Discover Rome’s somber past, exploring its second-largest catacombs featuring an underground basilica.
Discover Rome’s somber past, exploring its second-largest catacombs featuring an underground basilica.
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.
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
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
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
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
€12
€79
€66
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 & directionsThe 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.
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.
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.
The walls of the catacombs are adorned with various frescoes that reflect early Christian iconography. Notable artworks include:
The catacombs consist of various types of tombs, including:
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.
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.
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.
You can customize your guided tour with transfers to also visit San Nicola in Carcere, and access the Capuchin Crypt!
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.