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Hidden beneath Rome's historic streets lie the Catacombs, underground tombs dating back to 2 AD. These eerie tunnels provide a rare glimpse into early Christian traditions and architecture.
On a guided tour, you’ll discover intricately carved burial chambers and ancient frescoes that tell the stories of a forgotten time. Ready to uncover the mysteries of this underground city? Read on to plan your visit and explore the best tour options.
Rome’s underground isn’t just a maze of tunnels—it’s a glimpse into ancient life, beliefs, and burial customs. While the Christian catacombs are the most famous, the city also has Jewish catacombs, each with their own unique identity. Let’s break it down.
The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) isn’t just an ancient road—it’s the gateway to Rome’s underground past. Built in 312 BC, this highway linked Rome to southern Italy and soon became a sacred burial site, lined with tombs, mausoleums, and catacombs.
Some of the most famous catacombs along the Appian Way include St. Callixtus, Domitilla, and St. Sebastian.
Today, a walk along the Appian Way is like stepping into history, with ancient ruins flanking its cobbled path. Many catacomb tours start here, making it a must for history lovers.
📍 2nd century AD – The birth of Christian catacombs
Early Christians, facing persecution, begin burying their dead in underground tunnels outside Rome’s city walls. These hidden burial sites double as sacred spaces for worship and remembrance.
📍 3rd century AD – Expansion & recognition
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus become the official cemetery of the Church of Rome. Many popes and Christian martyrs are laid to rest here, cementing their religious significance.
📍 4th century AD – The end of persecution
With Emperor Constantine legalizing Christianity (Edict of Milan, 313 AD), grand basilicas are built over key catacombs, including those of St. Agnes and St. Sebastian. While burials continue, the need for secrecy disappears.
📍 5th - 9th century AD – Decline & abandonment
As above-ground churches and cemeteries take over, the catacombs fall into neglect. Pilgrims still visit the tombs of martyrs, but many relics are moved to churches in Rome for safekeeping.
📍 16th - 19th century AD – Rediscovery & study
Archaeologists begin exploring and documenting the catacombs. Pope Gregory XIII commissions studies of these underground sites, while the Capuchin Crypt—adorned with friars’ bones—becomes a haunting memento mori.
📍 20th - 21st century AD – Preservation & tourism
The Vatican and Italian authorities restore and protect the catacombs, turning them into a must-visit attraction. Today, they offer a rare glimpse into early Christian life beneath Rome’s surface.
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 guidealong with your tickets. Tune in and learn all about its underground chapels lined with skeletal art!
Excellent visit! Very good information from the guides and the design of the audio guide is also good. The visit is made in the context of a historical context and also in the context of a vision of religiosity and respect.
Once we got to the catacombs, the priest who took us down was great. Very knowledgeable & very interesting. However the driver who took us there was very unfriendly, ignored questions & basically dropped us off, handed us our tickets & left. Another tour's guide showed us where we needed to go next & what to do. Never spoke to anyone, took us back to pickup site & opened door for us to exit.
What a shame to make us walk 1 quarter of an hour to catch the bus. To be improved. No explanations either when getting on or off the bus. We were given a ticket and left at the entrance to the site... Fortunately, the French guide Geoffrey was extraordinary...
The tour in German was good and the transfer also went smoothly. However, we had booked a different catacomb tour. After our complaint, we were told that this could no longer be changed. I didn't even receive a reply to my email afterwards. What a shame!
I liked the catacombs. Stop
What did I love - nothing really. It was a bus ride to & from a cata comb. Headcount was basically transportation. We walked to a bus parked few blocks from meeting spot drove to catacombs and then dropped off in a much larger line with folks that paid $10 Euro entrance fee at the place. We had the same guide as folks paying a much cheaper price. Tour notes are misleading in that says guided but don't mention not a private Headcount guide.
The tour and guide were great! I was not happy knowing the ticket was 10 euros and it cost me an additional 51 euros to walk part way then get on a bus. So for the two of us we spent 102 euros for transportation. The driver was unfriendly and minimal instructions were given. When we got off the bus. We were unsure what to do or where to go before and after the tour..... not at all happy about this and will definitely not be recommending this tour
A fantastic experience, the guide was very involved and very knowledgeable, not only of the place, but of the context in general. And Alexandro, the driver, not to say, "explendido", also with a lot of knowledge and in addition to creating a cheerful and fun atmosphere, to the point of wanting to repeat the journey.
