Follow your expert guide around tunnels spanning 19km across four levels in Rome's largest catacomb complex!
Follow your expert guide around tunnels spanning 19km across four levels in Rome's largest catacomb complex!
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Exclusions
It was the best guide in the world written by Abel and we went to the Colosseum and I loved it. We Abel's parents were delighted with his explanation and sympathy.
View original review in Spanish
The tour started about 10 minutes later. This meant that we were there about 30 minutes too early in total and were quite a way off. It was very, very crowded. Unfortunately, we could or had to listen to the explanations of the previous and following group (different languages). After about 40-45 minutes on site, we were already finished.
View original review in German
This was a great experience and the guide did so well explaining the whole history of the catecombs and made the tour vivid and interesting. We would definitely recommned this as a very worthwhile tour.
Very interesting guide from a historical point of view, but he made some very heavy remarks about the members of the group (about my grandson's looks, for example) that didn't go down well. He spent more time making (heavy-handed) remarks or jokes than talking about the history of this place. I regret having chosen this activity in Rome.
View original review in French
I liked it, very interesting and very well explained and attended.
View original review in Spanish
Extremely interesting tour. The guide was very knowledgable and would thoroughly recommend.
Very good management, perfect knowledge of German.
View original review in German
The guide was very friendly and answered all the questions we had. A very nice and interesting experience.
View original review in Spanish
We really enjoyed it. Lots of information and an experienced guide.
View original review in German
Very informative, well organised and exciting!
We loved this! It was an amazing experince and the gudie was impormative and friendly.
The tour guide was amazing very kind, funny and full of information
Piazza d'Aracoeli
Set off on comfortable transfers from central Rome, cruising the Appian Way.
5.7 km
19 minutes
1
Catacombs of St. Callixtus
60 min
1 attractions
Tickets included
Traverse the 19km-long tunnels that make up Rome's largest catacomb complex in just one hour with an expert guide!
Crypt of St. Cecilia
Dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, this crypt contains remarkable Biblical frescoes surrounding her serene statue.
5.7 km
19 minutes
2
Piazza d'Aracoeli
Seamless round-trip transfers from Rome's city center to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a fascinating underground labyrinth!
Seamless round-trip transfers from Rome's city center to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a fascinating underground labyrinth!
Inclusions
I liked everything, including the excellent explanation of the bus driver who took us to the catacombs and showed us other places along the way. All highly recommended, well worth it.
View original review in Spanish
Obtaining the tickets was a really easy process. The guide we had was informative, funny and added his own twist as we toured the city in a small bus to the Catacombs. At the catacombs again the process was easy and the guides very informative. We thoroughly enjoyed it and was a highlight to our trip to Rome.
The 3xperience was very nice, the bus driver was very kind, with a good sense of humor, he even told us how to speak Italian, a 10/10.
View original review in Spanish
The driver, Alessandro, was very nice and friendly. And he really did the job of tour guide from Rome to the catacombs, showing the main sites of interest, in addition, he elaborated a printed and audio guide in different languages. Excellent work that he did for the love of Rome, (only in exchange for a tip, totally voluntary).
View original review in Spanish
If I hire something in Spanish, it is so that they speak to me in Spanish and the driver speaks more than 90% of the time in English.
View original review in Spanish
The ease of the process, the meeting point...all very clear. The explanations of the guides, both the bus driver, very nice, who gave us a small tour of the route, and the guide of the catacombs, very nice and friendly too. What I liked the least was the visit to the catacombs. It seemed short, we should have spent only 20 minutes, but it seemed like 10. I would have liked to walk more through the passages, a longer tour. Anyway I recommend it.
View original review in Spanish
Very nice and job-loving bus driver who knew the answer to all questions 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
View original review in German
Allesandro, the driver, was fantastic and he told us interesting facts about Rome on the way. Also the guide in the catacomb was good
We had an amazing time at the underground catacombs and seeing the places where persecuted believers in Jesus Christ were buried and had fellowship and prayer! It was so incredible! Our bus driver Alessandro was truly amazing. He made it so much fun and unforgettable the way he did the tour on the bus to and from the catacombs - we enjoyed having him very much! Our tour guide in the catacombs was great as well! Lord Jesus bless you!
Alex our bus driver was the best! very friendly and informative- loved having him tell us about our surroundings. After our tour he recognized which people belonged to the group as well, great service! The only thing we would recommend is a microphone! If we hadn't been sitting close to the front we would not have understood much of what he was telling us of our surroundings.
