Rome Catacombs Tours

4.3(28,836)

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Roman Catacombs
























































From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
ÁNGELA VÁZQUEZ PIÑERO
ES

áNgela

Spain
Aug 2025
4/5
Undoubtedly a great visit that includes from the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel in the most complete way possible.
FALIGUERHO Manon

Faliguerho

Sep 2025
5/5
Anna Maria is a lovely person and her explanations were very clear ! The tour was very nice and confortable to make and we saw a part of history easily
Richard Costello
US

Richard

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
The guide Meagan was terrific, and did an excellent job of presenting the information without being exhaustive.The attractions themselves are well worth seeing.
Andreas Nehls
DE

Andreas

Germany
Sep 2025
5/5
The ticket system worked perfectly. The guide was very competent and didactically convincing. Thank you. However, based on our experience, we will look for a longer tour next time. It seems to make sense for the density of impressions.
Cristina Cagiotti

Cristina

Aug 2025
5/5
Beautiful experience, the guide very knowledgeable and kind. Very interesting tour. Everything perfect even for tickets, tour on time, everything perfect. Thank you Cristina
Marco Biancheri

Marco

Oct 2025
5/5
I have been to the catacombs and I must say that the impact is remarkable, an immersion in real history, not the history of books. The thing that impressed me most, however, was the guide. A young girl, very knowledgeable, who did not just repeat the usual notions. She explained the historical contexts and symbologies superbly, with an analytical clarity that made you connect the dots immediately. Truly a professional who enhances the site, making the tour educational and engaging. Next, I visited the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with the attached museum. The entire museum tour, supported by an excellent audio guide, provides a basic background on the Order, before getting to the core. The Crypt itself is a work of extreme symbolism: the use of bones as a decorative element is not a macabre gesture, but a tangible and very powerful meditation on the transience of matter and the eternity of the soul. A heavy concept, but expressed with a theatricality that forces you to reflect. In short, it was an experience that goes far beyond a mere tourist attraction. I absolutely recommend it: it is a fascinating, historically relevant and conceptually stimulating trip. A must-see.
Alina Radecke

Alina

Oct 2025
4/5
As we bought our tickets in advance, we were able to skip a long queue. We got the audio guides and headphones straight away without queuing and then we were off. The audio guide was great. At the beginning we went through a long gallery. The audio guide explained special paintings and exhibits well. It was also quite interesting. At the end, we went into the crypt. We finished there relatively quickly, but the trip was definitely worth it. Very interesting and worth seeing.
MULLER Pascal
FR

Muller

France
Sep 2025
4/5
It was interesting and unusual. The only drawback was that the timetable on the ticket did not correspond to the time of the visit. The crypt was closing for the lunch break, although this was not indicated on the ticket. Inevitably, we arrived just as they were closing.

Top things to do in Rome

⚡Quickfire Catacombs Q&A⚡

  • Do I visit more than one catacomb on a tour? Usually, no — each tour focuses on one major site, like the Catacombs of Callixtus or Domitilla.
  • I feel adventurous. Can I visit solo? As thrilling as that sounds, exploring alone is a no-go. Only licensed guides can lead the way.
  • Is there lighting inside the catacombs? Yes, but it’s dim. Bring no flashlights or tripods; it’s all part of the experience.
  • Should I get there myself or book transfers? Transfers. The catacombs sit beyond the city center, and taxis aren’t always easy to find for the ride back.
  • Can I take photos inside? No photos, sorry! Most catacombs prohibit photography out of respect for the site’s sacred and historical nature.

Overview

  • Ways to explore: Most tickets include guided entry into Rome’s early Christian catacombs (either St. Callixtus or Domitilla) led by multilingual experts in small groups (≤25 guests).
  • Additional access: Some tours include optional round-trip transfers from central Rome, while combo upgrades connect your visit with the eerie Capuchin Crypt and Museum.
  • Unique experiences: Visit the Capuchin Crypt, which, though not a catacomb, offers a macabrously creative perspective on preserving the dead with its bone-lined decor.
  • Queues & entry: All guided tours include pre-reserved entry, skipping on-site ticket lines; security checks may add 5–10 minutes.
  • When to book: Tickets often sell out a few days in advance, especially in summer when the catacombs offer a cool escape from the Roman heat.
  • Good to know: Standard tours last less than an hour. There is moderate walking and stairs involved. Most tickets include free cancellation up to 24–72 hours before your visit.
  • Best upgrade: Opt for the guided tour with round-trip transfers for a seamless experience, from city center pickup to the catacombs’ deepest tunnels.