The transfer with Alex was great, he took us there and it was very pleasant, and then our guide Rosa was waiting for us and she explained it to us very well. Apart from being an interesting area, if you like the subway!
The guide at the catacombs was excellent but the driver to the catacombs was amateur keep driving us around the same places
the clear explanations; the friendly atmosphere;.the good organization; everything on time.
We had to walk 10 minutes to the bus that would not start sat there for 5 minutes while the guy tried to turn on the car. The it was his first day he did not know where to go and had to call for help. Then when tour was done just dropped us off with no English where to go or how to get back to where we meet
Not the catacombs indicated in the ad price of the person with us 27 euro we 59euro for the same experience tour ultra fast we have not seen any skull as seen on the presentation photos
Pictures advertised were not of rhe catacombs offered and taken to a different one than jooked. Scam
Escape the city heat underground—ride a shuttle to Rome’s oldest catacombs and explore with a multilingual guide.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Italian, German, or Spanish-speaking guide
Round-trip transfers to the Catacombs
Capuchin Crypt access and transfers (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Vicente
Silvia
Ana
Thats was perfect, to see the wonders of the world
The guide Meagan was terrific, and did an excellent job of presenting the information without being exhaustive.The attractions themselves are well worth seeing.
Excellent visit! Very good information from the guides and the design of the audio guide is also good. The visit is made in the context of a historical context and also in the context of a vision of religiosity and respect.
Interesting a different route
Everything was easy and as planned. Guide was very knowledgeable and was great.
It was a fantastic experience. Emilione was awesome. He went above and beyond.
Great guides and transport. Saw a different side of Rome
We had problems to get to the meeting point and were not able to contact anybody via application. NObody contacted us, when we didn´t reached the meeting point, even when we paid such a huge money. As we new we were not able to reach the meeting point, and we din´t get any detailed shedule of the venue, we went directly to the closest point, the Capuchin Crypt. The staff was very kind and really tried to help us. However, even they were not able to connect with anybody from the support team, we didnť find any information about organizing company. They tried to look at lest when should our group reach the Crypt, but they didnt succed to find the company in the app and nobody responded the phone calls. Finally they agreed this all looked very suspicious. That is why we request a refund.
We couldn't find guide at designated meeting point. Signage was not clear. So we missed out on your. Very disappointed
Sammy, our tour guide, started the day with an engaging historical backstory that was relevant to the tour. We arrived on time, but it seemed he was wrapping up his brief as we joined the group, which caused us to miss some initial context. During the visit to the Monks Crypt, Sammy offered us the option to skip the museum and head directly to the crypt. While he assured us there would be enough time to see everything, I found myself rushing through the crypt due to a tight schedule, as I had hoped to listen to all of the audio guide but ran out of time. Additionally, Sammy moved at a brisk pace, which made it challenging for the group to stay together, especially since we were navigating multiple streets and turns. This led to some group members losing sight of him. We were left wondering about the shuttle that was supposed to be included; it turned out to be quite far away, which wasn't communicated well. It might be beneficial for future tours if the shuttle could be closer to the starting point or if the timing could be adjusted, allowing for more leisurely exploration of each site, including the audio guides. In the catacombs, the group was a bit too large to comfortably fit and fully engage with what Sammy was explaining as we moved through the tunnels. Overall, with some adjustments to pacing and communication, the tour could be even more enjoyable and informative!
Everything!! Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable, friendly and great at answering questions we had. Website was easy to use, and I had full contact with the team right throughout our city break and various excursions
Administration was excellent. Guide was outstanding - extremely well informed, took time to check in with us for questions, answered them all. Was a real enthusiast with well-devoted presentation and delivery skills. Was highly informative and engaging at the same time.
Tour not done,the appointment with the guide was in front of the Trilussa monument,indicated on the ticket,we arrived half an hour early,we waited more than an hour but the guide never showed up,we called the assistance,they only spoke English,they refused to speak Italian,we were told that the appointment with the guide was at another address,at the Piramide metro,that by mistake on our tickets was written wrong another address,we took a cab to get where they said the guide was waiting for us but there was no one there.. mocked, lost the day, money and patience... never again!!!.
This tour didn't exist. I've written two emails about it and am expecting a refund.
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!
