ll be happy to answer any questions you can throw at them. Join us as we peel back the many layers of Rome, uncovering secret stories of Christian persecution, unconventional religious practices, and the multi-layered history of the city on this unforgettable Roman catacombs tour.

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Verified guest reviews, apr 08, 2024.

Request Federico

Mar 20, 2024

The afternoon Crypts and Catacombs Tour organized by Walks have been amazing! It's definitely a great opportunity to visit a very charming and interesting part of Rome! Our tour leader Paris has been such a great added value, enriching the tour so much! She is very well prepared and told us so many different details of the roman history! Definitely recomended!!!

Feb 10, 2024

I thought Silvia was an excellent tour guide! While I did enjoy the Capuchin Crypt, I do wish we had done another catacomb instead. But overall great time!

Nov 12, 2023

It was a fantastic tour! We had a great time and the capuchin and catacombs were extremely interesting. I didn’t expect a van so that was welcome as well. Our guide, Hillary, was fantastic

Oct 19, 2023

Chiara was really great! Very knowledgeable and very willing to talk and answer questions. We would highly recommend her as your tour guide

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day.

In addition to giving you a peek beneath the surface of Rome on our Crypts, Bones & Catacombs Tour, this itinerary will ensure you check some of the city’s top historical sites off your list. You’ll even have time to get hands-on with Italian cuisine in an expert-led cooking class.

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Pompeii tour from rome with amalfi coast drive, alone in rome's catacombs: exclusive after-hours tour with bone crypt, pristine sistine at closing time: late entry vatican tour.

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6 Best Catacombs in Rome

Explore the unique Best Catacombs of Rome , including Priscilla, San Callisto, San Sebastiano, Domitilla, San Pancrazio, and the Crypt of the Capuchins. Each offers a distinct glimpse into Rome’s past, from early Christian art to contemplative spaces. Uncover the stories and significance behind these ancient burial sites.

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6 Best Catacombs in Rome: A Journey Through Ancient History

Embark on a journey to discover the Best Catacombs in Rome , where history and mystery intertwine beneath the city’s bustling streets. From early Christian burial sites to fascinating underground art, Rome’s catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the past. Here are the top six catacombs that you shouldn’t miss during your Roman adventure.

Want to take a Catacombs tour while in Rome? Take a moment to check the tour we had during 2024!

Best Catacombs in Rome: Catacombs of Priscilla

The Catacombs of Priscilla , nestled on Via Salaria, are a testament to the early Christian era in Rome. These catacombs, among the Best Catacombs in Rome , are famous for their extensive and significant religious frescoes, including one of the earliest known images of the Virgin Mary.

As you wander through the narrow passageways, you’ll be enveloped in history. The Greek Chapel, a highlight of the 6 Best Catacombs in Rome , features exquisite frescoes depicting biblical scenes, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of ancient Christians.

The importance of Priscilla extends beyond art. It’s known as the resting place of numerous martyrs and several popes, making it a site of profound religious significance. The catacombs also provide insight into the burial practices and the development of early Christian iconography.

Visiting the Catacombs of Priscilla is not just a tour; it’s a journey back in time. The serene and spiritual atmosphere here allows for a unique connection with the ancient past of Rome’s Christian community.

Priscilla’s Catacombs has gained first place in our “ 6 Best Catacombs in Rome “, do not miss them!

How to Reach Priscilla’s Catacombs

Priscilla’s Catacombs  are located in Via Salaria, 430.

Here are a few ways you can reach one of the Best Catacombs in Rome:

From the Termini Station:

• METRO B1: (direction Jonio) to the stop S. Agnese Annibaliano. From here continue via Lago di Lesina and you arrive at Via Salaria 430 (15 minutes)
• METRO B: (direction Rebibbia) to the stop Bologna. From here continue on bus 310 (direction Piazza Vescovio) to the stop Priscilla.
• BUS 310: (direction Piazza Vescovio) to the stop Priscilla.
• BUS 92: (direction Marliana) to the stop Priscilla

From the center of the city :

• BUS 63: (direction Rossellini) to the stop Priscilla

Priscilla’s Catacombs opening times

Priscilla’s Catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

How to purchase tickets

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office or can be purchased online with a surcharge by clicking here .

Ordinary ticket: 10.00 euros.

Reduced ticket: 7.00 euros:

• Minors between the ages of 7 and 16
• Groups made up of students belonging to first and second-grade schools and institutes
• Students of archeology, architecture, art history, and cultural heritage up to the age of 25, who present themselves with adequate certification
• Priests, religious, seminarians, and novices who present themselves with adequate certification

Free entry:

• Children up to 6 years of age
• People with disabilities and any accompanying person
• Students of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archeology
• Priests and nuns belonging to the Religious Family of the Guardian Community of the Catacomb
• Professors, teachers, and catechists accompanying groups (one free for every 15 paying visitors) 2 free admissions for groups, consisting of at least 35 people, who purchase the full fare ticket
• Tourist guides with a valid card
• Scholars who, document the object of their research, make a specific request to the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology

Form of Payment accepted:

Cash and credit/debit card

Guided tours

ONLY GUIDED TOURS: is not possible to go inside alone.

The last tour is at 12:00 PM last tour 4:00 PM.

Best Catacombs in Rome: Catacombs of San Callisto

The Catacombs of San Callisto stand out as one of the most extensive and historically significant burial sites in Rome. Located on the ancient Appian Way, these catacombs form part of an elaborate underground network that is quintessential to the Best Catacombs in Rome .

San Callisto’s catacombs were the principal burial grounds for early Popes and are home to countless martyrs. As you explore these catacombs, you’ll encounter a myriad of tombs, each with its own story and significance, echoing the voices of the past.

The art in San Callisto is both striking and symbolic. The frescoes, sculptures, and inscriptions found here are not only artistic expressions but also powerful representations of faith and hope in the early Christian community. San Callisto is a must-see and could not be on our 6 best catacombs in Rome.

A visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto offers a profound experience, where history and spirituality converge. Walking through these ancient corridors, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the early Christian era and its enduring legacy in Rome.

How to Reach the Catacombs of San Callisto

San Callisto’s Catacombs are located in Via Appia Antica, 110/126.

Here are a few ways you can reach one of the Best Catacombs in Rome  by public transport from Termini Station:

• Metro A (direction Anagnina) to the stop San Giovanni (in Laterano). From here continue on bus 218 (direction Ardeatina) to the stop Fosse Ardeatine
• Metro A (direction Anagnina) to the stop Arco di travertino. From here continue on bus 660 to the stop Appia Pignatelli/Appia Antica
• Metro B (direction Laurentina) to the stop Colosseo or Circo Massimo (bus stop: Terme Caracalla/Porta Capena). From here continue on bus 118 (direction Appia/Villa Dei Quintili) to the stop Catacombe di San Callisto (Via Appia Antica, 110)
• Bus 714 to the stop Navigatori. From here continue on foot for 1 km along Via delle Sette Chiese

San Callisto’s Catacombs opening times

San Callisto’s Catacombs are open every day except for Wednesdays, from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office or can be purchased online by clicking here .

• Children aged 7 to 16
• School groups from Elementary through High School
• Students of Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, and Cultural Studies, up to 25 years of age with proof of eligibility
• Priests, Religious, Seminarians, and Novices with proof of eligibility
• People with disabilities with a percentage over 74% and the accompanying person;
• Students from the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology
• Salesian brothers of Don Bosco and sisters of Mary, Help of Christians
• For those accompanying groups of minors (professors, teachers, and catechists): one free ticket for every 15 paying visitors
• 2 complimentary admissions for groups of at least 35 persons, paying the standard admission fee
• Licensed tour guides with proof of eligibility
• Researchers who, certify the object of their research, make a specific request to the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology
• Credit/Debit card (CartaSi, Bancomat, Mastercard, Visa, Diners)
• Bank Transfer in Advance (for groups of at least 15 persons)

Best Catacombs in Rome: Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano , named after the martyred Saint Sebastian, are an essential part of Rome’s sacred history. These catacombs, situated along the storied Appian Way, are notable for their rich historical layers, showcasing relics and artifacts from various periods.

