From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Genaro Bornacin
AR

Genaro

Argentina
Jan 2026
5/5

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Very good directions to find the place and very good service, everything on time and without any problems. Highly recommended.
Karl Bulow

Karl

Jan 2026
5/5

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The whole experience was amazing Skip the line was what is said Museum was great to visit. At time was a little crowded but one cannot forsee that. Thank you for being on time. Was effortless
Darinda Dragon
US

Darinda

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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Our tour guide was FABULOUS! Isabella Was 12* on a scale of 10 star! She really cares to educate! she deserves a raise😁 Your company cut through Hours of the line to take us straight in to the museum-no waiting in line!!!
Susan Margaret Fizio
GB

Susan

United Kingdom
Jan 2026
5/5

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The overall experience was so informative, emotional & a must do on anyone's trip to Rome. The art work was amazing, the museum was exciting, The Sistine Chapel was out of this word as was St Peter's Bassilica
Fucci Mauro

Fucci

Jan 2026
4/5

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It was a good experience, it was easy to make reservations, and the convenient queue skipping saves you long waits to get in to visit the desired places...
Arianna Bartezaghi

Arianna

Dec 2025
5/5

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+2 more

The museum is interesting where it explains who the Capuchin friars were, what they were dedicated to, with descriptions of the most important friars in history. The crypts on the other hand are the real highlight, beautiful mosaics of bones with the smallest pieces of ns body covering all the ceiling arches, chosen with real accuracy. The crypts on the other hand fascinating and scenic also studied in great detail especially in the central parts each with a different theme. I personally had a good time and did not feel the weight of lost souls, probably each of them found peace.
Carmen Olivas Lara
CR

Carmen

Costa Rica
Dec 2025
5/5

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It was excellent especially the girl from the office that validates the tours who ran with me to get on time to the bus that makes the tour of the Vatican gardens, because I arrived late because there was a lot of traffic in Rome and also the rain. I am happy and grateful.
Michelle Paola Chavez
CH

Michelle

Switzerland
Nov 2025
5/5

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Making a tegalo to mom 80 years old ,November all ok,the day fantastic together the tours both in bus and museums. Muchas gracias Thank you very much Merci beaucoup

Top things to do in Rome

Catacombs of Domitilla: The oldest of Roman Catacombs

The Catacombs of Domitilla are among the oldest and largest in Rome, originally dug as an underground Christian cemetery on land owned by the Flavia Domitilla family, part of the imperial lineage of Emperor Vespasian. Spanning over 17 kilometers of intricately carved tunnels, they house ornate tombs, early Christian symbols, and fascinating frescoes that reflect the deep connection between art and faith. Since January 2009, they have been entrusted to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), continuing their legacy as a significant religious and historical site.

Things to know before booking Catacombs of Domitilla tickets and tours

  • You can’t explore the Catacombs of Domitilla alone, access is granted exclusively via **guided tours.** These tours offer a deep dive into early Christian burial customs, highlight significant tombs, and unravel the meaning behind the stunning frescoes and inscriptions.
  • During the summer or on religious holidays, book your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance.
  • The Catacombs of Domitilla are just a short half-hour journey from central Rome. You can hop on bus routes 714, 716, 160, and 30[130], or take a bike ride along the Appian Way. For a more convenient option, consider a tour that includes round-trip transfers, making your visit seamless and stress-free.
  • You can choose to visit just the Catacombs of Domitilla, or combine your tour with other underground wonders like the Capuchin Crypt and San Nicola in Carcere. These tours feature convenient transfers, efficient itineraries, and enriching knowledge. A regular guided tour takes just 30 minutes, whereas a tour with transfers can take 3 – 3.5 hours.
  • Due to its uneven steps and narrow corridors, the catacombs are not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with serious mobility issues or claustrophobia
  • The Catacombs of Domitilla are closed on Tuesdays, but the nearby Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian remain open, providing a great alternative.

Your Catacombs of Domitilla tour options explained

Guided tourGuided tours with transfersCombo tours

Domitilla Catacombs access

Guide

Transfers

Additional sites

Capuchin Crypt

San Nicola in Carcere, Capuchin Crypt

Starting from

Catacombs of Domitilla | Quick facts

Catacombs in rome
  • Colossal tombs: One of the oldest and largest Christian burial sites in Rome, its tunnels stretch 17 kilometers and reach a depth of about 30 meters.
  • Historical significance: These catacombs were built in the 2nd century AD and named after the aristocrat and Christian sympathizer Flavia Domitilla, granddaughter of the emperor Vespasian (commissioner of the Colosseum).
  • Art and architecture: Look for Biblical carvings and paintings, such as the famous 2nd-century ‘Last Supper’ or ‘Good Shepherd’ frescoes.
  • Current use: Popular site for pilgrimage and historical tourism. 
  • Accessibility: No
  • Key features: Underground basilica, a vast network of loculi (niches for bodies), cubicles (family tombs), and arcosolia (grander rooms).