Roman Catacombs explained

✝️Catacombs of St. Callixtus

What’s unique: The official cemetery of the early Church, housing popes and martyrs from the 3rd century.
Location: Along the historic Appian Way | 〜5km from city centre.
Size: The largest and most visited network of catacombs in Rome (approx. 20km).
Look out for: The Crypt of the Popes and beautifully carved early Christian symbols.

St. Callixtus Catacombs tickets

🖼️Catacombs of Domitilla

What’s unique: The best preserved catacombs, known for vivid frescoes and early Christian art.
Location: Near Via delle Sette Chiese, just off the Appian Way | 〜5km from the city centre.
Size: Over 17 kilometers of galleries spread across four levels.
Look out for: The fresco of the Good Shepherd and the underground Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus.

Explore Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome

💀Capuchin Crypt

What’s unique: A macabre yet artistic ossuary decorated with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars.
Location: Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, near Piazza Barberini | 〜2km from the city centre
Size: Five chapels, each arranged with intricate bone designs.
Look out for: The Crypt of the Skulls and the haunting “What you are now, we once were” inscription.

Reserve Capuchin Crypt tickets

⚰️Catacombs of St. Sebastian

What’s unique: Built over ancient quarries, later turned into Christian burial grounds and pilgrimage sites.
Location: Beneath the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls | 〜5km from the city centre
Size: Smaller (roughly 12km) but historically rich, with multiple burial chambers.
Look out for: Memorials to St. Sebastian and early graffiti honoring St. Peter and Paul.

Book Catacombs of San Sebastiano tickets

👑Catacombs of Priscilla

What’s unique: Known as the “Queen of Catacombs,” home to the earliest known fresco of the Virgin Mary and other Old and New Testament scenes.
Location: Via Salaria, in the northern part of Rome | 〜6km from the city centre
Size: Around 13km of galleries spread over multiple levels.
Look out for: The Greek Chapel, a richly decorated chamber with colorful biblical frescoes dating back to the 2nd century.

Book Catacombs of Priscilla tickets

🌹The Catacombs of Saint Agnes

What’s unique: Built around the tomb of St. Agnes, a young martyr of the 3rd century, these catacombs beautifully merge faith and Roman history.
Location: Beneath the Basilica of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura, along Via Nomentana | 〜6km from the city centre
Size: Smaller and more intimate than other catacombs, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection (about 7km)
Look out for: Early Christian symbols and epitaphs carved in marble near St. Agnes’s burial chamber.

Explore Catacombs of Saint Agnes

Which Roman Catacombs tour is best for you?

Ticket typeEntrance usedLines skippedIncludesGuideWhy choosePrice fromBook now

St. Callixtus

Main entrance, via Appia Antica

Ticket line

Access + official guide

Yes

Largest of the catacombs; see popes' burial chambers

€20

Callixtus Guided Tour

Domitilla

Main entrance, Via delle Sette Chiese

Ticket line

Access + official guide

Yes

Fewer crowds; admire best-preserved frescoes

€12

Domitilla Guided Tour

Capuchin Crypt

Main entrance, Via Vittorio Veneto

Ticket line

Access + audio guide

Audio guide only

Independent exploration; intriguing macabre art display

€11

Capuchin Crypt Tickets

Round-trip transfers

Meeting point in central Rome

Return shuttle to/from selected catacomb

Host only; guide at the catacombs

Skips public transport hassles; time-saving

€59

Catacombs Transfers

What to expect at the Roman Catacombs

Skulls and bones arranged in a decorative pattern in a Roman Catacombs crypt.
Skulls and bones in Roman catacombs, part of a small-group walking tour.
Shepherd fresco in the Roman Catacombs, Italy, depicting a figure with sheep.
Guide explaining Roman Catacombs to tourists during Capuchin Crypts tour.
Roman Catacombs Capuchin Crypt with skulls and monk figures in Rome, Italy.
1/5

Descend beneath the Eternal City

Step away from Rome’s busy streets and into a hushed, ancient underworld. The temperature drops as you follow dimly lit passageways carved into soft volcanic rock.