San Sebastiano’s catacombs hold a special place in history. The term ‘catacombs’ originally referred specifically to this site, later becoming a general term for all such Christian burial places. This historical significance makes them a crucial part of the Best Catacombs in Rome .

Within these ancient walls, visitors can explore a network of tunnels and burial chambers, each revealing different aspects of Roman and early Christian life. The catacombs also served as a pilgrimage site, adding to their religious and historical importance.

A journey through the Catacombs of San Sebastiano is a walk through different epochs, offering a tangible connection to the past and an appreciation for the perseverance of faith and tradition through the ages.

How to Reach the Catacombs of San Sebastiano

San Sebastiano’s Catacombs are located in Via Appia Antica, 136.

Here are a few ways you can reach one of the Best Catacombs in Rome by public transport from Termini Station:

• Metro B (direction Laurentina) to the stop Colosseo or Circo Massimo (bus stop: Terme Caracalla/Porta Capena). From here continue on bus 118 (direction Appia/Villa Dei Quintili) to the stop Catacombe di San Sebastiano (Via Appia Antica, 136)

San Sebastiano’s Catacombs opening times

San Sebastiano’s Catacombs are open every day, from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

It is not possible to purchase tickets in advance. For groups bigger than 10 people click here to see more info.

• School groups from primary to secondary schools
• Students of Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, up to 25 years of age with proof of eligibility
• Accompanying teachers of school groups (one free pass is given for every 15 paying visitors)
• Two free admissions are granted to groups consisting of at least 35 adults purchasing a full-price ticket
• Tourist guides with a valid license

Best Catacombs in Rome: Catacombs of Domitilla

The Catacombs of Domitilla , sprawling beneath Rome, offer a unique blend of history and art. These catacombs, among the Best Catacombs in Rome , are distinctive for their vast network of tunnels and chambers that span over 17 kilometers, making them one of the largest catacomb complexes in the city.

As you navigate the subterranean passages of Domitilla, you’ll encounter fascinating frescoes and inscriptions that tell the stories of early Christians in Rome. The intricate artwork here is not only visually striking but also rich in symbolism and historical significance.

One of the highlights of the Catacombs of Domitilla is the underground basilica dedicated to martyrs Nereus and Achilleus. This sacred space adds a layer of spiritual depth to the catacombs, connecting visitors to the devotional practices of ancient times.

Exploring these catacombs offers a profound understanding of the early Christian community’s life and death. The intertwining of art, history, and spirituality in Domitilla’s catacombs provides an immersive experience of Rome’s ancient past.

Domitilla’s Catacombs are one among the most famous and Best Catacombs in Rome !

How to Reach the Catacombs of Domitilla

Domitilla’s Catacombs are located in Via delle Sette Chiese, 282.

• Bus number 714, and get off at Piazza Navigatori, then proceed on foot ( 5 to 6 minutes walking distance) towards the left side on the road Via delleSetteChiese until the entrance to the Catacombs of Domitilla (House Number  282).

Domitlla’s Catacombs opening times

Domitilla’s Catacombs are open every day except for Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

• Children aged 7 to 15
• Students of Archaeology, Architecture, and Art History, up to 25 years of age with proof of eligibility

Best Catacombs in Rome: Catacombs of San Pancrazio

Located near the Basilica of San Pancrazio, the Catacombs of San Pancrazio are a significant part of Rome’s Christian heritage. These catacombs are known for their historical importance and are a key part of the Best Catacombs in Rome .

San Pancrazio’s catacombs are relatively smaller but hold great significance as the resting place of the young martyr Saint Pancras. The sacred atmosphere here is palpable, allowing visitors to connect with the site’s historical and religious roots.

The catacombs feature an array of ancient Christian inscriptions and epitaphs, providing insights into the lives and beliefs of those who were laid to rest here. Each inscription tells a unique story, weaving a rich tapestry of history and faith. San Pancrazio it’s a must on our Besta Catacombs in Rome guide.

Visiting the Catacombs of San Pancrazio offers a more intimate and reflective experience. It’s a journey through a sacred site that has witnessed centuries of devotion and reverence, echoing the resilience of faith through time.

This one is definitely a hidden gem and deserves to be on our “ 6 Best Catacombs in Rome ” guide!

How to Reach the Catacombs of San Pancrazio

San Pancrazio’s Catacombs are located in Piazza di San Pancrazio.

Here are a few ways you can reach one of the Best Catacombs in Rome by public transport from the city center:

• 44 : from Piazza Venezia; get off at Piazza Ottavilla
• 75 : from Piazza Indipendenza (Termini Station) to Poerio; get off at Carini/Bonnet
• 870 : from Via Paola (lgt Sassia/S. Spirito) to Trullo; get off at Vitellia/S.Pancrazio
• 871 : from Trastevere Station ; get off Fontaiana/Ottavilla

San Pancrazio’s Catacombs opening times and guided tours

San Pancrazio’s Catacombs Tours are open during these days, please note that is not possible to tour on your own:

• Tuesday: 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Wednesday: 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – 04:30 PM – 05:00 PM
• Thursday: 09:30 AM – 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

It is not possible to purchase tickets in advance since the entrance is free – donations are much appreciated !

Best Catacombs in Rome: Crypt of the Capuchins (Bone Crypt)

The Crypt of the Capuchins , or Capuchin Crypt, is a unique and somewhat macabre addition to the Best Catacombs in Rome . While not a catacomb in the traditional sense, this crypt is a remarkable site, known for its chapels adorned with the bones of Capuchin monks.

Located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, the crypt is divided into several small chapels, each decorated with intricate patterns made from the skeletal remains of over 4,000 monks. This artistic yet solemn display is a reflection on life, death, and the transient nature of earthly existence.

The Capuchin Crypt serves as a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on deeper existential themes. Its unique decor makes it a must-visit for those interested in the more unusual and thought-provoking aspects of Rome’s history.

It’s important to approach the Crypt with respect and mindfulness, as it is a place of religious significance and contemplation. The experience of visiting the Crypt is both haunting and humbling, offering a different perspective on Rome’s rich religious and cultural tapestry.

How to Reach the Capuchin’s Bone Crypt:

Capuchin’s Bone Crypt  is located in Via Vittorio Veneto, 27.

• Metro A to Battistini. Get off at Barberini and walk for a couple of minutes.

Capuchin’s Bone Crypt opening times

Capuchin’s Bone Crypt is open every day from 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM.

You can purchase tickets here .

Reduced ticket: 6.50 euros:

• Minors (up to 17 y.o.)
• Children up to 7 years of age
• People with disabilities

ONLY GUIDED TOURS: is not possible to go inside alone. Note that when you buy a ticket, you’re buying also a group tour. Also, note that tours for kids are available only in Italian.

If you want to create a great memory, you could book a private evening tour here . This is a terrific “horror” experience. If you want to join Bone’s Crypt tour with another of the Best Catacombs in Rome , check out this tour .

Conclusion: Exploring the Depths of Rome’s History

The catacombs of Rome offer a unique window into the city’s rich and layered history. Each of the catacombs discussed – Priscilla, San Callisto, San Sebastiano, Domitilla, San Pancrazio, and the Crypt of the Capuchins – provides its own unique story and atmosphere, contributing to the mosaic of Rome’s ancient past.

Visiting the Best Catacombs in Rome allows you to explore the depths of early Christian burial practices, marvel at ancient art, and contemplate the mysteries of life and death. These catacombs are not just tourist attractions; they are sacred sites that deserve respect and contemplation.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of Rome’s past, these catacombs offer an unforgettable journey through time. They remind us of the city’s enduring spirit and the many layers of stories and beliefs that have shaped it over the centuries.

