Rome Catacombs Tours

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Tickets

Capuchin Crypt Ticket with Audio Guide

Walk through the eerie bone-lined chapels and learn about Capuchin friars' burial traditions via audio guide.

Everything you get: Enter the Capuchin Museum and Crypt anytime during operating hours and explore at your own pace with an audio guide. Walk through chapels decorated with human bones, discover relics, paintings, and sacred objects, and learn the symbolism behind this unusual underground site.
Why choose this: Whether you want a short, flexible visit to the bone chapels or a guided underground tour with transfers, there’s an option to match your time and curiosity.
Upgrades: Join a guided tour of Rome’s catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt with skip-the-line catacombs entry and coach transfers between sites. Or choose an extended route with a stop at Bocca della Verità.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers

Skip city logistics and explore Rome’s strangest site of faith through stories of Capuchin friars and underground Rome.

Everything you get: Travel from central Rome with round-trip transfers and explore the Capuchin Crypt and Museum on a guided tour. Walk through museum galleries and the famous bone chapels as your expert guide reveals the symbolism, traditions, and stories behind this remarkable expression of faith.
Why choose: Avoid navigating across the city and experience the Crypt with expert context that transforms a visually striking visit into a deeper understanding of Rome’s religious history.
Upgrades: Extend your underground journey with a guided tour of the Roman Catacombs in your selected language and discover how early Christian communities lived, worshipped, and commemorated life beneath ancient Rome.

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Free cancellation

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3 hrs - 3 hrs 30 mins

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Roman Catacombs Tickets with Guided Tour

What to bring

A light jacket/shawl, as it gets chilly inside the catacombs

What's not allowed

Photography and videography
Pets

Accessibility

The catacombs are unsuitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

Additional information

You get skip-the-line entry to the catacombs of St. Callixtus on all days except Wednesday. To the catacombs of Domitilla, skip-the-line entry is available only on Wednesday.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reserved time slot.

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45 mins - 2 hrs

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Capuchin Crypt, Christian Catacombs & San Martino ai Monti Tour with Transfers

Inclusions #

Expert English-speaking guide
Groups of up to 25 guests
Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome
Entry to the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with audio guide
Guided tour of St. Callixtus/Domitilla/St. Sebastian Catacombs with skip-the-line entry
Guided tour of Capuchin Crypt (as per option selected)
Entry to San Martino ai Monti (as per option selected)
Visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin & Pope Hadrian’s Crypt, Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel pick up and drop off
Food & beverages

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Free cancellation

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3 hrs 30 mins

Audio guide

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

Step beneath Rome to uncover the final resting place of early popes and martyrs.

Everything you get: Descend into history with your expert guide as you explore the labyrinthine Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Domitilla on Wednesdays). Hear stories of secret worship, persecution, and faith carved into the rock nearly 2,000 years ago. With skip-the-line access and live commentary in multiple languages, this immersive guided tour reveals the hidden heart of ancient Christian Rome.
Why choose: Did you know nine popes were buried beneath Rome? Discover their resting place in St. Callixtus—the Little Vatican—and let your guide unravel how faith once flourished in secret.

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45 mins

What are Rome’s Catacombs, really?

Underground cemeteries carved in volcanic rock between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD, these sacred spaces were used by early Christians and Jews to bury their dead and worship in secret.

From popes’ crypts at St. Callixtus to the bone chapel of the Capuchin Crypt, each site offers something unique.

Still deciding? See our guide

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Walking Tours

Capuchin Crypt & Roman Catacombs Guided Tour & Transfers

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.

Everything you get: Meet your host and group at Piazza Barberini, and board an AC coach to begin your underground adventure. Start at the Capuchin Crypt beneath Santa Maria della Concezione, featuring six haunting chapels adorned with the bones of over 4,000 friars. Explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. Then, continue to one of Rome’s major catacombs (St. Callixtus, Domitilla, or St. Sebastian), where a licensed guide leads you through ancient tunnels and burial chambers. Commentary is available in five languages and groups are capped at 20–25 people**.**
Why choose this: Most tours make you choose between the crypt or the catacombs—this one gives you both. You get expert guidance, round-trip transport, and zero logistics to figure out. Perfect for those wanting Rome’s full underground story in just one afternoon.
Upgrades: Add a stop at the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere, a hidden gem layered over ancient temples. Choose the Vox City Guide app to keep exploring Rome at your pace—stories unlock automatically at 80+ landmarks as you walk.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr - 3 hrs 30 mins

Guided tour

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

Descend into Rome’s largest and most storied catacombs, accompanied by an expert.

Skip the ticketing queues at entrance and navigate this vast 19km underground network with a professional, who brings the site’s historical and religious significance to life.
Learn about why the Catacombs are called the "Little Vatican"—this sacred burial ground is the final resting place of 16 popes and numerous early Christian martyrs.
See the centuries-old frescoes and burial chambers of varying sizes, each depicting the evolution of early Christian art and beliefs.