Our guide, Zena, was wonderful, very informative and gave us lots of really interesting information about the catacombs, Italy and some wonderful food tips! She made our trip to the Catacombs one of the highlights of our holiday thank you.
The catacombs experience was outstanding, the tour is obviously a work of love to Rome, far from the usual tourist traps only interested in your money: the organizer goes out of his way to transfer to us a sliver of the deep love he has for his city.
I loved the bus trip with Alessandro, very informative, funny and nice, he had a great time and the tour is very good.
View original review in Spanish
once we were on the tour it was great. but when we first got there, it was a bit confusing as to where to meet and we almost missed our group even though we were there within plenty of time
The visit was very interesting. Very well explained by our guide. We went as a family and my 11 year old son loved it.
View original review in Spanish
Thank you very much to Theresa ! She was a great and friendly guide and helped us grasp the great connections of personalities and Roman eras etc!
The guide was very informative.
Good organization, flexible, friendly
View original review in German
It was very smooth and professional
It should be called the Crack Alessandro route. A unique trip to an incredible place.
View original review in Spanish
It was a great experience and the transfer was especially good with a very interesting driver
Our guide, who spoke German, led a very entertaining and interesting tour.
View original review in German
Perfect, the experience is recommended by both the guides and Mr. Alejandro.
View original review in Spanish
Everything perfect, the transfers to the catacombs very entertaining and dynamic. 100% recommendable visit.
View original review in Spanish
A fascinating venue - the catacombs - but the guide n made the entire trip rich and entertaining.
Piazza Barberini
Meet your expert historian guide at Piazza Barberini, beside the fountain of Triton. In a morbid tradition, this square once served as a place where unidentified bodies were displayed for public recognition until the 1800s.
0.23 km
1 minute
1
Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Tickets included
Tune into an audio guide as you explore the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, where underground chapels are adorned with intricate skeletal art, blending the macabre with spiritual reflections.
6.8 km
22 minutes
2
Appian Way Catacombs
Tickets included
Venture into subterranean galleries at either one of the catacombs – St. Callixtus, Domitilla, or St. Sebastian. Each offers a profound journey into early Christian history.
6.9 km
17 minutes
3
San Nicola in Carcere
Tickets included
This medieval church was built over the ancient Forum Olitorium, once home to three temples during the Roman Republic. In the Middle Ages, these temples were repurposed into a prison, giving the church its evocative name, "in Carcere" (in prison).
4 km
16 minutes
4
Piazza Barberini
An eerie assortment of bones, a maze-like complex of subterranean tombs, and the unique San Nicola Basilica await on this 3-in-1 guided tour.
An eerie assortment of bones, a maze-like complex of subterranean tombs, and the unique San Nicola Basilica await on this 3-in-1 guided tour.
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Exclusions
We had half the time needed to listen to the audio in the Crypt. Ran through & heard a fraction of audio. The main issue that we were not aware of was you are NOT brought back to the original starting location. You are dropped off at a location that is a $25+ cab ride.
The tour guides were very informative and funny which made the experience feel more personal. The tour included plenty of features and was a highlight of our trip. Great day!
The experience was excellent! The organization was great, everything was thought of. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, which made the tour extremely enjoyable. I was especially lucky to get Semih as the guide! He was very engaging, attentive and funny. He also shared a link to his list of restaurant recommendations, which was an awesome bonus! Definitely will book more tours!
Great staff. Great tour for the catacombs only. I booked multiple with this site. Just don't book the colosseum and Roman hills. They never showed up to the tour and no tickets are there to request refund. It's like I didn't pay $169 for the tour of all three events. Vatican was also a nightmare to get tickets finally got them. Head out tour so far is not a reliable ticket source. We spent another $120 to tour. I got no ticket no entry and paid $169. No refund just out my money.
Really enjoyed our day out exploring the Crypts and Catacombes. The guides were very knowledgeable. However, this was not a small group tour as advertised. We were in smaller groups at the start of the tour for the Capuchin Crypts but then one of the three guides left us and each group size was well over 20 people for the remainder of the day. Our guides tried very hard to make sure we could see everything/hear them but practically there were far too many in each group for exploring the confined spaces of the catacombs and San Nicola. The end point of the tour was also advertised as Piazza Barberini but there was no option to get the coach back there and we were left some significant distance away at San Nicola on a exceptionally hot day, with metro lines closed. It would have been helpful to have been warned of this in advance because we had to change our evening plans as a result.
