English
EUR
Language
Currency

Book Capuchin Crypt Tickets

4.3(57.3K Ratings)
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in multiple languages
Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Rome
Top experiences in Rome



Guide and tour group in the undergrounds of catacombs, Rome
Cappuchin's Crypt in the Rome Catacombs
Tour group with audio guide in underground catacombs, Rome
A tour guide explaining the details of the tour to a group of tourists while they are seated in a tour bus near Venice Square, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Interiors of the catacombs, Rome.
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Roman Catacombs
Rome Catacombs
San Callisto Catacombs, Rome
Guide and tour group in the undergrounds of catacombs, Rome
Cappuchin's Crypt in the Rome Catacombs
Tour group with audio guide in underground catacombs, Rome
A tour guide explaining the details of the tour to a group of tourists while they are seated in a tour bus near Venice Square, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Interiors of the catacombs, Rome.
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Roman Catacombs
Rome Catacombs
San Callisto Catacombs, Rome
Guide and tour group in the undergrounds of catacombs, Rome
Cappuchin's Crypt in the Rome Catacombs
Tour group with audio guide in underground catacombs, Rome
A tour guide explaining the details of the tour to a group of tourists while they are seated in a tour bus near Venice Square, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Interiors of the catacombs, Rome.
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Roman Catacombs
Rome Catacombs
San Callisto Catacombs, Rome
4.3(1.6K)

From Rome: Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour

from
€54
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Transfers included
Itinerary
START POINT
Piazza d'Aracoeli

Piazza d'Aracoeli

Get direction

Set off on comfortable transfers from central Rome, cruising the Appian Way.

5.7 kms

19 mins

1

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

60 mins

1 attractions

Tickets included

Traverse the 19km-long tunnels that make up Rome's largest catacomb complex in just one hour with an expert guide!

Highlights

1. Crypt of St. Cecilia

Dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, this crypt contains remarkable Biblical frescoes surrounding her serene statue.

5.7 kms

19 mins

2

END POINT
Piazza d'Aracoeli

Piazza d'Aracoeli

Seamless round-trip transfers from Rome's city center to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a fascinating underground labyrinth!

  • Descend 2,000-year-old tunnels to find early Christian symbolism etched and painted onto the marble loculi – their final resting places.
  • Pick up interesting facts, myths, and historical anecdotes from a specialist tour guide in your preferred language.
  • On Wednesdays, visit the Catacombs of Domitilla instead, home to the largest, most ornate tombs along the Appian Way.

Seamless round-trip transfers from Rome's city center to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, a fascinating underground labyrinth!

  • Descend 2,000-year-old tunnels to find early Christian symbolism etched and painted onto the marble loculi – their final resting places.
  • Pick up interesting facts, myths, and historical anecdotes from a specialist tour guide in your preferred language.
  • On Wednesdays, visit the Catacombs of Domitilla instead, home to the largest, most ornate tombs along the Appian Way.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Callixtus Catacombs with entry
  • Expert English, Italian, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the crypt of a popular patron saint of music, St. Cecilia, whose evocative statue lies amidst biblical mosaics.
  • 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.
  • On Wednesdays, you will visit the neighboring Catacombs of Domitilla instead of St. Callixtus.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Group of tourists exploring the ancient Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome, Italy during a guided tour, with a focus on the eerie Capuchin Crypt
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Group of tourists exploring the ancient Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome, Italy during a guided tour, with a focus on the eerie Capuchin Crypt
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Group of tourists exploring the ancient Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome, Italy during a guided tour, with a focus on the eerie Capuchin Crypt
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
Interior of catacomgs, Rome
Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome
Visitors on a Guided Tour of Underground Catacombs in Rome
Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola
NEW

From Rome: Catacombs of Domitilla and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour

from
€79
Free cancellation

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

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Audio guide
Itinerary
START POINT
Piazza d'Aracoeli

Piazza d'Aracoeli

Get direction

Begin your guided tour from this central location in Rome, and end it at the Capuchin Crypt.

6 kms

18 mins

1

Catacombs of Domitilla

Catacombs of Domitilla

40 mins

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 kms

22 mins

2

Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

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

END POINT
Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Get direction

Take a peek at what's under Rome on a guided journey to the Domitilla Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt, with all transfers included!

  • Tread the same paths as early Christians in the Catacombs of Domitilla, appreciating the intricate construction and décor in your chosen language.
  • Unpack the history of a Franciscan 'First Order' in the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars using an audio guide.
  • A series of tiny underground chapels with 'calcified' art make up its crypt, reflecting memento mori – a reminder of mortality!

Take a peek at what's under Rome on a guided journey to the Domitilla Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt, with all transfers included!

  • Tread the same paths as early Christians in the Catacombs of Domitilla, appreciating the intricate construction and décor in your chosen language.
  • Unpack the history of a Franciscan 'First Order' in the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars using an audio guide.
  • A series of tiny underground chapels with 'calcified' art make up its crypt, reflecting memento mori – a reminder of mortality!

Inclusions

  • Half-day tour around Domitilla Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt
  • Guided tour of Domitilla Catacombs with entry (except Tuesday)
  • Guided tour of St. Callixtus Catacombs with entry (only Tuesday)
  • Expert English, Italian, German, French, or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome
  • Entry to the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with audio guide

Exclusions

  • Guided tour of the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
  • Tip: In the Domitilla Catacombs, keep an eye out for the restored 'room of the bakers' with its prophetic frescoes.
  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for those with claustrophobia or serious mobility issues.
  • 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.