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45 mins

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Ticket with Guided Tour

Walk straight into Rome's oldest Christian burial site with expert insights in your language.

Everything you get: Skip the ticket line and join a guided walk through the third century burial tunnels of St. Callixtus, its underground chapels, ancient frescoes, and papal tombs, led by an expert guide. Hear stories of early Christian Rome in your chosen language, English, Italian, German, or Spanish.
Why choose this: This focused visit to Rome's Little Vatican offers skip-line entry and rich context, ideal if you want depth here without add-ons.
Upgrades: Pick transfers, Capuchin Crypt with audio guide, or a golf cart tour of Catacombs and Appian Way with driver guide, and groups of 14 or 25.

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Book now, pay later

45 mins - 3 hrs 30 mins

Audio guide

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Catacombs of Domitilla Tickets with Guided Tours

Explore Rome’s largest catacomb, home to a rare underground basilica and miles of ancient burial tunnels with a guide.

Everything you get: Skip the ticket line and join a guided tour of the Catacombs of Domitilla in your chosen language. Explore one of Rome’s most extensive underground cemeteries, discover ancient frescoes, burial chambers, and the Basilica of Saints Nereus and Achilleus.
Why choose this: Domitilla offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to Rome’s other catacombs, with one of the city’s only underground basilicas and some of its longest accessible burial galleries.
Upgrades: Add round-trip bus transfers and a visit to the Capuchin Crypt with an audio guide, where chapels decorated with human bones reveal a very different side of Rome’s religious history.

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30 mins - 3 hrs

Audio guide

Transfers available

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Guided Tours

Roman Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfers

Trade Rome's crowded piazzas for its hidden underground world, with a local guide and transfers to ancient catacombs beyond the city walls.

Everything you get: Step beneath modern Rome into its ancient burial networks with skip-the-line entry to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Domitilla, depending on the day). Travel comfortably from central Rome by coach, follow an expert guide through underground tunnels and sacred chambers, and uncover stories of faith, persecution, and early Christian life.
Why choose this: Reaching Rome’s catacombs independently can be time-consuming. Round-trip transport and expert guidance make exploring these remote archaeological sites simple and stress-free.
Upgrades: Pair your catacomb visit with the bone-lined Capuchin Crypt and audio guide, or explore the historic Appian Way by golf cart with a small group of up to 14 guests.

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Book now, pay later

2 hrs - 3 hrs 30 mins

Transfers available

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Slide 1 of 4

⚡Quickfire Catacombs Q&A⚡

Do I visit more than one catacomb on a tour? That depends on the tour. Some experiences may take you to more than one catacomb, although the specific site may vary depending on the day.
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.
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

Which Roman Catacombs tour is best for you?

Ticket type	Entrance used	Lines skipped	Includes	Guide	Why choose	Price from	Book 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

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 of Domitilla and St. Callixtus

Catacombs and nearby Roman landmarks

Catacombs of Domitilla

Roman Catacombs location and getting there

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.

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.

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

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.

Rome Catacombs Tours

Capuchin Crypt Ticket with Audio Guide

Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers

Roman Catacombs Tickets with Guided Tour

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

Capuchin Crypt, Christian Catacombs & San Martino ai Monti Tour with Transfers

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

Capuchin Crypt & Roman Catacombs Guided Tour & Transfers

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Ticket with Guided Tour

Catacombs of Domitilla Tickets with Guided Tours

Roman Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfers

Top things to do in Rome

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We partner with the best

All the best options, in one place

Book with complete peace of mind

⚡Quickfire Catacombs Q&A⚡

Overview

Roman Catacombs explained

Which Roman Catacombs tour is best for you?

What to expect at the Roman Catacombs

Descend beneath the Eternal City

Walk through early Christian history

See art where it was born

Convenient additions

Extend your journey with special access

Things to know before booking your Rome Catacombs tours

Catacombs of Rome: map

Catacombs of Domitilla and St. Callixtus

Catacombs and nearby Roman landmarks

Catacombs of Domitilla

Roman Catacombs location and getting there

Highlights of the Roman Catacombs

Frescoes of the Early Christians

Make the most of your visit

Frequently asked questions about Rome Catacombs tours

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

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

Where are the Roman Catacombs located?

Can I take photographs inside the Roman Catacombs?

Can I visit multiple Rome Catacombs in one day?

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

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

More reads

About Roman Catacombs

Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Catacombs of Saint Sebastain

✝️Catacombs of St. Callixtus

🖼️Catacombs of Domitilla

💀Capuchin Crypt

⚰️Catacombs of St. Sebastian

👑Catacombs of Priscilla

🌹The Catacombs of Saint Agnes

About Roman Catacombs

Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Catacombs of Saint Sebastain

Top things to do in Rome

Capuchin Crypt Ticket with Audio Guide

Accessibility

What’s not allowed

Additional information

Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

Roman Catacombs Tickets with Guided Tour

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information