Our guide, Peter (maybe Pete, we not 100% sure), was the highlight of our tour. He is a very informative and entertaining guide. Made the tour 10x more fun.
Vanessa our guide was amazing she was very knowledgeable , her English was great , we well understood . She always gave heads up what is next ! Really loved it
I loved the crypts, really creepy! And Alan or else "Jesus" was a good and a fun tour guide, he knew a lot of stuff and left no questions unaswered, I recommend him!
The guides were both very nice and very professional. I liked all three attractions: Catacombs of St. Domitilla Flavia, Church of San Niccola in Carcere (ex temples of Juno, Spes and Janus) and the Crypts of the Cappuccin friars. The tempo was appropriate and the bus transport comfortable with good air conditioning. No problems with tickets or finding the guides.
We recently took a fantastic tour that left us thoroughly impressed and eager to recommend it to others. Francesca, our guide, was nothing short of amazing. Her extensive knowledge and charming demeanor made the experience both enlightening and enjoyable. One of the highlights was exploring the bones and catacombs. Francesca's detailed explanations brought history to life, making the visit truly fascinating. The catacombs, kept at a cool 58 degrees, provided a refreshing break from the heat of the day. The tour bus was very comfortable and new, enhancing the overall experience. The short distance between stops made the journey easy and pleasant, while Francesca's informative commentary kept us engaged throughout. Our last stop was particularly memorable: a remarkable church with three churches built on top of one another. This unique site was a testament to the rich history and architectural wonders we explored. The tour concluded in a fantastic foodie area, ideal for a delicious dinner. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with discovery and enjoyment. Overall, this tour was outstanding. From Francesca's exceptional guidance to the fascinating sites and comfortable transportation, every aspect was top-notch. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore and enjoy!
It was a quiet tour with bus travel. The guide was very passionate but sometimes difficult to follow. In addition, there was another large group of very loud Germans who were annoying. We highly recommend this tour if you do not want to walk too much (and are not afraid of the dark, haha)
View original review in Dutch
Vanessa was our tour guide and we could not have been more thankful to have her showing us the way. Extremely polite, well mannered and organised tour guide who was very clearly passionate about what she was teaching us and passionate about giving us the best possible experience. Very approachable I could not recommend Vanessa more
This tour came as quite a surprise to me, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I would have liked more time at Capuchin Crypts. I had to rush the bone gallery as I spent so much time looking at the first section. All in all I thought the guide was very knowledgeable, welcoming and made everyone feel included. Without being rude, it may be suggested that he use deodorant before the tours. I don't mean to offen but it wasn't very pleasant.
It was a hugely interesting tour, even though I had already been to these same Catacombs over 7 years ago. The guide, Alan, was awesome, he answered all of our questions whilst giving an interesting and captavating history of not only the places we were visiting but of Rome aswell and was very helpful in getting us all moving in the right directions after the tour aswell. The tour was an experience I am not likely to ever forget and I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to see more of Rome then just the big tourist spots.
Frederica was a delight! Sweet, funny. Had a little snaffoo with the bus but it turned out ok. I really enjoyed the excursion. Different and informative.
We loved the Catacombs tour that we went on in Rome, the catacombs themselves were eerie but fascinating. Our guide for this tour,Alain was very knowledgeable and helpful, and really helped to make the tour an amazing experience. Would recommend it.
Everything was really top-notch, but the only downside was that the place where we left and where we were dropped off at the end of the tour was on the opposite side of town, and we weren't warned, so it was rush hour and a real pain to get out of the city at that time of day.
View original review in French
Clear information from the guides
Really great experiences. Alain was extremely knowledgeable and gave excellent information about each of the sites.
Nice guilde Sadely it was in English and we had reserved a tour in French
Miriam was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable
Friendly and competent management.
View original review in German
The guide was very good
View original review in German
Quality of the knowledge from the guide. The whole tour was really interesting!!
Excellent tour, the guide Alan is to be congratulated !!!
View original review in Portuguese
Central Rome
Meet your guide in the city center and climb aboard for a value-packed tour. Good news, if your hotel is in central Rome, you could be picked up from your lobby!