Clear information from the guides
Visit a crypt lined with 4,000 friars’ bones and ancient catacombs where early Christians were buried on one seamless coach tour with expert narration.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs, Capuchin Crypt with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Italian, German, or Spanish-speaking guide
Round-trip transfers to the Catacombs
City guide app for Rome (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Ceri
Silvia
Richard
Geoffrey's guide was exceptional and the tour enjoyable. Surprised by the price difference at the ticket office. A pleasant, friendly and accommodating welcome, as we were able to change the time of our reservation.
Once we got to the catacombs, the priest who took us down was great. Very knowledgeable & very interesting. However the driver who took us there was very unfriendly, ignored questions & basically dropped us off, handed us our tickets & left. Another tour's guide showed us where we needed to go next & what to do. Never spoke to anyone, took us back to pickup site & opened door for us to exit.
Good tour: competent, straightforward, friendly. I had the English tour (at 15:00) because I was there earlier. Changing from the booked German tour (15:30 h) was no problem.
What a shame to make us walk 1 quarter of an hour to catch the bus. To be improved. No explanations either when getting on or off the bus. We were given a ticket and left at the entrance to the site... Fortunately, the French guide Geoffrey was extraordinary...
This tour was much more interesting than expected. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. On the down side, when reading the info about this tour it says backpacks are not allowed and no shorts and bare shoulders. We were one of the few who followed these rules. Should be removed from info page since it's not enforced
A very nice place and recommended to know, the people who guided (father Marcelo) was willing to answer all kinds of questions. Personally I was very satisfied with the experience.
Spanish speaking guide, Mr. Luis, gives excellent explanations. At the same time it is impressive to walk through them. Thank you.
The tour in German was good and the transfer also went smoothly. However, we had booked a different catacomb tour. After our complaint, we were told that this could no longer be changed. I didn't even receive a reply to my email afterwards. What a shame!
Thought we would see more than what we experienced itwas interesting but I think I would choose a different catacomb if I knew there were only empty graves at this one... informative guide who was very passionate
Enthusiastic guide, did speak very quickly.
Well organized, very competent guide
I liked the catacombs. Stop
Very interesting visit, easily accessible by transportation
The historic site and the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the Catacombs.
The guide was very pleasant and predisposed
Well organized and good tour guide.
Descend the official cemetery of early popes with a local guide in your chosen language.
Everything you get: Make your way to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, just off the Appian Way, and join your guide for a 40-minute tour through ancient burial chambers and fresco-lined corridors. Your skip-the-line ticket includes access to the “Popes’ Crypt” and other key chapels. Tours run in five languages and are kept small for clarity and ease.
Why choose this: This is the most straightforward way to explore Rome’s largest and most historically significant catacombs—perfect if you’ve planned a day around the Appian Way or prefer to arrive on your own.
Upgrades: You can add round-trip transfers from central Rome if you'd rather not navigate public transport.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Italian, German, or Spanish-speaking guide
Round-trip transfers to the Catacombs (as per option selected)
Exclusions
David
Vicente
Le
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Thats was perfect, to see the wonders of the world
Museum with Audioguide was interesting. The crypt was cool and something you don't see anywhere else (e.g. in the Paris catacombs)!!
The guide Meagan was terrific, and did an excellent job of presenting the information without being exhaustive.The attractions themselves are well worth seeing.
Excellent visit! Very good information from the guides and the design of the audio guide is also good. The visit is made in the context of a historical context and also in the context of a vision of religiosity and respect.
I arrived on time according to the agreed time. Found good reception and helpfulness. I did not queue. I found the part of the initial rooms, necessary to introduce the subject, very interesting. Nice collection of paintings, objects and publications. Kudos for the museum organization.
As a lover of Roman history and all things that surround this impressive city, this tour was near the center, affordable and so worth the experience. If you have an hour to spare among the many great sites, don't skip this!
There were pictures of an underground crypt, but apparently it was another place called the same thing.
It was so interesting and very inspiring.
Interesting a different route
Everything was easy and as planned. Guide was very knowledgeable and was great.
It was a fantastic experience. Emilione was awesome. He went above and beyond.
Very fascinating and informative audio guide. Highly recommend.
A history what was telling by audio guide
Very unique experience.The crypt is spooky yet fascinating.
Great guides and transport. Saw a different side of Rome
Step into bone-lined Baroque chambers, Rome’s most haunting experience, hidden beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione.
Inclusions
Entry tickets to the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Audio guide for the Capuchin Crypt and Museum
Guided tour of Capuchin Crypt (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Domitilla Catacombs (St. Callixtus on Tuesdays) with one-way transfer (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Enrico
Ceri
Nicholas