For further reading and to explore more about the catacombs’ historical context, visit Wikipedia’s page on the Catacombs of Rome . This resource provides additional insights and details about these fascinating underground labyrinths. We’ve selected the 6 Best Catacombs in Rome for you.

If you want to find out more, why don’t you take a look at our “ Rome Tours Recommended by Locals ” section?

Remember, when exploring the Best Catacombs in Rome , you’re stepping into a world where history, art, and spirituality intersect in the most profound ways. Each visit is a chance to connect with the ancient roots of this eternal city.

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6x Best Catacombs in Rome

Rome underground crypts: tickets & tours rome catacombs.

Outside the old city center are dozens of underground cemeteries and Roman crypts, or the Catacombs of Rome. You can visit six catacombs, like the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, Saint Sebastian, Domotilla and the Catacombe di Priscilla.

The Rome catacombs, the underground cemeteries

• Catacombs of Saint Callixtus
• Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
• Catacombs of Domitilla
• Catacombs of Priscilla
• Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter
• Catacombs of St. Agnes

The city of Rome has a lot of history and culture, including the famous Catacombs of Rome . More than 40 different complexes of catacombs and crypts are scattered beneath the surface of the ancient city of Rome. For many years, these Rome underground cemeteries have served as final resting places for Christians and other believers. The Rome catacombs can be described as a huge network of underground tunnels and burial chambers that were used for centuries to bury the deceased. Most of these cemeteries originally served as family tombs for wealthy Romans, but it was mainly the Christians who made the catacombs famous. The early Christians used the catacombs as sacred places. Today, the catacombs give us a special insight into how what people believed back then.

History of Rome catacombs

These Rome underground cemeteries go back about 1,800 years ago. At first the catacombs were used to bury relatives, but later - when Christianity became more important - the catacombs were considered a special place for Christians. It was a place where Christians gathered to pray. On the inside of most catacombs there are beautiful paintings and texts that show what people believed and what life used to be like. In Rome there are many, even more than 40 Rome catacombs . Each catacomb has its own story and history. Some catacombs originally functioned as family tombs, while others were later used by Christians as holy places.

Visit Catacombs in Rome

Only 6 catacombs in Rome are open to the public , always with a mandatory guided tour. Some Rome catacombs where travelers can go to learn more about the distant past are the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus , the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian , the Catacombs of Domitilla , the Catacombs of Priscilla and the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter . During this underground tour through the narrow tunnels and chambers you will see numerous drawings and symbols about the lives and beliefs of the people who were buried there.

Rome Catacomb Tours

Catacombs close to via appia, 1. catacombs of saint callixtus (san calisto).

• Address : Via Appia Antica, 110/126
• Tickets : from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour ( book your tour )
• Tip : Not sure which catacombs to visit for the first time? Then it is best to visit these catacombs of San-Calisto and combine this with the Via Appia .

One of the most famous and unique catacombs in Rome are these of Saint Callixtus (San Callisto) located on the Via Appia . This catacomb is named after Pope Calixtus I. It is a catacomb with thousands of graves, including those of various popes and martyrs from the past. In the tunnels and chambers you can read frescoes and inscriptions where you can learn more about Christianity and the spiritual life of the period. This catacomb is considered a sacred place where early Christians gathered to honor their faith. If you want to visit a catacomb in Rome for the first time, this is the best choice to start with.

2. Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

• Address : Via Appia Antica, 136

The Catacomb of Saint Sebastian (or Catacombe di San Sebastiano ) is named after the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian. It is one of the oldest catacombs in Rome with unique architectural features and is located on the Via Appia . A basilica has been built on top of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian. The Catacomb of Saint Sebastian used to be a sacred place for worship and prayer. This catacomb has a special significance because Saint Sebastian became an important symbol of courage and faith during the Roman period.

3. Catacombs of Domitilla

• Address : Via delle Sette Chiese, 282

In the Catacomb of Domitilla you will find numerous chambers and tunnels that once served as resting places for members of the Emperor's family and other prominent Romans. The Catacomb of Domitilla is known for its frescoes and sculptures in different styles. There is also an underground basilica that used to be used for liturgical celebrations. Many people used to gather in these Rome catacombs to pray, but also to celebrate their faith extensively.

Other catacombs in Rome

4. catacombs of priscilla.

• Address : Via Salaria, 430

The Catacomb of Priscilla is known worldwide for its beautiful frescoes, ranging from Biblical pieces to portraits of saints. This catacomb is named after a noblewoman named Priscilla. Priscilla may have played an important role in the Christian community of the time. In addition to burial chambers, this catacomb also contains a cubic space, also known as the 'Cappella dei Sacramenti'. The frescoes in the Catacomb of Priscilla offer more insight into how the faith was portrayed and celebrated in the past.

5. Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter

• Address : Via Casilina

The Catacomb of Marcellinus and Peter, also known as Catacombe ad Duas Lauros, was specially designed and built in the name of Saints Marcellinus and Peter. This Catacomb of Marcellinus and Peter is popular for its well-preserved frescoes with Biblical inscriptions and Christian symbols.

6. Catacombs of St. Agnes

• Address : Via Nomentana, 349

The catacombs are named after Saint Agnes, a young Christian martyr who died in AD 304. She is often depicted with a lamb as a symbol of her innocence. Her tomb and the spaces around it in the Catacomb of St. Agnes are important pilgrimage sites for Christians. The catacombs consist of a complex network of underground passages and chambers carved into the soft tuff beneath Rome. They contained burial chambers (cubicula), niches in which bodies were placed, and sometimes frescoes and inscriptions commemorating the deceased.

Organized tours of underground Rome

You can choose to visit only one catacomb, but there are also several tours that visit several underground locations in Rome. A guide can share interesting stories, explain details and guide you through the tunnels and chambers. In this way you ensure an unforgettable, more profound and fascinating experience.

Video: Hidden History of the Catacombs of Rome

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Rome’s Catacombs: Exploring The Darker Side of The Eternal City

Rome’s catacombs are among the city’s most curious sights – a reminder of the darker side of the Eternal City. Here’s what you need to know. 

Rome is a city of many faces – one steeped in art, history, and culture. But what about the dark side of the eternal city? 

Not to dig up the past (OK, that’s exactly what I’m doing) but let’s dive into the history of Rome’s catacombs – one of the darker sides of the city.

Rome sits atop a vast network of these burial tunnels and exploring them should be on your Rome itinerary – no matter how short it is.

So, here’s what to expect when you visit the catacombs of Rome.

What Are Catacombs and Why Does Rome Have So Many of Them?

Why does Rome have so many catacombs? What are catacombs?

Okay, hold onto your explorer’s hats, folks. Class is in session. 

What are Catacombs?

First up, what even is a catacomb? In short, a catacomb is a collection of underground passageways or tunnels. These intersect at points and often stretch for quite a few kilometres.

That doesn’t sound creepy at all, right? Well, here’s the catch. Catacombs are not just empty passageways. No, my intrepid adventurers, they usually come lined with thousands of human remains.

Yes, catacombs are burial tunnels. In fact, these labyrinths – which are as spooky as you’d expect them to be – served quite the purpose back in the day. 

A Brief History of Rome’s Catacombs

According to some archaeologists  (it’s still a bit of a guesstimation), there are about 60 catacombs underneath Rome. You see, sometime between the first and second centuries, Roman law prohibited the burial of the deceased within the city.

The Jewish and Christian communities faced significant persecution in Rome – particularly between the 1st century AD and 4th century AD. Living in communities distinct from the mainstream pagan society, they also buried their dead separately too. 

Initially, only Jewish citizens used the tunnels, and then about a century later, Christians followed suit.

