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roman catacombs, capuchin crypts, & basilica of san nicola guided tour-1

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roman catacombs, capuchin crypts, & basilica of san nicola guided tour-3

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roman catacombs, capuchin crypts, & basilica of san nicola guided tour-5

Roman Catacombs, Capuchin Crypts, & Basilica of San Nicola Guided Tour

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€54

Free Cancellation

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

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Mobile Ticket

3 hr. 30 min.

Audio Guide

Highlights

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Discover crypts and bones on a 3-in-1 guided tour of Rome’s historic catacombs, basilica, and chapel with transfers in an air-conditioned coach.
Delve deeper into the places’ history, facts, and anecdotes with the expert guide accompanying you.
Explore burial sites adorned with frescoes and skeletal remains at Domitilla, San Callisto, or San Sebastiano; depending on the day of your visit.
Under the Basilica of San Nicola, wander the streets of an ancient vegetable market and explore awe-inspiring temples like the sacred Temple of Juno Sospita.

Inclusions

Half-day guided tour of Roman crypts and catacombs
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Small groups of 16 people or less
Entry to Museum and Crypts of Capuchins
Audio guided tour of the Museum and Crypts of Capuchins
Entry to Roman Catacombs
Entry to Basilica of San Nicola
All transfers in an air-conditioned coach bus

Piazza Barberini (meeting point)
Museum and Crypts of Capuchins
Catacombs of Domitilla, San Callisto, or San Sebastiano
Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere
Piazza Barberini/ San Nicola (tour end point)

Tip: Visit the gift shop at the Capuchin Crypts and Museum to buy souvenirs like postcards, mugs, books, and bracelets.
Please note that the endpoint for this tour can be either Piazza Barberini or the exit of San Nicola in Carcere.
Tours inside Capuchin Crypts will be with audio guides instead of a guided tour as per new rules imposed by the Capuchin Crypts.
Strict Dress Code: Both men and women are recommended to wear clothing that covers both shoulders and knees.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users or people suffering from claustrophobia.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Capuchin Crypt and flash photography inside the catacombs.

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

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

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What are the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, located on the Appian Way in Rome, are an underground cemetery that holds great historical and religious significance. Dating back to the early Christian era, these catacombs served as a burial place for early Christians during a time of persecution. The narrow passageways winding through the catacombs are lined with tombs, sarcophagi, and intricate carvings, providing a fascinating glimpse into the faith and traditions of the early Christian community. One of the notable features is the crypt of Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr whose remains are entombed here, making it a site of pilgrimage for the faithful.

Quick Facts about the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Official name: Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
Address: Via Appia Antica, 136, 00179 Rome, Italy
Date of opening: 3rd century AD
Timings: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Function: Underground cemetery for early Christians and the entombment of Saint Sebastian

Why Visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Step back in time: Journey through an underground cemetery that dates back to the early Christian era. Learn about the role it played in the history of early Christianity.
Spiritual significance: Walk in the footsteps of saints and martyrs and gaze upon beautifully carved tombs and inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the faith of the early Christian community.
Crypt of Saint Sebastian: Pay your respects to the remains of the early Christian martyr entombed in this crypt.
Architectural marvel: Admire the winding passageways, intricate carvings, and delicate frescoes that make up this fascinating complex.

Plan Your Visit to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian's Opening Hours

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, daily

Closed: January 1, and the month of December.

Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.

Rome Catacombs Timings

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Location

Address: Via Appia Antica 136, 00179 Rome, Italy.

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are located on the Appian Way, a historic road that leads out of Rome to the southeast. The nearest landmark is the Basilica di San Sebastiano fuori le mura, a church dedicated to Saint Sebastian that is located above the catacombs.

Getting to the Catacombs in Rome

What's Inside the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Crypt of Saint Sebastian

This sacred space serves as the final resting place for the remains of Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr who was killed during the Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign in the 3rd century AD. While the remains were moved to the basilica above in the 13th century, you can still see his empty tomb in the crypt and pay your respects to his memory.

Tombs and Sarcophagi

The catacombs contain an intricate network of narrow passageways that are lined with beautifully carved tombs and sarcophagi. These burial sites date back to the early Christian era and are a testament to the early Christians' faith and traditions. It's worth noting that the catacombs also contain some pagan tombs and inscriptions, as well as Jewish symbols, showcasing the diverse historical and religious significance of the site.

Ancient Inscriptions and Frescoes

As you wander through the catacombs, you'll encounter ancient inscriptions and delicate frescoes that offer insights into the religious beliefs and practices of early Christians. These artistic representations tell stories of faith, including scenes from the Old and New Testaments such as Noah's Ark, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah and the Whale, the Good Shepherd, and the Resurrection of Lazarus.

