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Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Tours

4.2(30.2K ratings)

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Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, Italy.

Interiors of Lateran basilica in Rome, Italy

Group of tourists on a guided tour exploring the ancient Roman Basilicas and mysterious Underground Catacombs on the Appian Way in Rome, Italy

Group of tourists on a Guided Tour of Roman Basilicas & Underground Catacombs on the Appian Way in Rome, exploring ancient architecture and history

Group of tourists on a Guided Tour of Roman Basilicas & Underground Catacombs on the Appian Way in Rome, Italy

Tourists exploring Roman basilicas and catacombs on the Appian Way, Rome.

Group of tourists on a guided tour of Roman Basilicas & Underground Catacombs on the Appian Way, exploring the ancient and mysterious Capuchin Crypts

4.2(1.5K)

Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers

from

€49

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr.

Transfers included

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION3 hours

MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus

START POINT

Central Rome

Get direction

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

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

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

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

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

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

END POINT

Central Rome

Tour Rome’s sacred landmarks—two Papal Basilicas and two ancient catacombs—in one experience.

From Rome’s city center, head to the Sancta Sanctorum and glimpse the 'Holy Stairs', a relic of where Christ met Pontius Pilate before crucifixion!
Visit the neighboring Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, seat of the pope, and the opulent Basilica of St. Mary Major atop Esquiline Hill.
Next up, a trip down the winding catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian where ancient Roman rituals, art, and engineering 'come alive'.
Relax with comfortable transfers between each location. A guide in your language of choice offers detailed insights at every stop.

Tour Rome’s sacred landmarks—two Papal Basilicas and two ancient catacombs—in one experience.

From Rome’s city center, head to the Sancta Sanctorum and glimpse the 'Holy Stairs', a relic of where Christ met Pontius Pilate before crucifixion!
Visit the neighboring Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, seat of the pope, and the opulent Basilica of St. Mary Major atop Esquiline Hill.
Next up, a trip down the winding catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian where ancient Roman rituals, art, and engineering 'come alive'.
Relax with comfortable transfers between each location. A guide in your language of choice offers detailed insights at every stop.

Inclusions

Guided tour of the Holy Stairs at Sancta Sanctorum
Guided tour of St. John Lateran Archbasilica & St. Mary Major Basilica
Guided tour of St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs with entry
Expert English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide
Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome

Tip: Find spiritually significant artworks and relics in the chapel at the top of the Holy Staircase.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for those with claustrophobia or serious mobility issues.
Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
Photography and videography is prohibited inside the catacombs.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

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Catacombs of Saint Sebastian: Dive into the depths of faith

Experience the haunting beauty of the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, one of Rome’s oldest underground burial sites. Originally called ad catacumbas ("near the hollows") due to nearby pozzolana quarries, the term later became synonymous with Christian burial chambers. Transformed into a sacred necropolis in the 4th century, they once held the remains of Saint Sebastian, a revered martyr and key pilgrimage figure. Walk through intricate passages decorated with ancient frescoes and learn about fascinating history of early Christianity in Rome. Read more to find more exciting ways of unearthing Rome’s underground secrets.

Things to know before you book Catacombs of Saint Sebastian tours

Entry to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian is only available through guided tours. The good news? Your guide will share all the exciting insights about early Christian burial practices, how the site transitioned from pagan to sacred, and Saint Sebastian’s incredible story.
The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are amongst tourist favorites. During peak seasons like summer and holidays, spots fill up fast. Book your tickets at least two weeks in advance to avoid the dreaded “No availability”.
Sure, you could catch a bus (routes 118 or 218) or even bike along the Appian Way for some adventure. But let’s face it—round-trip transfers included in a tour mean you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just sit back, relax, and focus on what’s waiting underground.
Book a tour that pairs the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian with other treasures along the Appian Way. You’ll get to visit Basilica di San Sebastiano, located right above the catacombs, and even check out nearby sites like the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. You can hit greatest hotspots of early Christian history—all in one journey!
The catacombs are not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with claustrophobia, severe mobility issues, or respiratory conditions. Be prepared for uneven terrain, around 50 steps, and confined spaces.