Walk through early Christian history

Explore burial chambers where Rome’s first Christians laid their loved ones to rest. Simple carvings, Greek inscriptions, and centuries-old frescoes tell quiet stories of faith, secrecy, and hope.

See art where it was born

Guided tours reveal original frescoes and symbols, from the “Good Shepherd” in Domitilla to the earliest known image of the Virgin Mary in Priscilla. These artworks remain in their original setting, not behind glass, giving the experience a raw authenticity.

Convenient additions

Since the tunnels are fragile and protected, access is only possible with an expert guide. They reveal hidden frescoes, burial chambers, and the meaning behind ancient Christian symbols. Upgrade to include round-trip transfers so you can skip the hassle of navigating Rome’s outskirts and focus entirely on the experience.

Extend your journey with special access

Visit the Capuchin Crypt — not a catacomb but deeply connected in spirit. Its haunting chapels, decorated with the bones of Capuchin monks, echo the same reflections on life, death, and faith that make the Roman Catacombs so powerful.

Things to know before booking your Rome Catacombs tours

  • Book early: Tickets often sell out in summer and on weekends. Book at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred day and time.
  • Guided tours are the only way to explore: Independent entry isn’t allowed due to the delicate underground environment. All visitors must join a licensed guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access.
  • The exception? The Capuchin Crypt: While it’s not technically a catacomb, the Capuchin Crypt offers a thematically similar experience. You’ll wander through chapels decorated with human bones, guided by an audio tour.
  • Upgrade to include transfers: The catacombs sit along the Appian Way, well outside the city center and tricky to reach via public transport. Choosing a ticket with round-trip transfers saves time and hassle. Simply meet your group in central Rome and relax on the ride.
  • Different catacombs open on different days: St. Callixtus closes on Wednesdays, and Domitilla on Tuesdays. Occasionally, some sites may close for extended maintenance periods (sometimes lasting several weeks). If this happens, tours automatically reroute to another catacomb of equal historical and artistic value, so you don’t have to worry about missing out.
  • Accessibility: The catacombs are ancient and atmospheric but not accessible for wheelchairs or visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues. Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket; the temperature underground stays around 16°C year-round.

Catacombs of Rome: map

Situate the catacombs vis-a-vis popular landmarks in the city. Trace the general route and distance from central Rome.

Catacombs and nearby Roman landmarks

Roman catacombs with nearby landmarks

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Catacombs of Callixtus Map

Catacombs of Domitilla

Catacombs of Domitilla map

Highlights of the Roman Catacombs

Ancient fresco in the Roman Catacombs depicting a religious scene, part of the Underground Roman Catacombs Tour.

Frescoes of the Early Christians

Location: Catacombs of Domitilla & Priscilla
Delicate frescoes painted nearly 1,800 years ago depict biblical scenes and symbols of hope, like the Good Shepherd and the Orant.

Underground passageway in Roman Catacombs, dimly lit with stone walls.
Skulls and bones in the Capuchin Crypts, part of the Roman Catacombs tour.
Catacombs of Domitilla interior with ancient columns and altar, Rome guided tour.
Ancient cobblestone path lined with trees on the Appian Way, Rome.
Christian vs. Jewish catacombs: two faiths, one underground legacy

Christian Catacombs — From the 2nd century AD, where early Christians worshipped in secret. Frescoes, saints’ tombs, and echoes of faith line these sacred tunnels.
🔹 Famous sites: St. Callixtus, Domitilla, Priscilla & St. Sebastian.

Jewish Catacombs — Older and rarer, these reflect Rome’s ancient Jewish roots. Menorahs and Torah carvings reveal a quieter, equally profound devotion.
🔹 Hidden gems: Villa Torlonia & Vigna Randanini.