Museum of Sarcophagi

You will find a collection of ancient sarcophagi here. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, these intricately decorated sarcophagi feature scenes from the Bible and Christian symbols, providing a glimpse into the art and symbolism of the time.

Mausoleums of the Piazzola

Near the entrance of the catacombs, you'll find the Mausoleums of the Piazzola. These circular mausoleums, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, belonged to wealthy Roman families.

Triclia

A portico where pilgrims used to gather to venerate Saints Peter and Paul, the Tricilia is covered with hundreds of graffiti invocations to the apostles, some written in Greek and Latin, the Triclia offers a glimpse into the devotion and spiritual practices of early Christians.

History of the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are one of the oldest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome. They were originally a pagan cemetery, but they were converted into a Christian necropolis in the late 2nd century AD when the remains of Saints Peter and Paul were temporarily hidden there to avoid desecration by the Romans. The site became known as “ad catacumbas”, meaning "near the hollows", because of the nearby pozzolana quarries. This term later became synonymous with underground burial chambers.

In 350 AD, the body of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was killed by arrows during the persecution of Diocletian, was buried in the catacombs. A basilica was built over his tomb in the early 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine, and the catacombs were renamed after him. The basilica contains several relics related to Saint Sebastian, such as the arrow that pierced him and a set of marble footprints attributed to Jesus.

The catacombs were abandoned in the 9th century AD, due to the invasions of the Lombards and Saracens. They were rediscovered in the 16th century AD by Antonio Bosio, who explored and documented them. The catacombs have been restored and opened to the public since then. They are one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome and a testimony of the early Christian faith.

History of Rome Catacombs

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Today

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian stand as a testament to early Christian faith and Church history. They preserve relics of saints and martyrs and showcase art and culture with thousands of paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, and symbols. These treasures reflect the religious and social aspects of ancient Rome and the influence of diverse cultures. Today, the catacombs serve as a pilgrimage site, tourist attraction, and archaeological marvel. Visitors from around the globe explore the underground tunnels and chambers, immersing themselves in the past. With its unique history, the catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of early Christianity and its impact on the city's heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

What is the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are an underground cemetery in Rome that date back to the early Christian era and were used as a burial place for early Christians during a time of persecution.

What is the Crypt of Saint Sebastian?

The crypt of Saint Sebastian is the burial site of the remains of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was killed during the Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign in the 3rd century AD. It is highly revered by Christians and a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.

What is the significance of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian are one of the oldest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome. They show how the early Christians lived, worshipped, and died for their faith. They also preserve the relics of many saints and martyrs who inspired generations of Christians. They are one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome and a testimony of the early Christian faith.

What is the origin of the name of the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian were originally called ad catacumbas, meaning "near the hollows", because of the nearby pozzolana quarries. This term later became synonymous with underground Christian burial chambers. The catacombs were renamed after Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was buried there in 350 AD.

When are Catacombs of Saint Sebastian open?

The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on January 1, and the month of December.

Is there an entry fee for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Yes, there is an entry fee for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. The entry tickets cost €8 for adults 17 years and above. Kids aged seven to 16 years, students with valid ID cards, and priests get a €3 discount and pay only €5 to enter. Children under six years and caregivers for people with disabilities are free. The entry tickets include a guided tour in a chosen language with the catacombs staff.

What can I see in the catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

The catacombs of Saint Sebastian consist of four levels of tunnels and chambers, containing thousands of tombs and sarcophagi, some decorated with frescoes and inscriptions. The catacombs also house some pagan and Jewish burials, as well as three circular mausoleums on the surface. The catacombs also have a portico called triclia, where pilgrims used to gather to venerate Saints Peter and Paul. The wall of the triclia is covered with graffiti invocations to the apostles.

What are the relics in the Basilica of Saint Sebastian?

The Basilica of Saint Sebastian, built over the catacombs in the 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine, contains several relics related to Saint Sebastian and other saints. Some of these relics are the arrow that pierced Saint Sebastian during his martyrdom, a set of marble footprints attributed to Jesus, a stone with an imprint of Jesus' face, a fragment of the column where Jesus was scourged, and a piece of wood from his cross.

Can visitors take photographs inside the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Photography is allowed on the tour but without flash. However, commercial or drone photography is strictly prohibited.

Is there a dress code for visiting the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian?

Visitors are advised to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes as the catacombs have uneven surfaces and stairs. Covering one's shoulders and knees is an absolute must.