The catacombs offered a safe place to bury their dead without fear of displaying religious symbols upon tombs. Thousands of people found their eternal resting place within these mazes. 

Then in 313, the persecution of Christians stopped with the signing of the Edict of Milan . This edict allowed for the building of churches and the designation of burial land. But, the use of catacombs persisted until the 5th century.

The barbarian invasion of Italy in the 8th century resulted in heavy looting and desecration of the catacombs. Subsequently, the use of catacombs stopped and most left abandoned with important relics moved to churches inside the city.

Now that you know the ins and outs of Rome’s catacombs let’s dive into the best ones you can visit.

Catacombs in Rome You Should Visit  

Catacombs of san callisto.

It would be quite a scandal if I started this list with anything but the catacombs of Saint Callisto, also known as Saint Callixtus. Why, you might be asking? Well, it’s considered the most impressive and beautiful (I use the term loosely) in Rome.

Considered the first catacombs used by Christians, they stretch for an astounding 20 kilometres. Within, you’ll find the burial sites of 16 Popes alongside many Christian martyrs. 

Two famous sites in the catacombs include the ‘crypt of the Popes’, which houses the sanctified remains of five deceased pontiffs. The other is the crypt of Santa Cecilia.

Top Tip: Book this guid e d tour of the catacombs of St Callixtus, or this tour that includes the Appian Way.

Catacombs of Santa Priscilla

Originally called ‘Regina catacumbarum’, which translates to ‘the queen of catacombs’, this is where roughly 40 thousand burials took place. Amongst these, six Popes and hundreds of martyrs fill its niches.

Inside there are numerous important sites you can visit. The Cubicle of the Velata depicts redemption scenes from the Old Testament. The Greek Chapel showcases frescoes of “franctio panis”, or the sacrament of breaking bread. And what some deem the most ancient depiction of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus.

Explore the catacombs of Santa Priscilla, which are open from Tuesday to Sunday. You can choose to go between 9 am and 12 pm or 2 pm and 5 pm.

Catacombs of Domitilla 

While many other Rome catacombs brim with the history of popes and martyrs, the catacombs of Domitilla tell a different story. Commissioned by the Domitilla family, they span nearly 15 kilometres.

These catacombs are the oldest of Rome’s underground burial tunnels, which is why they have seen significant restorations. Inside, the stunning frescoes offer depictions of Christ, while many others display more Christian art.

Fun fact time. Some of the niches carved into the passageways still contain bones. But, large parts of the catacombs are still closed to the public.

Top Tip: Book this small group Roman Catacombs tour to delve into the history of Domitilla.

Catacombs of Sant’ Agnese

Catacombs are fascinating, but they are also (unsurprisingly) sombre. The catacombs of Sant’ Agnese are exceptionally so. Agnes, a young girl of 12, died due to Christian persecution.

While these Roman catacombs do not contain much in the way of artistic frescoes or paintings, it is worth a visit. Inside the three-tier catacombs, you can see many epigraphical testimonies etched into its walls.

These tell tales of countless visitors to the tomb who came to view one of the first burial catacombs dedicated to a woman. The legend of Saint Agnese is why some call it one of the most famous catacombs in Rome.

Top Tip: You can only visit the catacombs of Sant’ Agnese by booking a guided tour through the official website. Visit their website to book your tickets.

Catacombs of Praetextatus

From an artistic perspective, the catacombs of Praetextatus are the most renowned tunnel network in Rome. It’s also one of the few in the city where depictions of not just Christian symbols mark the walls.

The interior features a few distinct areas as well. First is the Cubicle of Coronatio, which depicts the crowning of Jesus with thorns and the resurrection of Lazarus. Beyond that, it holds the sarcophagus of Emperor Balbino, as well as illustrations of the myth of Achilles.

Top Tip: Choose this guided half-day tour of the catacombs of Rome, which includes significant basilicas, to explore the eternal city’s underground.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Dedicated to Saint Sebastian, these are the first burial tunnels called catacombs. Persecuted by the Roman Emperor Diocletian for converting thousands of soldiers to Christianity, his remains reside here.

Extending nearly 12 kilometres, you’ll see many distinct decorations distinguishing each corpse buried here. Inside sits the Baroque Basilica of Saint Sebastian, one of Rome’s seven holy pilgrimage sites.

The catacombs also contain a marble statue of St Sebastian and several sacred relics. These include the arrows that pierced his body and the column on which he died.

Top Tip: To view these burial tunnels, book this 3-hour guided tour of the best catacombs in Rome.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit to Rome’s Catacombs  

Visiting the catacombs independently.

If you’re planning to visit any of the catacombs in Rome independently, there are a few things to remember. Most importantly, you can only enter them as part of a guided tour. 

While there are numerous tour operators, each catacomb has its own tour system. 

These tours led by monks or priests often involve a sermon. You must also dress appropriately, as the catacombs are holy sites. 

Independently, you’ll also need to know each catacomb’s opening and closing times.

Visiting Rome’s Catacombs On a Tour 

On the other hand, adding a tour, or tours of Rome catacombs through a tour operator, is a more encompassing experience. These often include more than one catacomb and other areas of interest.

Hosted tours also are led by well-trained guides whose knowledge enhances your overall tour quality. These are, however, often more costly but worth it if pressed for time.

Book Your Catacombs Tour Now

Catacombs in Rome: Map 

Now You’ve Explored the Roman Catacombs – Read These

• Unmissable Things to do in Rome  
• 3 Day Rome Itinerary  
• The Best Places to Stay in Rome  
• Cool Day Trips from Rome  
• Rome in a Day  
• The Rome Rooftop Bars with the Best View

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The Best Catacombs in Rome You Need to Visit

Fri 12 Jan 2024

Rome, it is often said, is like some great archaeological lasagne. As if the stunning monuments that grace the streets of the Eternal City weren't reason enough to make Rome one of the world's most fascinating places, what you can see at first glance in Rome barely scratches the surface of the city's riches. Thanks to its continuous habitation over thousands of years, an array of extraordinary historical sites lie concealed beneath the street level of the modern city, vast underground worlds hiding in plain sight just awaiting discovery by the intrepid traveller. And of all the subterranean sites in Rome, the catacombs are arguably the most fascinating . 

In these passages and caves carved deep into the Roman bedrock beyond the ancient city walls, the city's early Christian community came to bury their dead in the hope that they would remain undisturbed by those hostile to the new religion. But although these places are conditioned by death, we must remember that death was not the end for these early believers. To understand these silent memorials in all their complexity, we must understand that they are as much celebrations of a glorious birth rather than commemorations of a sad death. In the shapes and forms of the wonderfully simple wall-paintings, carvings and inscriptions that survive in these tunnels, we can gain a unique insight into the world of early Christianity, and the distant thoughts and philosophies that animated these spaces millennia ago.

Read on to discover the most important catacombs that you can visit in Rome!

Catacombs of Domitilla

The remarkably well-preserved Catacombs of Domitilla , located along the ancient Via Ardeatina, form one of the largest subterranean burial complexes in Rome. Dating back to the 2nd century, when the aristocratic Christian convert Flavia Domitilla donated land to the nascent church, the catacombs contain a vast network of galleries and tombs linked by labyrinthine tunnels carved out of the soft tufa rock characteristic of the Roman countryside. 

The passages are lined floor to ceiling with narrow niches called niches which house the remains of countless early Christians. Small rooms, or cubicles , open out from the maze to reveal the final remaining places of families rich enough to enjoy the peace of private sepulchres. Strange symbols are engraved into their tombs – fish and anchors, secret signs that demonstrated the presence of Jesus Christ, messiah and savior of the Christian faith. 

Wall paintings provide a window into the burial practices and beliefs of early Christians: allegorical images of plants and animals including phoenixes - symbolic of the resurrection - appear alongside depictions of important religious figures such as the twelve apostles, and one particularly fascinating portrait of a man identified as Diogenes, who appears with a pickaxe and shovel: it was his task to dig out the catacombs for the secure burial of his fellow Christians.  