2 km
10 minutes
1
Holy Stairs
Within the Sancta Sanctorum next-door to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran lies this revered relic believed to be the very steps where Christ stood before Pontius Pilate!
0.14 km
1 minute
2
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
This is Rome’s oldest and most prestigious basilica, and the pope’s official seat! Discover its grand Baroque architecture, stunning mosaics, and rich history with your expert guide.
1.5 km
3 minutes
3
Basilica of St. Mary Major
Marvel at the 5th-century mosaics in the nave depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, as well as an intricately decorated altar that houses the relics of the Holy Manger, believed to be from the nativity scene.
5.7 km
19 minutes
4
Catacombs of St. Callixtus
60 min
Tickets included
This vast underground labyrinth reveals early Christian history with ancient passageways, exquisite frescoes, and the resting places of popes and martyrs.
0.6 km
2 minutes
5
Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Tickets included
Glimpse into its underground basilica, serene chapels, and the revered tomb of St. Sebastian. Look out for Bernini's Salvatore Mundi marble bust representing Jesus.
7.5 km
25 minutes
6
Central Rome
Fancy a sacred route? Tour two papal basilicas and two Christian catacombs.
Fancy a sacred route? Tour two papal basilicas and two Christian catacombs.
Inclusions
It was a fantastic experience. The guide was a great professional and knowledgeable about the history of Rome. Both the catacombs and the major basilicas are a must see for anyone traveling to the Italian capital. A tour of 10
View original review in Spanish
Our tour guy was excellent!!! Very knowledgeable and friendly!
Piazza d'Aracoeli
Begin your guided tour from this central location in Rome, and end it at the Capuchin Crypt.
6 km
18 minutes
1
Catacombs of Domitilla
40 min
Tickets included
Home to some of the grandest cubicula around, these catacombs boast an intricate network of tunnels and a 2nd-century semi-undergound Basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus.
6.8 km
22 minutes
2
Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Tickets included
This part of the tour is unguided – turn up your audio guide and independently explore the hauntingly beautiful chapels decorated by skeletal art, blending the macabre with the spiritual.
3
Peek under Rome at the Domitilla Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt, with all transfers included!
Peek under Rome at the Domitilla Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt, with all transfers included!
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Exclusions
Private drivers to get there, incredible catacombs and impressive crypt.
View original review in French
An expertly led tour of the 17km-long tunnels in Rome's second largest catacombs – Domitilla.
An expertly led tour of the 17km-long tunnels in Rome's second largest catacombs – Domitilla.
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Exclusions
A quick tour, just enough time spent under ground in the creepy catacombs!
Very interesting tour. The guide was knowledgeable. I found out stuff I didn't know and it was more detailed than a school textbook.
The Italian speaking guide, a young girl, was wonderful, engaging, professional. All very nice made even more especially fascinating by the guide in Italian.
View original review in Italian
Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
- Expert guides unpack historical, cultural, and architectural details, revealing the significance of the catacombs.
- In small groups of 22 people or fewer, you can be assured of an intimate and meaningful exploration.
- Tours are available in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish, based on your choice!
We recommend these quick tours if you've already got transport from Rome and back sorted.
Recommended tours
Duration: 2 - 3.5 hours
- Travel comfortably from Rome's city center to the Christian catacombs on a panoramic bus, cutting down the logistics of your visit
- Historian guides offer intriguing facts, details, and anecdotes about the history and hidden aspects of the Eternal City in the language of your choosing!
Recommended tours
Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
- Combine your experience with other landmarks, like the Capuchin Crypt, San Nicola in Carcere, or the Papal Basilicas along with the Holy Steps!
- All your transfers are sorted as you take creative routes to the subterranean layers of Rome.
- Led by a guide in preferred language, learn about Roman traditions entombed 2,000 years ago.
Recommended tours
The largest and most important catacomb complex in Rome, the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus features a vast network of tunnels and notable Christian burials and showcases ancient frescoes and intricate crypts carved into the rock.
Discover the Catcombs of Saint CallixtusOne of the oldest and largest catacombs in Rome, dating back to the second century AD, the Catacombs of Domitilla is known for its beautiful frescoes, and numerous sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings reflect early Christian art and imagery.
Explore Domitilla CatacombsThe Catacombs of Saint Sebastian house the remains of Saint Sebastian and feature beautiful early Christian artwork. The labyrinthine tunnels feature ancient inscriptions and provide insights into the faith and customs of the early Christian community.
