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.
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
Exclusions
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...
View original review in French
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.
View original review in Spanish
Spanish speaking guide, Mr. Luis, gives excellent explanations. At the same time it is impressive to walk through them. Thank you.
View original review in Spanish
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!
View original review in German
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
We had a super friendly tour guide who provided us with lots of interesting information. Of course, the catacombs were also very impressive.
View original review in German
It went smoothly, you have to keep in mind that you have to print out digital tickets there before the start. We chose German language, guide was very professional. Our recommendation!
View original review in German
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.
View original review in Spanish
The historic site and the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the Catacombs.
View original review in Spanish
The guide was very pleasant and predisposed
View original review in Spanish
Well organized and good tour guide.
The tour guide was so interesting and thorough. I really learned a lot of new things that I didn't know about before.
Guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the catacombs.
the clear explanations; the friendly atmosphere;.the good organization; everything on time.
View original review in French
Step into bone-lined Baroque chambers, Rome’s most haunting experience, hidden beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione.
Step into bone-lined Baroque chambers, Rome’s most haunting experience, hidden beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione.
Inclusions
Exclusions
I'm not too much of a believer but it was very interesting to learn about the order and the visit to the Crypt is not to be missed.
View original review in Spanish
Thats was perfect, to see the wonders of the world
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!
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!
It was so interesting and very inspiring.
Interesting a different route
View original review in Spanish
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
Escape the city heat underground—ride a shuttle to Rome’s oldest catacombs and explore with a multilingual guide.
Escape the city heat underground—ride a shuttle to Rome’s oldest catacombs and explore with a multilingual guide.
Inclusions
Exclusions
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...
View original review in French
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!
View original review in German
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.
View original review in Spanish
the clear explanations; the friendly atmosphere;.the good organization; everything on time.
View original review in French
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
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!
View original review in Spanish
The guide at the catacombs was excellent but the driver to the catacombs was amateur keep driving us around the same places
Good information, impressive architecture
View original review in German
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
View original review in French
We did not visit this Catacombe. We weren't told that it was closed until we were on the way to another catacomb which wasn't what we booked. We weren't told by the tour company so we could make an informed choice
they did not take us to st. callixtus catacombs but rather a smaller one, the 60 euro is extremely overpriced as they simply drive you to the catacombs and buy you a 10 euro tour that lasts only 45 minutes and is extremely bad, making the bus ride 50 euro, extremely misleading do not purchase
The tour itself was good. Apart from that: Far too expensive! Bus transfer with English/Italian/French/German "gibberish". Bus ticket costs €1.50, guided tour itself max. €10...
View original review in German
Pictures advertised were not of rhe catacombs offered and taken to a different one than jooked. Scam
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.
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
Exclusions
Thats was perfect, to see the wonders of the world
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!
Interesting a different route
View original review in Spanish
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.
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!!!.
View original review in Italian
We couldn't find guide at designated meeting point. Signage was not clear. So we missed out on your. Very disappointed
This tour didn't exist. I've written two emails about it and am expecting a refund.
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.
This was rubbish, your website and correspondence sent us to the wrong pick up location and the people we contacted lied to say that had been in touch with the local vendors and it was only because I contacted and got confirmation from the local vendor you would issue a refund. Also your website continues to advertise the tour at the wrong location
Really great experiences. Alain was extremely knowledgeable and gave excellent information about each of the sites.
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!
Descend into Rome’s largest catacombs with a guided tour in your preferred language
Descend into Rome’s largest catacombs with a guided tour in your preferred language
Inclusions
Exclusions
Another facet of Rome's history, very well explained by our French-speaking guide.
View original review in French
A quick tour, just enough time spent under ground in the creepy catacombs!
The tickets were not recognised nor did they have a 3pm schedule. Fortunately the man was very nice and we were able to have tickets to the 4pm. However, this is a terrible situation to sell tickets that don't exist and then we purchase more. It's already stressful enough.
The agancy called to cancel the trip and offered alternative which I could not accept. Was not able to have this trip therefore I had to cancel it
When purchased, it said we would be brought back to the starting point. We were not, wereedt at the last stop
Very interesting tour. The guide was knowledgeable. I found out stuff I didn't know and it was more detailed than a school textbook.
The Italian speaking guide, a young girl, was wonderful, engaging, professional. All very nice made even more especially fascinating by the guide in Italian.
View original review in Italian
Private drivers to get there, incredible catacombs and impressive crypt.
View original review in French
My friend and I were a bit late (about 10 minutes, but that still means 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time) and we were confused about where to meet the guide, but there was no way to contact the guide. So we didn't find the person, and then we had no guide and no tickets to see the catacombs, even without the guide. Very frustrating
Central Rome
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
Central Rome
Visit the seat of the pope, the opulent Basilica of St. Mary Major and two ancient catacombs with expert-guided insights and transfers.
Visit the seat of the pope, the opulent Basilica of St. Mary Major and two ancient catacombs with expert-guided insights and transfers.
Inclusions
Great experience! We enjoyed learning the culture and history and the tour was wonderful. We learned so much and were happy it wasn't cancelled due to the Pope's passing.
The guide knowledge and the way of answerig of the questions. He is a very nice guy. Thanks!
I booked the papal basilicas, you gave En Roma a different tour that was via Apia and I didn't do anything! I don't want a refund! The worst experience I've ever had! I wasted more than 2 hours trying to sort it out!