This extraordinary hidden world lay undiscovered for many centuries until it was unearthed in the late 1500s by Antonio Bosio, a man known as the 'Columbus of the Catacombs' for his intrepid adventuring spirit. He got lost for three days down here in search of the lost origins of Christianity, and it's easy to see why even today, even with the aid of electric light illuminating the spooky way down towards the center of the earth.

Catacombs of Domitilla, Via delle Sette Chiese, 282. Opening Hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00. Closed on Tuesdays. Tickets €8, €5 reductions.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Historically the most easily accessible of the Roman catacombs, the small burial complex of San Sebastiano never slipped from the historical record as did the other entries on our list. Consequently, whilst perhaps being the most famous of the Roman catacombs, it has also suffered the depredations of grave robbers and material stripping more than its neighbours. Nonetheless, it still stands as a fascinating testament to the world of early-Christian Rome. Believed to house the final remaining place of the highly revered 3rd-century martyr Saint Sebastian, moved here by the pious matron Lucina after he appeared to her in a dream, the catacombs are located beneath the church of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura near the beginning of the Appian Way.

Originally a mine for pozzolana stone in antiquity, the site was adapted for pagan - and eventually Christian - burial from the 3rd century onwards.. Numerous graffiti referring to the apostles Peter and Paul attest to the site's sacred significance for early Christians, and it has been theorized that the relics of the saints were briefly transferred here to a marble aedicule for safe-keeping in the 3rd century. The so-called Cubicle of Jonah houses incredible early-Christian frescoes depicting the life of the prophet, while the Crypt of Saint Sebastian features a beautiful marble statue of the saint designed by Baroque master Gianlorenzo Bernini and sculpted by Antonio Giorgetti.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Via Appia Antica, 136. Opening Hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00. Tickets €8, €5 reductions.

Catacombs of Priscilla

Often referred to as the "Queen of the Catacombs," thanks to the variety and extent of the early-Christian remains housed there, the Catacombs of Priscilla conserve over 40,000 bodies extending over 13 kilometers of tunnels excavated from the soft tufa rock beneath what is now the Roman park of Villa Ada. Located along the ancient consular road Via Salaria, the complex occupies a particularly privileged place in Christian hagiography as a result of the numerous popes and saints interred here during the time of the Emperor Diocletian's persecution of the new faith: Popes Marcellinus, Marcellus and Sylvester were buried here alongside notable saints including Felix, Philip, Praxedes and Pudenziana. 

When the complex was rediscovered at the height of the Counter-Reformation in the 16th century, it caused a sensation. The cardinal and historian Cesare Baronio described how 'all of Rome was filled with wonder' at the find, 'for it had no idea that in its neighborhood there was a hidden city, filled with tombs of the days of the persecutions of the Christians. '

Exceptionally high-quality paintings, including the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ as well as a beautifully enigmatic fresco of a veiled woman dressed in liturgical vestments, make the catacomb an incredibly important site for art historians. The catacombs also feature a vast network of burial niches, adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes and symbols of Christian faith. Counters and marble seating provide evidence that early Christians staged ritual banquets in honor of the dead down here, a fascinating memorial practice that is alluded to in a particularly fine depiction of a Eucharistic meal of bread and fish. 

Catacombs of Priscilla, Via Salaria, 430. Opening Hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00. Closed Mondays and the month of August. Tickets €8, €5 reductions.

Catacombs of San Callisto

The Catacomb of San Callisto is the oldest and best preserved of the cemetery complexes on the Appian Way. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the catacombs served as the final resting place for numerous prominent early Christians, and its tunnels and galleries extend over 20 kilometers and multiple levels. Notable features include the Crypt of the Popes, a gallery that was described by its 19th-century rediscover GB de Rossi as a “Little Vatican” thanks to the presence of the mortal remains of no fewer than 9 early pontiffs and 8 bishops. 

But perhaps the most famous early Christian laid to rest in the catacomb is the locally revered Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music who was martyred for her faith in the 3rd century. Her body di lei was moved to the church in Trastevere that bears her name di lei in the year 821, although the original marble sarcophagus in which she was interred is still visible in the atmospheric Crypt of Saint Cecilia. A copy of the magnificent statue of the saint that graces the high altar of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere has also been placed here, adding to the evocative atmosphere. Well-preserved frescoes depicting the sacraments of Communion and Baptism, meanwhile, are preserved on the walls of the so-called "Cubicoli dei Sacramenti," offering a vivid insight into the lives and customs of the early Christian community in Rome.

Via Appia Antica, 110. Opening Hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00. Closed Wednesdays and the month of February. Tickets €8, €5 reductions.

Catacombs of Saint Agnes

According to Christian hagiography, the unfortunate Saint Agnes was little more than a girl when she was brutally executed for refusing to renounce her faith in the 3rd century, and her cult quickly became one of the most popular in all of Rome. A shrine sprang up at her reputed burial place in a small Christian cemetery dug into the side of a hill along the Via Nomentana. When Constantine converted to Christianity and promoted the development of Christian architecture a century later, he commissioned a basilica on the site. 

The church was rebuilt in the 7th century and features a stunning apse mosaic featuring the young saint. Descend beneath the church to explore the small catacomb: although there aren't wall paintings comparable to the other sites on our list down here, numerous inscriptions and funerary paraphernalia make the catacombs well worth a visit. 

Via Nomentana, 349.  Opening Hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Closed Sunday mornings and the month of November. Tickets €8, €5 reductions. 

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the catacombs in Rome! To visit the catacombs in the company of an expert archaeologist guide alongside other fascinating subterranean sites in the Eternal City, be sure to join our award-winning Underground Rome with catacombs tour !

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Best Catacombs in Rome: Explore Ancient Burial Sites

best catacombs in rome

Embark on a journey through the captivating depths of Rome’s history with our comprehensive guide to the best catacombs in Rome . These subterranean marvels, steeped in ancient tales, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Delve into intricate underground passageways and unearth the preserved remnants of a bygone era, as we navigate through these intriguing burial sites.

History of Catacombs in Rome

The origins of Roman catacombs date back to the 2nd century AD. Early Christians began digging underground burial places to inter their dead outside the walls of the city. Given that Christian rituals like burial were banned within Rome at the time, these underground crypts allowed early Christian communities to bury their dead while also worshipping in secret safety away from persecution.

The catacombs served both as burial and worship places. While most held tombs and grave goods, some chambers were specifically dedicated as places for Christians to gather, celebrate their faith, and commemorate the dead through Eucharistic feasts and funerary banquets.

There were several types of Roman catacombs, including smaller hypogea that held single families and larger, more elaborate networks that sheltered entire Christian communities. The largest catacombs wound extensively underneath the city with multiple stacked galleries interconnected by staircases.

Table of Contents

Catacombs of san callisto.

The Catacombs of San Callisto are the largest and most famous in Rome. Located on the Appian Way, they were founded by Pope Saint Callixtus himself in the late 2nd century. The complex expanded over the years and holds the tombs of several 3rd century popes and martyrs.

Spanning 12 miles with multiple levels, the Catacombs of San Callisto feature ornate crypts, carved tombs, and inscriptions that provide insight into life in Rome’s early Christian communities. Unique sights include the Crypt of the Popes and the Crypt of Saint Cecilia.

Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.

Catacomb of Priscilla

The Catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria contains over 40,000 burial chambers within 8 miles of tunnels. Founded in the late 2nd century, it holds the earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary nursing Jesus, dating back to the early 3rd century. This image provides rare insights into early Christian art and worship.

In addition to early Christian tombs and chambers, the Catacomb of Priscilla also has sections holding the graves of elite noble Roman families who were drawn to the Christian faith. Unique frescoes and inscriptions abound.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-12pm and 2pm-5:30pm.