Roman Catacombs location and getting there

Catacombs of St. Callixtus (Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM)

Catacombs of Domitilla (Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM)

Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Via Appia Antica, 136, 00179 Roma RM)

Catacombs of Priscilla (Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM)

Catacombs of Sant'Agnese (Via Nomentana, 349, 00162 Roma RM)

Detailed directions to the Catacombs
girl on the bus
  • 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.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours:

  • From Big Bus Tours: The closest stop is Catacombs of San Callisto on the Red Route.
  • From City Sightseeing Rome: The closest stop is Catacombs of San Callisto on the Red Route.
  • From I Love Rome: The closest stop is Catacombs of San Callisto on the Red Route.
  • From Green Line Tours: The closest stop is Catacombs of San Callisto on the Green Route.

The average time taken to reach the Christian Catacombs on the Appian Way by car from central Rome is 20 to 30 mins, covering a distance of approximately 7 km (4.5 miles).

Car parking

  • Via dei Numisi, 165 Garage: Located 7 min away from the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
  • Via Giovanni Genocchi Parking: Located 5 min away from the Catacombs of Domitilla
  • Parking Navigatori: Located 9 min away from the Catacombs of St. Agnes
  • Parcheggio Quick Tripoli Roma: Located 11 min away from the Catacombs of Priscilla
  • Via Giovanni Ansaldo, 8 Parking: Located 5 min away from the Catacombs of Commodilla 

Make the most of your visit

tourist walking through the ancient Roman Catacombs during the Capuchin Crypts & Basilica of San Nicola Guided Tour in Rome
  • Catacombs of St. Callixtus: 9am–12pm; 2pm–5pm (Thu to Tue)
  • Catacombs of Domitilla: 9am–12pm; 2pm–5pm (Wed to Mon)
  • Catacombs of St. Sebastian: 9:15 am–5:15 pm
  • Catacombs of Priscilla: 9am–12pm; 2pm–5pm (Tue to Sun)
  • Catacombs of Sant’Agnese: 10am–1pm; 3pm–6pm

Closed on

  • Catacombs of St. Callixtus: Wednesdays
  • Catacombs of Domitilla: Tuesdays
  • Catacombs of Priscilla: Mondays
  • Catacombs of Sant’Agnese: December 25, January 1, Easter, the morning of religious holidays

Best time to visit: Early mornings or late evenings.

See complete Catacombs schedule
Guided tour group exploring the ancient Roman Catacombs and Basilica of San Nicola on the Appian Way in Rome, Italy
  • The catacombs are religious sites for Christians and a dress code must be followed. Ensure that your clothing covers your knees and shoulders. 
  • Photography and videography inside the catacombs are prohibited. 
  • Large backpacks are not allowed inside the catacombs. 
  • Face masks are mandatory and social distancing protocols must be observed.
  • Each catacomb has a separate entry ticket, unless you purchase tickets to a pre-planned tour.
  • All catacomb visits are to be conducted in groups of 2 people minimum.
  • It is forbidden and dangerous to cross the lines that indicate public access. It is a vast network of underground tunnels and unsafe to wander alone.
Tour group with audio guide in underground catacombs, Rome
  • Sunday cyclists’ secret: Via Appia Antica is closed to most traffic on Sundays. Rent a bike and enjoy a peaceful, scenic ride past aqueducts and ancient tombs on your way there.
  • Don’t skip the small details: Look out for early Christian symbols — like the fish, anchor, or dove — carved into the walls. These were secret signs of faith during persecution.
  • Go prepared for stairs: Expect uneven steps, sloping paths, and low ceilings. Comfortable shoes are a must — sandals or heels are a no-go.
  • Plan your return trip: Taxis are scarce near the catacombs. Book a return ride in advance, or head towards Appia Pignatelli or Arco di Travertino for bus connections back to the city.
  • Pair it with nearby stops: The Appian Way is dotted with historical gems — the Circus of Maxentius, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the Aurelian Walls are all within easy reach.
Plan your Catacombs visit

Frequently asked questions about Rome Catacombs tours

Can I explore the Catacombs on my own without a guide?

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.

Are the Catacombs in Rome accessible for individuals with mobility issues?

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.

Where are the Roman Catacombs located?

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.

Can I take photographs inside the Roman Catacombs?

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.

Can I visit multiple Rome Catacombs in one day?

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.

Are there any dress code requirements for visiting the Catacombs in Rome?

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.

What are some of the highlights of the Roman Catacombs tour?

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.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.