View original review in Portuguese
It was a guided tour that I cannot recommend. Everything was rushed because, as it's known, Fridays in Rome are very crowded, and the guide didn’t know how to get rid of us quickly enough. First, we went to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, then to Saint John Lateran Cathedral, and afterward to the Holy Stairs (which are a 2-minute walk from the cathedral). After that, the guide told us that the tour was over. When I told the guide that we were supposed to visit the Sebastian Catacombs as well, he said that there was no such thing on the tour and that I could file a complaint. We paid for something and got a tour where 80% of the time we spent on the bus. The only paid entrance was at the Catacombs of Callixtus (€10), and there were supposed to be another €10 for the Sebastian Catacombs, but they didn’t take us there, probably to pocket extra profit. I do not recommend this to anyone; you can take public transport on your own and save much more money! Oh, and we didn’t go to the Basilica of St. Mary Major either.
It was a fantastic experience. The guide was a great professional and knowledgeable about the history of Rome. Both the catacombs and the major basilicas are a must see for anyone traveling to the Italian capital. A tour of 10
View original review in Spanish
Piazza d'Aracoeli
Begin your guided tour from this central location in Rome, and end it at the Capuchin Crypt.
6 km
18 minutes
1
Catacombs of Domitilla
40 min
Tickets included
Home to some of the grandest cubicula around, these catacombs boast an intricate network of tunnels and a 2nd-century semi-undergound Basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus.
6.8 km
22 minutes
2
Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Tickets included
This part of the tour is unguided – turn up your audio guide and independently explore the hauntingly beautiful chapels decorated by skeletal art, blending the macabre with the spiritual.
3
Crypts & Catacombs: Art made of Bone, dark stories of burial chambers, and no travel stress.
Crypts & Catacombs: Art made of Bone, dark stories of burial chambers, and no travel stress.
Inclusions
Exclusions
The agancy called to cancel the trip and offered alternative which I could not accept. Was not able to have this trip therefore I had to cancel it
When purchased, it said we would be brought back to the starting point. We were not, wereedt at the last stop
Private drivers to get there, incredible catacombs and impressive crypt.
View original review in French
The Appian Way is open to visitors 24/7. However, the archaeological sites along the way have varying hours depending on the season and day of the week. You should ensure that you check the individual attraction's opening hours before visiting.
Best Time to Visit: During the spring and fall months when the weather is mild. Additionally, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon ensures fewer crowds.
Rome Catacombs' Opening HoursAddress: Via Appia Antica, 42, 00178 Roma RM, Italy
The Appian Way is located in the southeastern part of Rome, just outside the city walls. It stretches for about 10 miles from the city center to the countryside.
To reach the Appian Way, you can take the metro to the Colli Albani stop and then a bus heading to Appio Latino or Ardeatina. Alternatively, you can take bus number 118 from the Piramide station.
Visitors can explore the underground burial chambers and see the ancient artwork and inscriptions that decorate the walls. Some of the most notable catacombs along the Appian Way include the Catacombs of San Callisto, San Sebastiano, and Domitilla.
The Appian Way is also home to several impressive aqueducts, which were once used to transport water into the city. The most prominent of these is the Aqua Claudia, which dates back to the 1st century AD. Visitors can see the towering arches and intricate engineering that went into these massive structures.
The Appian Way is dotted with several beautiful churches that are well worth a visit. Some of the most notable include the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, and the Church of the Domine Quo Vadis. These buildings showcase a range of architectural styles and are filled with stunning artwork and religious relics.
The Appian Way is home to several impressive villas, a must-see for those interested in ancient Roman architecture. The most famous of these is the Villa of the Quintilii, which was once owned by the powerful Quintilii brothers. Visitors can explore the villa's impressive ruins and see the intricate mosaics and frescoes that adorn the walls.
The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important roads in ancient Rome. Its history dates back to its construction in 312 BC, commissioned by the Roman Republic and overseen by Appius Claudius Caecus, a prominent Roman patrician and politician. The road served as a vital artery for Rome, originally intended to connect Rome with Capua, a city in southern Italy. However, it was later extended to Brindisi, a port city on the Adriatic Sea.
The construction of the Appian Way faced numerous challenges, including rocky terrains and swampy areas, which required innovative engineering techniques for stability. Over the centuries, the road was widened and improved, playing a significant role in Rome's transportation and commerce.
The Appian Way was an important military and commercial route for the Roman Empire. It was used to transport troops and supplies and to facilitate trade between Rome and the rest of the Mediterranean world. The road was also a popular pilgrimage route, and many Christian saints are said to have traveled along it.
Appian Way is one of the most important ancient roads in Rome, Italy, which dates back to 312 BC. It was built to connect Rome to Brindisi, in southern Italy.
Entry to the Appian Way and its attractions is generally free. However, some museums or guided tours may have admission fees. You can purchase tickets for them online or at the respective ticket counters. We recommend buying them online to avoid the odds of tickets selling out on the day of your visit.
The original construction of the Appian Way was overseen by Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman patrician and politician.
The construction of the Appian Way began in 312 BC and continued over the following years, with subsequent improvements and expansions.
The Appian Way is home to several historical monuments such as the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, the Circus of Maxentius, the Catacombs of Rome, the Villa of the Quintilii, and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella.
There are many things to see and do on the Appian Way. Some of the tourist attractions along the Appian Way include the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano as well as various basilicas and tombs. The stretch close to Rome of the Via Appia Antica is now part of a nature and archaeological park, the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica
The best time to visit the Appian Way is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. However, it can get crowded during peak season.
The Appian Way is located in Rome, Italy. Its address is Via Appia Antica, Rome.
The easiest way to reach the Appian Way is by taking the metro to the Colli Albani stop and then taking a bus heading to Appio Latino or Ardeatina. You can also reach here by taxi.
It depends on your interest, but you should keep at least a half-day to explore the area and appreciate the ancient monuments in a leisurely way. However, if you are a history buff, you can easily spend a whole day here.
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and casual clothing as you need to walk around a lot. Remember to carry a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water during summer.