Catacombs of Domitilla

The Catacombs of Domitilla contain over 15 miles of passages and more than 150,000 graves, making them the longest network in Rome. Constructed in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, these catacombs hold ornate tombs and carvings alongside rare paintings of stars, flowers, vines, and other nature motifs unlike typical Christian imagery.

A guide brings the sprawling catacombs alive, providing context on the nobles, martyrs, and early popes interred here across 17 centuries of Roman history. Don’t miss the 2nd century Flavian Amphitheater and perfectly preserved burial chambers.

Open Wednesday-Monday 9am-5pm.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, also called the Catacombs of San Sebastian, contain unique mausoleums and the earliest-known Roman catacomb chambers dating from the mid-3rd century. Extending over 4 miles on 4 levels, they hold the remains of saints and Christian martyrs killed under Roman persecution.

Tombs line the narrow, winding passageways, including those of Saints Sebastian, Paul, and Peter. The Crypt of the Nine Martyrs houses nine early popes and the Crypt of Saint Lucina is adorned with rare paintings. Don’t miss the plaster-lined tomb of Saint Sebastian.

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm. . Private tours also available.

Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter

The small Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter offer an intimate, less crowded catacomb experience. Located on the Via Labicana, they were built in the 4th century beside a Roman burial ground. Saints Marcellinus and Peter were martyred and entombed here.

These compact catacombs allow visitors to take in ornate crypts and rare medieval frescoes without massive crowds. Their chambers contain both pagan and Christian tombs, illustrating the new faith integrating into old beliefs.

Open daily except Wednesday 9am-12pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm.

Catacombs of Agnes

Legend says that Saint Agnes, a 13-year-old martyr, was buried in the Catacombs of Agnes located just outside the Nomentana Gate. These small catacombs date back to the late 4th century and include Saint Agnes’ tomb along with early Christian frescoes and inscriptions.

While less extensive than larger catacomb complexes, the intimate Catacombs of Agnes let visitors connect to the past via Saint Agnes’ sacrificial history and the touching inscription poetry left by her grieving parents after her death.

Open daily 9am-noon and 3:30pm-5pm. guided tours available certain days – call (06) 8620 6272 to confirm.

Catacombs of St. Sebastian

Located on the ancient Appian Way, the Catacombs of St. Sebastian contain the remains of early Christian saints and martyrs. The complex was built in the third century AD and holds the tomb of St. Sebastian as well as numerous other saints.

Spanning over 4 miles, the catacombs have elaborate chambers with carved gravestones and inscriptions honoring those buried there. Unique sights include the Crypt of the Popes and the Crypt of St. Cecilia. Guided tours provide fascinating details on centuries of Roman and Christian history.

Open Monday-Saturday from 9am-4:30pm.

Catacombs of St. Domitilla

The Catacombs of St. Domitilla contain over 17 miles of passages holding 150,000 tombs. Built in the second and third centuries AD, they are the largest and longest catacomb complex in Rome. Named after Saint Domitilla, members of her noble Roman family are buried here.

The sprawling catacombs feature ornate mausoleums, carved statues, and dazzling frescoes unlike other Roman catacombs. Highlights include a second century amphitheater, perfectly intact burial chambers, and an enchanting sun and stars painting.

Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am-5pm.

Catacombs of Comodilla

The Catacombs of Comodilla are smaller, lesser-known catacombs located on the Via Ostiense. They were built in the 4th century AD and contain the tombs of Saint Felix and Saint Adauctus along with other early Christian martyrs.

The intimate catacombs feature unique brickwork patterns in arched doorways and passages leading to decorated tombs. Visitors can see rare frescoes, an antique baptismal font, and inscriptions inside this hidden gem not crowded with tourists.

Open only one morning per month by guided tour.

Jewish Catacombs in Rome

Alongside the Christian catacombs, there are two Jewish catacomb systems beneath Rome dating back over 2000 years. The Catacombs of Vigna Randanini and the Villa Torlonia Catacombs preserve a crucial glimpse into the lives and funerary customs of ancient Roman Jews.

The Jewish catacombs contain carved sarcophagi, engraved lamps, symbols like the seven-branched menorah, and inscriptions in Hebrew and Greek. While not currently open to the public, scholars continue to study these rare archaeological sites for insight into Roman Jewish history.

For travelers looking to step back in time and glimpse Rome’s centuries-old foundations, a catacomb tour offers an unforgettable experience. As final resting places filled with elaborate art, architecture, and artifacts of everyday residents and cultural icons who shaped the landscape of Western civilization and religion, Rome’s catacombs provide an invaluable historical record.

While all the major catacombs listed above deliver fascinating looks at life and death through the ages, prime picks like San Callisto, Domitilla, and Priscilla offer main highlights. A catacomb visit undoubtedly ranks among the top activities for understanding ancient Roman and early Christian culture.

FAQs About Visiting the Catacombs

What are catacombs?

Catacombs are underground burial places consisting of networks of galleries and chambers containing graves, tombs, and sarcophagi.

How were catacombs used in ancient Rome?

In ancient Rome, catacombs provided burial spaces mostly for Jewish and Christian communities. They were dug outside city walls where burial was not allowed.

How many catacombs are there in Rome?

There are over 60 catacomb networks beneath Rome spanning hundreds of miles and holding between one to six million tombs. Only a fraction are open to the public today.

Which catacombs are open to the public?

Major catacombs like St. Callixtus, St.Sebastian, Domitilla, Priscilla, St. Marcellinus and Peter, and St. Agnes are open for guided tours. Tickets must be booked in advance.

What is the significance of catacombs in Rome?

Rome’s catacombs provide invaluable archeological insights into the funeral practices, cultures, religions, and daily lives of ancient Romans, early Christians, and Jews.

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The Best Underground Tours of Rome – Discover Rome Catacombs, Crypts and more

For every place you visit in Rome, you can be sure there is something more to see underneath. With the many underground tours of Rome, you can delve deeper into what intriguing and mysterious hides underneath the Eternal City. Every time I take a Rome underground tour, I discover another piece of history that was saved from oblivion.

It’s fascinating to realise that under all the beautiful buildings you see and photograph when you visit Rome hides a whole world. Taking one of the many underground tours of Rome, be it a Colosseum underground tour or a Rome catacombs tour or descending to a Domus, will capture your imagination and make for an unforgettable trip.

Which catacombs to visit in Rome? Where are Rome crypts and catacombs? Which private tours of Rome show you the underground world? Read everything about our experience exploring Rome underground by ourselves as well as taking some of the best underground tours of Rome.

Each of these underground tours of Rome will take you to different places. Some places are more common and you will find them in more than one tours but combined with different sites. So you can see which tour is the best fit for you depending on what you prefer to visit.

Table of Contents

Top Rome underground tours

• Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome
• Colosseum underground tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Rome Catacombs Tour
• Rome underground tour at Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea)
• Underground tour of Rome with two Basilicas and the Forum Boarium
• Catacombs of St. Callixtus Rome Underground Tour
• Offbeat Rome Underground Tour with Domitian Stadium
• Underground Rome and Catacombs Group Tour

1. Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

As I was planning something alternative to the usual man-made wonders you can see under the sun, I took a fantastic Rome underground tour with Take Walks.

Rome underground tour at the Capuchin Crypt

Rome Capuchin Crypt always delivers what its reputation promises: an eerie cemetery where only a handful of its alleged 3,700 corpses are buried according to the proper Christian ritual, while the rest couple of thousands are pieced together and displayed for posterity. The sacred place has been hosting the remains of the Capuchin friars from the above monastery until 1870. Periodically, corpses had to be exhumed to make space for other bodies and their bones were kept in a charnel house, until they decided to expose them in a creative way.