What is the Capuchin Crypt?

The Capuchin Crypt is a 17th-century underground burial chamber located near Piazza Barberini in Rome. Inside, you'll encounter intricate decorations crafted entirely from human bones sourced from the Capuchin friars' cemetery. Each room within the crypt has its own theme, including a femur floor, and has extremely unique features such as a room with a chandelier made of skulls and bones. Mummified corpses dressed as friars also grace the space.

Capuchin Crypt in Rome | Quick Facts

Capuchin Crypt? - Quick Facts
  • Official name: Capuchin Crypt 
  • Location/Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
  • Date of opening: 1631
  • Function: Crypt and religious site

Why Visit the Capuchin Crypt?

Why Visit the Capuchin Crypt?
  • Fascinating history: Learn about the Capuchin monks, their religious beliefs, and their unique burial practices that date back to the 16th century.
  • Display of human bones: View the intricate designs and elaborate displays crafted entirely from human bones.
  • Spiritual experience: The Capuchin Crypt holds deep significance, serving as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The seemingly macabre display is really a poignant testament to the human experience.
  • Quirky souvenirs: Take home a unique memento of your visit by purchasing one of the many souvenirs available at the gift shop.

Plan Your Visit to the Capuchin Crypt in Rome

Capuchin Crypt

What are the Capuchin Crypt Opening Hours?

Timings: Every day from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Last admission: 6:30 PM 

Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit the crypt early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. 

Capuchin Crypt

Where is the Capuchin Crypt Located?

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.

The Capuchin Crypt is located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, which is just a few steps away from the famous Palazzo Barberini.

What’s Inside the Capuchin Crypt Highlights

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Three Skeletons

This crypt features three skeletons enclosed in an oval, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. One skeleton holds a scythe representing mortality, while the other holds scales symbolizing judgment of one's deeds. A placard reminds visitors of the universal truth: "What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be..."

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Resurrection

Here, you will find a powerful display of human bones arranged to frame a picture of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It serves as a visual representation of the theme of resurrection and the triumph over death.

Capuchin Crypt

The Chapel for the Mass

This is a non-bone area where mass is celebrated. It houses an altarpiece depicting Jesus, Mary, and saints urging the release of souls from Purgatory. The chapel also contains the heart of Maria Felice Peretti, the grand niece of Pope Sixtus V, and the tomb of Papal Zouaves who died defending the Papal States.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Skulls

The crypt showcases an arrangement of human skulls, creating a macabre yet fascinating sight that reflects the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Basins

It features the arrangement of human pelvis bones, forming basins. This unique display highlights the physicality of the human body and creates a thought-provoking and visually striking experience for visitors.

Capuchin Crypt

Crypt of the Tibias and Femurs

The crypt displays a collection of leg bones and thigh bones, highlighting the structure and strength of the human lower extremities in an artistic and thought-provoking manner.

History of the Capuchin Crypt

Capuchin Crypt

Purpose of the Capuchin Crypt

The crypt was initially created to serve as a burial site for the monks of the Capuchin order. The purpose of the crypt was to remind the living of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.

The Capuchin Crypt Today

The Capuchin Crypt in Rome is a testament both to the power of religious faith and the creativity of human artistry. It is a beautiful and haunting example of Baroque architecture and design and a significant site for Catholics and others who seek to contemplate the mysteries of life and death. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or simply curious about the world's wonders, the Capuchin Crypt is a must-see destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In addition, the Capuchin Crypt has been featured in numerous books, films, and TV shows as an iconic symbol of Rome and its rich cultural heritage. Some of the most notable works that have included the crypt as a location or plot point include Dan Brown's Angels and Demons and the movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Capuchin Crypt

What is the Capuchin Crypt?

The Capuchin Crypt is a unique underground burial site in Rome that contains the remains of over 4,000 Capuchin friars.

How old are the bones in the crypt?

The burials in the crypt date back to the period between 1500 and 1870, during which the Roman Catholic Church permitted interments within churches.

How were the bones arranged in the crypt?

The bones are meticulously arranged along the walls of the crypt, forming intricate and elaborate designs. They are integrated into decorative motifs, including chandeliers, arches, and even a clock made of bones.

Why did the Capuchin monks create the crypt?

The crypt was initially created as a burial site for the Capuchin friars. It served as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

Can visitors enter the crypt?

Yes, visitors can enter the Capuchin Crypt and explore its unique displays. However, it is important to be respectful of the space and refrain from touching the bones or taking photographs.

Where can I buy Capuchin Crypt tickets?

You can buy Capuchin Crypt tickets at the entrance of the site. However, booking your tickets online in advance is best to avoid long queues.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the site or through online platforms.

Can I visit other attractions with Capuchin Crypt tickets?

No, Capuchin Crypt tickets only allow access to the crypt itself. If you want to visit other attractions in the area, you must purchase separate tickets.

When was the Capuchin Crypt built?

The Capuchin Crypt was built in the early 17th century, although some of the bones on display date back earlier.

Where is the Capuchin Crypt located?

The Capuchin Crypt is located in Rome, Italy, just a few minutes walk from the Barberini metro station.

What are the timings of the Capuchin Crypt?

The Capuchin Crypt is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, with the last admission at 6:30 PM.