Rome Catacombs Tour: Explore Ancient Crypts

Uncover Rome’s chilling catacombs and captivating Capuchin Crypts on this small-group tour. Explore hidden tombs, learn about the city’s history, and witness the bone-adorned crypts. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Piazza Barberini - Meet Our Guide at Piazza Barberini
    Once you meet your knowledgeable local guide at the iconic Piazza Barberini in the heart of Rome, a private vehicle will swiftly transport your group to the captivating Capuchin Crypts. Within these hallowed grounds lie astonishing exhibits showcasing more than 3,700 human skeletons. Following this bone-chilling encounter, your journey continues to the expansive underground tombs of the Catacombs of Callixtus.
  • Museum and Crypt of Capuchins - Explore the Capuchin Crypts
    Nestled beneath the esteemed Church of Santa Maria della Concezione Cappuccini, lie five awe-inspiring chapels adorned with the bones of Capuchin friars. These friars were interred during a time when the Catholic Church permitted burial beneath its sacred grounds. The Capuchin Crypts, although not initially intended as macabre art, serve as a poignant symbol of mortality and the journey of life through the earthly realm.

With the added advantage of bypassing queues, you will have the privilege of exploring all five chapels: the Crypt of the Resurrection, the Crypt of the Skulls, the Crypt of the Pelvises, the Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and the Crypt of the Three Skeletons. This chilling yet captivating display awaits your up-close encounter, offering a truly fascinating experience.

  • Catacombs of Saint Callixtus - Guided Tour of St. Callixtus Catacombs
    As you journey along the historic Appian Way, you’ll encounter the earliest burial grounds of Rome. Here, a fascinating sight awaits as you stop to witness the above-ground cemeteries of the renowned Catacombs of St. Callixtus. But the true adventure lies beneath the surface as you descend into the vast labyrinth of burial sites at one of Rome’s most renowned catacombs.

Throughout history, these catacombs gained immense prestige as they became the final resting place for revered martyrs and pontiffs. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll be led to the crypts housing esteemed popes from the third century, along with an area adorned with remarkably preserved paintings. Prepare to be captivated by the rich history and artistry that lie within these sacred underground chambers.

  • Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) - Via Appia Antica & The Aurelian Walls
    During the third century, Emperor Aurelian took measures to safeguard Rome from invading barbarians by constructing a defensive wall encircling the city. As you embark on your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the impressive Aurelian Walls up close from the comfort of your climate-controlled vehicle. In addition, you’ll marvel at a small portion of the ancient Appian Way, a historically significant Roman road that stretches all the way to Puglia in Southern Italy.

The Appian Way holds great historical significance, having been the site of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the famous revolt led by Spartacus. Rest assured, you won’t witness any such grim scenes today, but your guide will vividly recount the tale, bringing it to life before your eyes. Prepare to be enthralled by the narrative and immerse yourself in the rich history that unfolds along this ancient road.

  • Piazza della Repubblica - Return to Rome’s City Centre
    Following your guided tour of the catacombs, our driver will accompany you back to Rome’s City Center. (hotel drop off not included)
What's Included
  • Tour of the Capuchin Crypts
  • Small Group Setting of Maximum 19
  • English-Speaking Expert Guide
  • Round-Trip Transportation from/to the Catacombs
  • Admire the Ancient Via Appia Antica & Aurelian Wall
  • Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Should you be on the lookout for a brush with Rome’s enthralling history, this curated catacombs tour will suit your taste. Venture below the vibrant city streets to unravel the eerie tombs that remain a secret underground. Conducted by an informed local guide, you’ll be engrossed in the roots and stories of this impressive location. Explore the burial chambers where famous popes and martyrs found their eternal rest in what once was Rome’s most frequented burial site.

Moreover, you’ll be given the chance to traverse the esteemed Appian Way and the spectacular Capuchin Crypts, decorated with the bones of an estimated 3,700 friars. Gear up for a memorable journey!