As soon as I entered, I sneaked across a narrow corridor flanking a series of crypts and chapels. I soon found the Resurrection Crypt, where human bones are set as a very artistic frame to the painting representing the Christ resurrecting Lazarus.

Still in slight disbelief from seeing so many bones all at once, we arrived at the crypt of the skulls, with a winged hourglass symbolizing the time flying on display. I carried on at the crypts of the pelvises, of the tibias and femurs and of the three skeletons. Here was a small skeleton, belonging to a princess of the Barberini family. Hanging from the ceiling, she held a scythe, symbol of Death, on her right hand, and balance scales, the symbol of divine justice, on her left hand.

And if this wasn’t creepy enough, on the floor of one of the first chapels/crypts there is a stone slab with a gentle reminder: “What we were, you are now. What we are, you will be”.

Carrying on with our Rome catacombs tour

This Rome underground tour with Take Walks carried on with a visit to Priscilla Catacombs at the entrance of Villa Ada Park. Like in many other Rome catacombs, we saw ancient frescoes (here is thought to be the very first depiction of the Holy Mary), the cubicles where early-Christian tombs were arranged and the altars for the functions.

Which catacombs you will visit during this Rome tour will change depending on availability, but there is always one included. Some of the most popular catacombs in Rome are Santa Priscilla, San Sebastiano, San Callisto and Santa Domitilla.

Final stop: Case Romane del Celio

The Roman Houses of the Celio Hill is an extremely fascinating stop. You will descend to different layers of Roman history and visit a domus , the house of a wealthy patrician family, as well as an insula , house of the working class also used as shop and workshop.

We enjoyed the tour as the guide was very knowledgeable and also we had an air-conditioned private vehicle driving us around from a place to the other, making the whole trip much more relaxed.

Click here for more info and to book the tour.

Night option: After-hours Rome Catacombs Tour

You can also choose a similar Rome crypts and catacombs tour at night after closing time. In this version, you will enter Rome catacombs when the other visitors are gone so the place will be for your group only.

The Capuchin Crypt, also known as Bone Chapel, is included, while the Case Romane del Celio are not. The catacombs you will visit are the ones of San Sebastiano. This Rome catacombs tour lasts 2 hours and a half and your group won’t be bigger than 18 participants.

Click here to book this underground tour at night.

2. Colosseum underground tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

I’m pretty sure everybody can picture the Colosseum as the symbol of the city but have you heard of the possibility of taking a Colosseum underground tour? And what is exactly the Colosseum underground?

Here you won’t be seeing frescoes, bones and cubicles like in the catacombs, because the Colosseum underground had the purpose of a sort of backstage. This is where the gladiators and the animals waited to participate in the show. You will see the Colosseum underground tunnels and you will understand the complicated mechanism that brought the fighters to the Arena floor.

Among the underground tours of Rome, this is one of the higher in demand because of the special access areas. You will also visit the general access areas, but you can only enter the Colosseum underground with a certified guide.

After this in-depth visit to the Colosseum, you will head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the pulsing heart of politics and trade in Ancient Rome. These archaeological sites are wide and complicated to comprehend by yourself. This is why a tour is always recommended.

Night option: Colosseum underground tour after closing time

There is also the possibility to take a Colosseum underground tour at night after closing time when the crowds are gone.

Click here for more info and to book this night tour.

READ MORE: Travelling to Italy? Discover how to spend 4 perfect days in Rome !

3. Rome Catacombs Tour

This is a small group tour of maximum 6 participants and starts at the San Clemente Basilica in Via Labicana, not far from the Colosseum, a very interesting historical site as you will explore several layers of Roman history.

Starting from the medieval basilica located on the modern-day street level, you will descend to a 4th-century early-Christian basilica and then down another layer to a 2nd-century Mithraic temple and school. Here, you will have the chance to walk around a little Roman neighbourhood, a narrow street and visit what is thought to have been a Roman mint.

The next stops will be two different Rome catacombs that served as burial sites of the first Christians as well as early popes and Roman Christian martyrs.

Included in this Rome catacombs tour are skip-the-line tickets to all the sites and an expert local guide.

4. Rome underground tour at Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea)

This is one of Rome underground tours to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill that will have a fascinating last stop at Nero’s Golden House, the famous Domus Aurea.

The parts that you will access in the Colosseum are the first and second levels before entering the Forum and the Palatine Hill to explore the pulsing heart of ancient Rome and where the noble families liked to build their villas.

In the Domus Aurea, you will have the chance to visit the underground rooms and corridors of Rome’s fantastic Domus Aurea that has been under renovation for years on a virtual reality tour using 3D glasses. Some of the areas you will visit in this underground tour of Rome are the Octagonal Room, Cryptoporticus and Nymphaeum of Polyphemus. Finally, you will watch the Golden Vault with your pair of 3D glasses.

READ MORE: In Rome and you don’t know where to eat? Check out our guide to the best Rome restaurants .

5. Rome underground tour with two Basilicas and the Forum Boarium

This tour starts at the Forum Boarium, a sacred and commercial area where there were the cattle market and several temples such as the Temple of Hercules Victor and the Temple of Portunus. With this Rome tour, you will visit both of them.

After this important area of ancient Rome, you will get towards Trastevere to visit two utterly fascinating basilicas, the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere and the Basilica of Saint Chrysogonus martyr.

From the modern Santa Cecilia Basilica, you will get underground to visit the stunning crypt and under Saint Chrysogonus Basilica you will go down to an earlier church dating back to the rule of Emperor Constantine.

6. Catacombs of St. Callixtus Rome Underground Tour

If you want to explore Rome catacombs in a deeper way, you can also book a tour to a single underground graveyard. With 90 acres and some 12 miles, St. Callixtus one is one of the largest and most important catacombs in Rome. Located on the Appian Way, this is the resting place of several martyrs and no less than 16 early popes.

The tour takes about 2 hours and you will get there from near Termini with a private vehicle. Their guides can lead in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

7. Offbeat Rome Underground Tour with Domitian Stadium

You will kick off this 2-hour tour of underground Rome near the Trevi Fountain to visit a place not many people know of. The Vicus Caprarius is the archaeological area next to the Trevi Fountain often overshadowed by its more famous neighbouring landmark. Located some 9 metres below street level, in Vicus Caprarius you will visit a Roman insula, a sort of compound with several units later transformed into a wealthy patrician domus.

This Rome underground tour will lead you through the path of the Aqueduct of Aqua Virgo and continue to the huge Domitian Stadium on top of which Piazza Navona was built. A true journey through the layers of Roman history and its most pivotal moments.

8. Underground Rome and Catacombs Group Tour

This is another of the Rome underground tours that will show you some of the best catacombs in Rome. This time, the Domitilla Catacombs in the Ardeatino quarter, close to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.

This Rome underground tour will take you first to San Clemente Basilica (that we saw earlier on another tour) and Case Romane del Celio, the ancient Roman houses located in the undergrounds of Santi Giovanni and Paolo Basilica in the Caelian Hill (also this, we saw it in a different tour).

The Rome catacombs tour will finish with the visit to Domitilla catacombs, pretty far from the city centre and your other stops, so you will get there by private minivan.

READ MORE: Check out our full guide to 95 things to do in Rome !

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2025 is the Jubilee Year - Holy Year in Rome & the Vatican City 206 Tours Celebrates Its 40th Year! 1985-2025

Begins Christmas of 2024 | Ends Epiphany of 2026

Join us during this special year of grace, on a pilgrimage of a lifetime. During a Jubilee Year, the Catholic Church offers faithful a the plenary indulgence, that is, the remission of sins for themselves or for deceased relatives.

The most exciting and well-known rite during a Jubilee Year is certainly the opening of the Holy Doors.

These special Jubilee Doors will be open throughout period mentioned -and are only open during the jubilee year! The 4 Jubilee Doors are in 4 major basilicas of Rome:

St. Peter, Archbasilica of St John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St Mary Major.

