English

EUR

Book Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Tickets

4.3(59.2K Ratings)

Expert guides. Unique insights.

Tours in multiple languages

Top experiences in Rome

‌
‌
‌

Tour guide leading a group through the ancient Roman Catacombs during the Capuchin Crypts & Basilica of San Nicola Guided Tour in Rome

Group of tourists on a Guided Tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome, exploring ancient underground tombs

Group of tourists on a Guided Tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome, exploring ancient underground passages

The Catacomb of Callixtus on the Appian Way in Italy.

Entrance to the Catacomb of Callixtus on the Appian Way in Italy.

Group of tourists exploring the ancient Catacombs of St. Callixtus on a guided tour in Rome, Italy

Catacombs of Callixtus on the Appian Way in Italy.

4.5(481)

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

from

€20

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

45 min.

Follow your expert guide around tunnels spanning 19km across four levels in Rome's largest catacomb complex!

Walk along the crypts where early popes and bishops were laid to rest, giving the Catacombs of St. Callixtus its moniker 'little Vatican'.
Engage with the cultural significance of this millennia-old burial and worship site in the language of your comfort.
Intriguing iconography and frescoes emerge as you wander amidst tombs of varying complexity, from small loculi to grander arcosolia!

Follow your expert guide around tunnels spanning 19km across four levels in Rome's largest catacomb complex!

Walk along the crypts where early popes and bishops were laid to rest, giving the Catacombs of St. Callixtus its moniker 'little Vatican'.
Engage with the cultural significance of this millennia-old burial and worship site in the language of your comfort.
Intriguing iconography and frescoes emerge as you wander amidst tombs of varying complexity, from small loculi to grander arcosolia!

Inclusions

Guided tour of St. Callixtus Catacombs with entry
Expert English, Italian, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide

Exclusions

Round-trip transfers from Rome

Tip: Look out for carved symbols on graves, like the Good Shepherd, an example of early Christian imagery.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for those with claustrophobia or serious mobility issues.
There are 50 irregular steps to descend and ascend, with no seating area or elevator.
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 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Top things to do in Rome

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Trevi Fountain Tours

Palazzo Merulana

Altare della Patria

Rome Underground Tours

Mamertine Prison

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Rome: Ostia Antica

What are the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, located on the Appian Way in Rome, are an underground cemetery that holds great historical and religious significance. Dating back to the early Christian era, these catacombs served as a burial place for early Christians during a time of persecution. The narrow passageways winding through the catacombs are lined with tombs, sarcophagi, and intricate carvings, providing a fascinating glimpse into the faith and traditions of the early Christian community. One of the notable features is the crypt of Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr whose remains are entombed here, making it a site of pilgrimage for the faithful.

Quick Facts about the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Official name: Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
Address: Via Appia Antica, 136, 00179 Rome, Italy
Date of opening: 3rd century AD
Timings: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Function: Underground cemetery for early Christians and the entombment of Saint Sebastian

Why Visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Step back in time: Journey through an underground cemetery that dates back to the early Christian era. Learn about the role it played in the history of early Christianity.
Spiritual significance: Walk in the footsteps of saints and martyrs and gaze upon beautifully carved tombs and inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the faith of the early Christian community.
Crypt of Saint Sebastian: Pay your respects to the remains of the early Christian martyr entombed in this crypt.
Architectural marvel: Admire the winding passageways, intricate carvings, and delicate frescoes that make up this fascinating complex.

Plan Your Visit to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian's Opening Hours

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, daily

Closed: January 1, and the month of December.

Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Rome Catacombs Timings

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Location

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.

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.

History 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 were originally a pagan cemetery, but they were converted into a Christian necropolis in the late 2nd century AD when the remains of Saints Peter and Paul were temporarily hidden there to avoid desecration by the Romans. The site became known as “ad catacumbas”, meaning "near the hollows", because of the nearby pozzolana quarries. This term later became synonymous with underground burial chambers.

In 350 AD, the body of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was killed by arrows during the persecution of Diocletian, was buried in the catacombs. A basilica was built over his tomb in the early 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine, and the catacombs were renamed after him. The basilica contains several relics related to Saint Sebastian, such as the arrow that pierced him and a set of marble footprints attributed to Jesus.

The catacombs were abandoned in the 9th century AD, due to the invasions of the Lombards and Saracens. They were rediscovered in the 16th century AD by Antonio Bosio, who explored and documented them. The catacombs have been restored and opened to the public since then. They are one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome and a testimony of the early Christian faith.

History of Rome Catacombs

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Today

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian stand as a testament to early Christian faith and Church history. They preserve relics of saints and martyrs and showcase art and culture with thousands of paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, and symbols. These treasures reflect the religious and social aspects of ancient Rome and the influence of diverse cultures. Today, the catacombs serve as a pilgrimage site, tourist attraction, and archaeological marvel. Visitors from around the globe explore the underground tunnels and chambers, immersing themselves in the past. With its unique history, the catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of early Christianity and its impact on the city's heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

What is the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are an underground cemetery in Rome that date back to the early Christian era and were used as a burial place for early Christians during a time of persecution.

What is the Crypt of Saint Sebastian?

The crypt of Saint Sebastian is the burial site of the remains of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was killed during the Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign in the 3rd century AD. It is highly revered by Christians and a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.

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 is the origin of the name of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian were originally called ad catacumbas, meaning "near the hollows", because of the nearby pozzolana quarries. This term later became synonymous with underground Christian burial chambers. The catacombs were renamed after Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was buried there in 350 AD.

When are Catacombs of Saint Sebastian open?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on January 1, and the month of December.

Is there an entry fee for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Yes, there is an entry fee for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. The entry tickets cost €8 for adults 17 years and above. Kids aged seven to 16 years, students with valid ID cards, and priests get a €3 discount and pay only €5 to enter. Children under six years and caregivers for people with disabilities are free. The entry tickets include a guided tour in a chosen language with the catacombs staff.

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.

Can visitors take photographs inside the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Photography is allowed on the tour but without flash. However, commercial or drone photography is strictly prohibited.

Is there a dress code for visiting the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Visitors are advised to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes as the catacombs have uneven surfaces and stairs. Covering one's shoulders and knees is an absolute must.