What are the Catacombs of Domitilla opening hours?

9am - 12pm; 2pm - 5pm, except for Tuesdays.

9am - 12pm; 2pm - 5pm, except for Tuesdays.

Complete Roman Catacombs timetable

Best time to visit

The Catacombs can be very busy during peak season (June to September), so visiting during the low season (October to March) can be a good option. It is recommended to visit the Domitilla Catacombs in the early morning or late afternoon on weekends to avoid crowds.

Where are the Catacombs of Domitilla located?

Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM, Italy

The Domitilla Catacombs are located on the Via delle Sette Chiese, just south of the ancient Appian Way.

By bus: Take bus line 716 departing from Piazza Venezia. Get off at Piazza Odescalchi/Bompiani, then take a 3-minute walk towards the left side of the road to arrive at the entrance.

By metro: Take the metro to Garbatella station and walk approximately 30 minutes to the catacombs.

Roman catacombs location & directions

What’s inside the Domitilla Catacombs?

Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus

Underground Basilica

The catacombs feature a unique semi-underground basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus, as well as Saint Petronilla. This basilica, constructed in the fourth century, includes three naves separated by columns and a main altar adorned with a rare depiction of the beheading of Achilleus.

Flavian Hypogeum

This area is one of the oldest parts of the catacombs, dating back to the end of the second century AD. It contains significant sarcophagi belonging to important members of the Flavian family.

Christian symbolism

Inside, you’ll find representations of biblical scenes such as Noah's Ark, Daniel in the lion's den, and various depictions of Jesus with his apostles. There are also non-biblical images reflecting pagan beliefs, such as seasonal personifications.

Jesus with the apostles

Frescoes

The walls of the catacombs are adorned with various frescoes that reflect early Christian iconography. Notable artworks include:

  • The Cubicle of Ampliato, which contains pagan paintings and a fresco depicting Christ the Good Shepherd.
  • A section known as "the Madonna," featuring frescoes from the third and fourth centuries, including an Epiphany scene with the four Magi approaching the Virgin and Child.

Tomb Types

The catacombs consist of various types of tombs, including:

  • Niches: Small recesses in the walls for individual burials.
  • Arcosolia: Larger tombs with arched tops that often housed multiple remains.
  • Cubicles: Small rooms used for burial, some decorated with frescoes.

Brief history of the Catacombs of Domitilla

Early 2nd century AD: Construction begins on the premises of Flavia Domitilla, highlighting the connection between early Christian communities and influential Roman families.

The catacombs expand over centuries, featuring elaborate frescoes and inscriptions that reveal the faith and art of the era. They become a significant site for early Christian rituals, including burials and memorials.

4th century AD: Pope Damasus commissions a semi-underground basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus, who were martyred under the emperor Diocletian.

1593: Rediscovered by archaeologist Antonio Bosio, known as the ‘Columbus of the Catacombs’. However, they are once again abandoned over the years as simply a morbid quirk of the ancient city.

1873: Rediscovered once again by Giovanni Batista de Rossi. This time around, work begins on restoring paintings and the underground basilica.

Today, they serve as a poignant reminder of the city's rich spiritual history and its underground world.

History of Roman Catacombs explained

Visitor tips

  • The Catacombs of Domitilla are located on the outskirts of Rome, so if you don’t have transport taken care of, select the guided tour with transfers.

  • Remember that photography is discouraged inside the Catacombs; leave your DSLR behind and capture the memories with your senses!

  • Food and drinks are prohibited inside, so replenish yourself before heading down — especially if you’re prone to dizziness.

  • There are multiple guided tour options. Carefully select your language of comfort at the booking stage for the best experience.

Planning your visit to Roman Catacombs

Frequently asked questions about Domitilla Catacombs tickets

Can you visit the Catacombs of Domitilla without a guide?

No, entry to the Catacombs of Domitilla is only allowed through guided tours. This helps preserve the fragile architecture and provide the best context on the complex history encased within its tunnels.

Are there any age restrictions for visitors, or is it suitable for children?

While there is no age restriction for visiting, the underground passages may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues due to their narrow and dimly lit nature. Children up to 6 years old can enter for free.

What should visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues consider before visiting?

People with claustrophobia may find the long, dark, and narrow tunnels uncomfortable. Those with mobility issues should be aware that the site involves steep steps and uneven surfaces, making it challenging to navigate.

Which other catacombs or nearby sites can be visited in combination with Domitilla?

You can customize your guided tour with transfers to also visit San Nicola in Carcere, and access the Capuchin Crypt!

Is there a dress code to visit the Catacombs of Domitilla?

Since this is a space of religious and cultural significance, visitors are required to dress modestly. Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders is the way to go.

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History of Rome Catacombs

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