Rome Tickets
4.3(29.6K Ratings)

Catacombs of Domitilla Tickets and Tours

Expert Multilingual Guides
Expert Multilingual Guides
Skip-the-Line Access
Skip-the-Line Access
Personalized Experience
Personalized Experience
Roman Catacombs






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Jose Antonio Mato Miguez
GB

Jose

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
review-image
review-image
review-image

+2 more

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.
Megan L Crockett
US

Megan

United States
Apr 2025
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.
MARIA DE LA PALOMA MAYORAL FIGUEROA
ES

Maria

Spain
Sep 2024
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
Kirsten Louise Harding
GB

Kirsten

United Kingdom
Mar 2025
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
ceri williams
GB

Ceri

United Kingdom
Feb 2025
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.
William Webb

William

Mar 2018
The stories about the several levels and how they were discovered, how the lower levels were used, and who walked on the same paths is really gripping. It excites you even more to know more
Jamie Hernandez

Jamie

Apr 2018
I had my doubts whether they had the chepaest tickets or not, but they actualy do! bEst price across the internet for all experiences.
Margareth

Margareth

Aug 2018
This was such an informative and eye opening tour. We went on a very hot day in Rome and were grateful when we descended into the cool Catacombs, our guide an English girl was very funny and informative she was a wealth of information it really does open your mind of how they lived then and the history behind it all, well worth the money.

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.

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.

More reads

History of Rome Catacombs

History

Book Now
Rome Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.