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian | Quick facts

Historical significance: Among Rome’s earliest Christian burial sites, these catacombs were named after Saint Sebastian, a martyr buried here, making it a key pilgrimage site for early Christians.
Time period: Established in the late 2nd century and transformed into a Christian necropolis by the 4th century AD.
Current use: Now a historical landmark, they host guided tours to showcase early Christian burial traditions and the legacy of Saint Sebastian.
Accessibility: Open to visitors only through guided tours. Located on Via Appia Antica, but uneven surfaces and stairs may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Key features: Intricate tunnels, the Crypt of Saint Sebastian, 4th-century frescoes in the Cubicle of Jonah, and repurposed pagan mausoleums exhibiting biblical and historical art.

What are Catacombs of Saint Sebastian opening hours?

New opening hours (from January 1, 2025):
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:15am - 5:15pm
Last entrance: 4:45pm
Closing day: Monday
Additional closing days:
Closed on December 25 (Christmas), January 1 (New Year's Day), and Easter Sunday.
Annual closing period from December 2 to December 22, 2025.

Roman Catacombs complete schedule

Best time to visit Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

The best time to visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian is early in the morning, right at opening, for a peaceful experience before crowds arrive. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

For a quieter visit, go during the off-peak season from November to March, when tourist numbers are lower, enjoy a more intimate exploration of the catacombs. In contrast, the peak season from April to October, especially summer, sees a significant increase in visitors. Opting for a weekday visit during the off-peak months enhances the serene and historical ambiance of this ancient site.

Where are Catacombs of Saint Sebastian located?

Address: Via Appia Antica 136, 00179 Rome, Italy.

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are located on the Appian Way, a historic road that leads out of Rome to the southeast. The nearest landmark is the Basilica di San Sebastiano fuori le mura, a church dedicated to Saint Sebastian that is located above the catacombs.

By bus: Take bus line 118 from central Rome, which connects to key locations like the Colosseum and Circo Massimo.
By metro: The nearest metro station is Colosseo (Line B). From there, you can transfer to bus line 118 or take a short taxi ride to reach the catacombs.

Getting to the Catacombs in Rome

What's inside the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Crypt of Saint Sebastian

This sacred space serves as the final resting place for the remains of Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr who was killed during the Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign in the 3rd century AD. While the remains were moved to the basilica above in the 13th century, you can still see his empty tomb in the crypt and pay your respects to his memory.

Tombs and Sarcophagi

The catacombs contain an intricate network of narrow passageways that are lined with beautifully carved tombs and sarcophagi. These burial sites date back to the early Christian era and are a testament to the early Christians' faith and traditions. It's worth noting that the catacombs also contain some pagan tombs and inscriptions, as well as Jewish symbols, showcasing the diverse historical and religious significance of the site.

Ancient Inscriptions and Frescoes

As you wander through the catacombs, you'll encounter ancient inscriptions and delicate frescoes that offer insights into the religious beliefs and practices of early Christians. These artistic representations tell stories of faith, including scenes from the Old and New Testaments such as Noah's Ark, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah and the Whale, the Good Shepherd, and the Resurrection of Lazarus.

Museum of Sarcophagi

You will find a collection of ancient sarcophagi here. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, these intricately decorated sarcophagi feature scenes from the Bible and Christian symbols, providing a glimpse into the art and symbolism of the time.

Mausoleums of the Piazzola

Near the entrance of the catacombs, you'll find the Mausoleums of the Piazzola. These circular mausoleums, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, belonged to wealthy Roman families.

Triclia

A portico where pilgrims used to gather to venerate Saints Peter and Paul, the Tricilia is covered with hundreds of graffiti invocations to the apostles, some written in Greek and Latin, the Triclia offers a glimpse into the devotion and spiritual practices of early Christians.