  • Due to traffic regulations all children must be seated. Car seats available upon request. Must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.
  • Depending on the opening days of the Catacombs, the Catacombs visited can vary
  • DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The company will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Location
Piazza Barberini
Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. Piazza Barberini - in front of the Fontana del Tritone. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(325 Ratings)
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Brian_p
Oct 6, 2024
Best Guide in Town for Catacombs! - Our guides were excellent! Not only was she knowledgeable about our tour , Cappuccine and the Catacombs, but she taught us the best dishes to have while we were in Rome. Along with many other useful information! She was awesome!’
Review provided by Viator
Caroline_i
Oct 6, 2024
Incredible tour. Amazing art - If I could give this 10 stars I would. The guide, Davide, was absolutely incredible and I learned (retained) more in my time with him on the tour in a fun and interesting way l than did in 12 years of Catholic schooling and 2 years of Roman history. I felt bad my mum kept texting and asking where I was so I had to run off before being able to give him a tip. Please tip him extra for me! He was phenomenal and a great guide. The Domitalla Catacombs were quite interesting and the guide, Miram, was very nice and informative. It was raining when I went, so it was a little cold and damp. Keep that in mind, as well as it's narrow and dark with stairs (not great if you're claustrophobic lol). Seeing the tombs and learning about the history was amazing. Speaking of anazing... The last stop at the Capuchin Friars bone art... WOW!!!! The bones are absolutely stunning. I highly, HUGHLY recommend this tour. Fingers crossed you get Davide. If I could've hired him for my time in Florence and Venice, I would have
Review provided by Viator
Shawna_b
Oct 5, 2024
Loved the crypts - Loved the crypts and the information provided by the video tour. The bone sculptures were amazing. The catacomb experience was different then expected but still very interesting. The tour guides were spectacular and very informative
Review provided by Viator
Robin_e
Oct 3, 2024
Crypts in Rome - Going through the crypts was the best. The decor with the bones was amazing!! We had a great tour guide, Gabrielle. He told us so many interesting facts about the crypts and the catacombs. He was a wealth of information. Great tour!!
Review provided by Viator
James_d
Oct 3, 2024
Excellent day - This was fun and very informative. Very much liked the crypt of the monks. Was a little creepy but great fun. The catacombs were fantastic great guide and to be 9 meters down underground in those tunnels was great. Our two tour guides on the bus did a great job full of information about history and also local tips and areas to visit. We had a great day. Be warned the streets are tight for a big bus I dont know how they drive like that. :)
Review provided by Viator
Bunny_l
Oct 1, 2024
These guides were very... - These guides were very informative and added so much to a very interesting tour. The art work of the bones to going deep in the catacombs was fascinating!
Review provided by Viator
T_s
Oct 1, 2024
Fascinating & weird all at once. - A fascinating tour that interested all in our party aged 18 -65. Good instructions for meeting point & Fiona was clearly spoken, passionate & engaging throughout the morning. Definitely worthwhile.
Review provided by Viator
Michaela_p
Oct 8, 2024
Rushed and expensive - Tour guide was nice but tour was very rushed for the cost. The tour was an excellent combination but the staff at the catacombs were rude and the entire tour was very rushed. Would have loved to spend more time learning about the history and exploring.
Review provided by Viator
Steve_r
Oct 5, 2024
Strange, Fascinating, Odd, and Yes, a Little Bit Creepy. - Our guide, a young man who is an high school art teacher for his "day job," was engaging, informative, and fun. The Capuchin crypts were so impressive in their strangeness. Unique, certainly. Grotesque, probably. So very fascinating. Walking from the crypts ot meet the bus for the catacombs tour, we fell behind and were unable to continue. We didn't know it owed be such a long walk to get to the bus, and that it would be all uphill. It owed have bene helpful to know such fact in advance.
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_p
Oct 4, 2024
Only OK - The guide was not the best. He rambled and did not have a coherent story to tell. The sites themselves were interesting but lacked the important context that I would have expected from the guide.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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