The first to be opened is St. Peter’s Basilica. The other doors are opened in the following days and remain open until the end of the Jubilee when they are once again walled up.

Many are also expecting that the Shroud of Turin will be exhibited during this time. Currently, no specific date has been announced. However, the exhibition is likely to happen sometime between May – June 2025. We will share updates as they become available.

If you are interested in arranging a group pilgrimage with 206 Tours to Rome and Italy during the Jubilee Year, please let us know as soon as possible, as we expect that it will be a very busy year!

Pilgrims visiting Rome in 2025, may be required to obtain a special pilgrim’s card. 206 Tours will handle this registration for you and will ensure that you will be able to attend Jubilee Year events.

The Vatican has said that for the 2025 Jubilee, there will be a specia portal that will include news, notes, information in ten languages available to all pilgrims and has promised to give special attention to all pilgrims, especially: Families, Children, Youth, Movements and Associations, Elderly, Grandparents, Disabled, Sports, Sick and Health Care, Universities, World of Work, Choirs and Choruses, Confraternities, Priests, Consecrated Persons, Eastern Catholics, Catechists, the Poor, Prisoners, and many others.

The Jubilee Year will begin on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Door is a special door that is only opened during Jubilee Years, and it symbolizes the opening of the gates of mercy. Pilgrims from all over the world will come to Rome to walk through the Holy Door and to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a complete remission of their sins.

During the Jubilee Year, there will be many special events and activities taking place in Rome and Vatican City. There will be Masses, processions, and pilgrimages, as well as opportunities to visit the many shrines and holy sites in the city.

The Jubilee Year is a time for Catholics to renew their commitment to their faith and to strengthen their relationship with God. It is also a time for Catholics to come together as a community and to celebrate their faith. The 2025 Jubilee Year is sure to be a memorable and meaningful event for Catholics around the world.

Here are some of the religious and moral activities that pilgrims can participate in during the Jubilee Year:

• Attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist
• Making a pilgrimage to the many shrines and holy sites in Rome
• Praying for forgiveness of their wrongs
• Renewing their commitment to their faith
• Strengthening their relationship with God
• Coming together as a community and celebrating their faith

More information about the Holy Doors:

The Holy Doors are four special doors located in the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. The Holy Doors are only opened during Jubilee Years, which are special occasions that occur every 25 years.

The Holy Doors symbolize the opening of the gates of mercy. When the Holy Doors are opened, it is a sign that God is calling all people to repentance and to a new life of grace. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Rome during Jubilee Years to walk through the Holy Doors and to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a complete remission of their sins.

Here are some of the significances of the Holy Doors

• They symbolize the opening of the gates of mercy.
• They are a sign of God’s call to all people to repentance and to a new life of grace.
• They are a source of hope for all people, regardless of their sins or their circumstances.
• They are a call to renewal and transformation.
• They are a reminder of God’s love and forgiveness.

The Seven Churches Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage of the ‘Seven Churches’, originally conceived by St Philip Neri in the 16th century, is one of the oldest Roman traditions. It involves a walk of about 25 km which snakes through the whole city, reaching out to the Roman countryside, the catacombs and with stops at some of Rome’s magnificent basilicas. Learn more about the Seven Churches Pilgrimage

Iter Europaeum The itinerary of the churches of the European Union, in Latin, the ‘Iter Europaeum’, involves stop-offs at 28 churches and basilicas. Each church on the pilgrim path is linked to a member state of the EU either for artistic or cultural reasons or because the church has a tradition of welcoming pilgrims to Rome who have come from a specific state of the EU. Learn more

Pilgrimage Route Honoring the Patronesses of Europe and Doctors of the Church

This pilgrimage route will bring pilgrims along a journey to which highlights European female saints, in particular, those who have been proclaimed by the Church as Patronesses of Europe and Doctors of the Church. The Churches which have been selected as part of this pilgrimage route are either named after the Saint or house the relics of one of these holy women. Learn more about this pilgrimage route

Additional Information:

Official Website of the 2025 Jubilee

2025 Pilgrimages to Italy with 206 Tours:

Shrines of Italy

Rome (Pope Francis) * Monte Cassino * San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio * Monte Sant'Angelo (St. Michael) * Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) * Loreto (Holy House) * Assisi (St. Francis) * Orvieto * Bolsena

On this pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy, encompasses some of the holiest Catholic sites that Italy has to offer! In Rome, step foot into the four Major Basilicas, see the Square from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, and attend a Papal Audience with his successor, the Pope. In San Giovanni Rotondo, visit sites from the life of St. Padre Pio. In Loreto, visit the “Holy House,” home of the Holy Family and mysteriously transported to Italy by the holy angels. Close out your pilgrimage with several days of prayer and reflection in the beautiful hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

All Italian Shrines

Rome (Pope Francis) * Monte Cassino * San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio * Monte Sant'Angelo (St. Michael) * Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) * Loreto (Holy House) * Assisi (St. Francis) * Orvieto * Bolsena * Siena * Florence * Padua (St. Anthony) * Venice

In June 2019 Pope Francis declared 2020 the Jubilee Year for Air travelers and Pilgrims to Shrine of Loreto. Our Lady of Loreto was named the patron saint of aviation and aviators by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. The Jubilee Year will start on December 8, 2019, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and conclude on December 10th, 2021 the feast of Our Lady of Loreto. According to pious tradition, Mary’s house in Nazareth was flown by angels to Loreto, Italy in 1294, after a stop in Croatia, what was then Yugoslavia. This miracle is often referred to as “the Miracle of the Holy House of Loreto”.

Take in Rome (with its iconic sites, fountains, and four Major Basilicas), and attend the Papal Audience with the Holy Father. Walk in the footsteps of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi. Not to mention time to view the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. From Assisi, you will make your way to Florence – recognized as the “Cradle of the Renaissance”. Visit the marvelous Churches, buildings, and museums that make it so unique, as well as the historical relics and artistic masterpieces by the greatest masters! And to finish with Venice – the “City Paved in Water”, famous for its Basilica, palazzi, ancient bridges, monuments, and piazza’s!

Classic Italy

Rome (Pope Francis) * Monte Cassino * Sorrento * Pompeii * Amalfi Coast * Assisi (St. Francis) * Orvieto * Bolsena * Siena * Florence * Padua (St. Anthony) * Venice

Apart from the endless beauty, the Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its culture, food, wine, Churches, and views from the rolling hills along the coastline. Be introduced to the life of St. Philomena, the Wonder Worker, who proclaimed “Stand firm under the protection of Mary!” While being a famous spot visited by thousands every year, it maintains a quaint, and cozy feeling that will immerse you in the “Vita Bella.”

Rome & Assisi

Rome, Vatican, Orvieto, Bolsena, Bevagna, Assisi, La Verna and Gubbio

Travel to Italy for this exciting 10-day Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Explore “The Eternal City” and all the marvels Rome has to offer – even experience a Papal Audience with the Holy Father! Visit important Catholic sites like the Holy Stairs, the minor Basilicas, ancient Catacombs and more, as well as some secular sites like the Trevi Fountain. Continue to Assisi to walk in the Footsteps of Saint Francis in his hometown. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, art & cuisine of Italy on this Catholic Pilgrimage!

Papal Audience * Trevi Fountain * Piazza Novona * Basilica of St. John the Lateran * St. Mary Major * Holy Steps * Vatican Museum * Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls * Catacombs

Enjoy five (5) days in Rome with the luxury of only having to unpack once! Explore “The Eternal City” and all the marvels Rome has to offer and even experience a Papal Audience with the Holy Father. Visit important Catholic sites like the Holy Stairs, the minor Basilicas, and some historical sites like the Trevi Fountain. Tour the Catacombs in Rome, which are the world’s largest underground Christian burial site. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, art & cuisine of Italy on this Catholic Pilgrimage!

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