Discover the Catacombs of St. SebastainNotable for its intricate frescoes, including the renowned earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary, these Catacombs were named after Priscilla, a generous benefactor who donated land for the Christian community to bury their dead.
Explore the Catacombs of PriscillaNamed after the revered Saint Agnes, the Catacombs provide a fascinating glimpse into early Christian burial practices. Descend into the underground chambers to discover beautifully preserved frescoes, intricate carvings, and the final resting place of the young martyr.
Explore Catacombs of Saint AgnesDescend into the depths of the catacombs and explore the sacred resting places of early Christians. These burial sites hold the remains of countless individuals, martyrs, and even Popes.
Closed on:
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings or late evenings.
From Arco di Travertino Metro Station: Catch bus 660 line A, stopping at Basilica S. Sebastiano/Catacombe S. Callisto.
From Colosseo or Circo Massimo Metro Station: Catch bus 118 line B, stopping at Basilica S. Sebastiano/Catacombe S. Callisto.
From San Giovanni Metro Station: Catch bus 218 line A, get off at Fosse Ardeatine, then walk 300/500 meters on Vicolo delle Sette Chiese.
Distance from Leonardo da Vinci International airport (FCO): 18.6 miles.
Car Parking: The Catacombs of San Sebastiano have free parking. There are also parking grounds near the catacombs where you can leave your car for the day. You can book your parking space online on parking networks such as Parkimeter.
Address: Via Appia Antica, 136, 00179 Roma RM (1); Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM (2); Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM (3); Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM (4); Via Nomentana, 349, 00162 Roma RM (5)
Find on Maps: Find on Map (1); Find on Map (2); Find on Map (3); Find on Map (4); Find on Map (5)
Reference: Catacombs of San Sebastiano (1); Catacombs of San Callisto (2); Catacombs of Domitilla (3); Catacombs of Priscilla (4); Catacombs of Sant’Agnese (5)
The catacombs are religious sites for Christians and a dress code must be followed. Ensure that your clothing covers your knees and shoulders.
No, most catacombs require visitors to be accompanied by a guide to ensure proper preservation, safety, and to provide valuable information about the historical significance of the site.
Most catacombs have limited accessibility due to their underground nature and uneven terrain. It is recommended to check with the specific catacomb you plan to visit for accessibility information and available accommodations.
The Roman Catacombs are located in various areas around Rome, Italy. Some of the well-known catacombs are situated along the Appian Way, one of the oldest and most important Roman roads. The Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Domitilla, and St. Sebastian are located along or near this historic route. Other catacombs, such as the Catacombs of Priscilla and St. Agnese, are found in different parts of the city.
Photography policies may vary among catacombs. In general, flash photography is not permitted due to preservation concerns, but some sites may allow you to take non-flash photographs. It is best to check the specific rules at the catacombs you plan to visit.
Depending on the catacombs' locations and your available time, it is possible to visit multiple catacombs in one day. However, consider travel times between sites and ensure you have ample time to fully explore each catacomb. This tour involves a guided pilgrimage to two catacombs, two papal basilicas, and the Holy Steps! First visit Sancta Sanctorum and its famous staircase, followed by St. John Lateran archbasilica and St. Mary Major basilica. It doesn't end there – onward to the catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian! All with a historian in your chosen language.
To respect the sacred nature of the catacombs, it is recommended to dress modestly and appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. Some catacombs may have specific dress code requirements, so it's best to check before your visit.
The cost of Roman Catacombs tours can vary depending on the specific tour, package, or combination of attractions included. On average, ticket prices for guided tours of the catacombs range from approximately €12 to €79 per person. However, prices may fluctuate based on factors such as the duration of the tour, the inclusion of additional attractions, and any special features or services provided. It is advisable to check our curated selection of experiences for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for the specific tour or package you are interested in.
Highlights of the Roman Catacombs tour include exploring the ancient Christian burial grounds, viewing the intricate frescoes depicting biblical scenes, as well as understanding the historical significance as sacred sites, symbolism in artwork, ancient inscriptions, impressive architecture, and its connection to Rome's cultural and religious heritage.
Consider this combo tour that takes you into one of the Christian Catacombs, the San Nicola Basilica, and the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The Capuchin Crypt cannot be explored with a guide. You will instead be provided an audio guide along with your tickets. Tune in and learn all about its underground chapels lined with skeletal art!