Timeline: History of the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Late 2nd Century AD: Originally a pagan cemetery, the site was converted into a Christian necropolis. The remains of Saints Peter and Paul were temporarily hidden here to protect them from desecration by the Romans. The name “ad catacumbas” (meaning "near the hollows") originated from the nearby pozzolana quarries, later becoming synonymous with underground burial chambers.
350 AD: Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr killed during the persecution of Diocletian, was buried in the catacombs. Emperor Constantine built a basilica over his tomb, which contained relics like the arrow that pierced him and marble footprints believed to be those of Jesus.
9th Century AD: The catacombs were abandoned following invasions by the Lombards and Saracens.
16th Century AD: Rediscovered by Antonio Bosio, who explored and documented the catacombs.
Present day: The site has been restored and is open to the public, serving as one of Rome’s seven pilgrimage churches and a vital testament to early Christian faith.

History of Rome Catacombs explained

Visitor tips

The catacombs contain intricate details, including frescoes and inscriptions that tell stories of faith. Allow yourself ample time to absorb the atmosphere and reflect on the significance of what you’re seeing.
The underground environment can feel stuffy, so consider bringing a small bottle of water to stay hydrated during your exploration, especially if you're visiting during warmer months.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through uneven surfaces and narrow pathways. While there’s no strict dress code, modest clothing is recommended out of respect for this sacred site. Bring a light sweater or jacket to stay comfortable during your visit.
The catacombs do not have modern amenities like restrooms inside. It’s advisable to use facilities before entering or find nearby options, as there are no toilets within the site.

Plan your visit to Roman Catacombs

Frequently asked questions about the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian tours

Can you visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian without a guide?

No, entry to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian is only allowed through guided tours. This way you also gain valuable insights into the history and significance of the site.

Are there any age restrictions for visitors, or is it suitable for children?

There are no strict age restrictions; children aged six and under can enter for free.

What is the significance of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian are one of the oldest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome. They show how the early Christians lived, worshipped, and died for their faith. They also preserve the relics of many saints and martyrs who inspired generations of Christians. They are one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome and a testimony of the early Christian faith.

What should visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues consider before visiting?

The catacombs involve navigating uneven surfaces and stairs, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Visitors with claustrophobia should consider their comfort level, as the tunnels can feel confined.

Which other catacombs or nearby sites can be visited in combination with the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

You can combine their trip with nearby sites such as the Basilica of Saint Sebastian above the catacombs or other catacombs like San Callixtus or San Lorenzo for a more comprehensive experience.

Are the catacombs accessible during religious holidays or special events?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are closed on specific holidays, including December 25 (Christmas), January 1 (New Year’s Day), and Easter Sunday. It's best to check ahead if planning a visit around these dates.

What can I see in the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian consist of four levels of tunnels and chambers, containing thousands of tombs and sarcophagi, some decorated with frescoes and inscriptions. The catacombs also house some pagan and Jewish burials, as well as three circular mausoleums on the surface. The catacombs also have a portico called triclia, where pilgrims used to gather to venerate Saints Peter and Paul. The wall of the triclia is covered with graffiti invocations to the apostles.

What are the relics in the Basilica of Saint Sebastian?

The Basilica of Saint Sebastian, built over the catacombs in the 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine, contains several relics related to Saint Sebastian and other saints. Some of these relics are the arrow that pierced Saint Sebastian during his martyrdom, a set of marble footprints attributed to Jesus, a stone with an imprint of Jesus' face, a fragment of the column where Jesus was scourged, and a piece of wood from his cross.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far ahead should I plan?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (April to October). Booking at least a week ahead can help secure your desired time slot.

Can you bring food or drinks inside the catacombs or along the Appian Way?

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the catacombs to maintain cleanliness and respect for the sacred space. However, visitors can enjoy snacks along the Appian Way before or after their tour.