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Rome underground tours: Your guide to exploring the hidden side of the eternal city

Rome’s got plenty to see above ground, but the real secrets? They’re buried beneath your feet. Hidden beneath the city’s lively streets are ancient crypts, eerie catacombs, and tunnels that hold stories most travelers never hear.

Sure, the Colosseum and Vatican are must-sees, but if you’re up for something more mysterious—and a little spine-tingling—Rome’s underground is where history gets real. From early Christian burial sites and pagan temples to crypts lined with human bones, there’s a whole other world waiting to be explored. This guide breaks down your options, so you can find the underground tour that suits your sense of adventure—whether you're into sacred history, forgotten ruins, or a brush with the macabre.

Understanding Rome’s underground world

Rome’s underground is a labyrinth of history, sacred burial sites, hidden crypts, and forgotten passageways. Here’s how these subterranean wonders differ:

Christian Catacombs

Ancient underground cemeteries where early Christians buried their dead and practiced their faith in secret.

Notable catacombs: St. Callixtus, Domitilla, Priscilla, and St. Sebastian.

What to expect: Burial chambers of popes, underground chapels, early Christian frescoes, and symbolic motifs like the fish (Ichthys) and the Good Shepherd.

Why visit? Explore sacred burial grounds, hidden places of worship during persecution, and the origins of Christian iconography.

Recommended experiences:

  • Catacombs of St. Callixtus Guided Tour
  • Catacombs of Domitilla Guided Tour

Jewish Catacombs

Rare burial sites showcasing Jewish funerary traditions and their coexistence within ancient Roman society.

Notable catacombs: Vigna Randanini, Villa Torlonia Jewish Catacombs.

What to expect: Hebrew inscriptions, menorah carvings, symbols like the shofar and lulav, and distinct burial customs.

Why visit? Discover a lesser-known side of Rome’s history and gain insight into Jewish life in antiquity.

Underground Crypts & Basilicas

A mix of eerie bone chapels, relic-filled crypts, and multi-layered basilicas built over ancient temples.

Notable sites: Capuchin Crypt (Bone Chapel), Basilica of San Clemente, San Nicola in Carcere.

What to expect: Skull-and-bone art, early Christian relics, and layers of history spanning different civilizations.

Why visit? These sites reveal Rome’s journey from pagan temples to Christian sanctuaries, bringing its religious evolution to life.

Recommended experiences:

  • Catacombs of Domitilla and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers
  • Capuchin Crypt, Christian Catacombs & San Nicola Basilica Tour with Transfers

Ancient tunnels & hidden passages

Beyond religious sites, Rome’s underground also hides secret passageways, aqueducts, and remnants of ancient palaces.

Notable sites: Vicus Caprarius (The City of Water), Nero’s Domus Aurea, Underground Colosseum.

What to expect: Ingenious Roman engineering, hidden chambers, and archaeological marvels.

Why visit? These tunnels and ruins showcase the grandeur of ancient Rome beyond its temples and forums.

Recommended experiences:

  • Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

How to choose the right Rome underground tour?

With so many underground sites to explore, how do you pick the right one? Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Want to see ancient burial grounds? → Visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or Domitilla to explore vast networks of underground tombs with fascinating frescoes and early Christian symbols.
  • Looking for a mix of underground layers? → The Basilica of San Clemente takes you through multiple historical levels, from a medieval church down to a Roman-era temple.
  • Prefer something eerie and unusual? → The Capuchin Crypt is known for its macabre yet artistic bone arrangements—definitely a unique sight.
  • Interested in hidden tunnels beneath Rome? → Discover the Vatican Necropolis or Nero’s Domus Aurea, where underground ruins reveal secrets of the ancient world.
  • Want an all-in-one experience? → Choose a combo tour that includes catacombs, crypts, and hidden tunnels for a deeper dive into Rome’s underground history.

Practical tips

  • Comfortable shoes are a must! Many underground sites have uneven floors, stairs, and narrow passageways. Avoid heels or flimsy sandals.
  • Temperatures below ground tend to be cooler than the surface, even in summer. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you're sensitive to the cold.
  • Some sites, especially churches and religious catacombs, require modest attire (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Pre-booking is often required for popular underground sites like the Vatican Necropolis and Domus Aurea. Some catacombs also have limited slots per day.
  • Combo tours are a great way to see multiple underground sites in one go and often include skip-the-line access.
  • Many catacombs only allow entry with a guided tour (e.g., St. Callixtus, Domitilla), so check in advance.
  • Most underground sites are not wheelchair accessible due to narrow tunnels, uneven ground, and staircases.
  • There are no elevators or seating areas in the catacombs—tours require walking and standing for extended periods.
  • If you have mobility issues or claustrophobia, consider visiting more open underground sites like San Clemente, which has wider spaces and fewer stairs.
  • Some underground tours involve low ceilings, dim lighting, and confined spaces, which may not be suitable for those uncomfortable in tight areas.

​Plan your Catacombs visit

Frequently asked questions about Rome underground tours

Yes, many underground sites require pre-booking, especially high-demand spots like the Vatican Necropolis, Domus Aurea, and San Clemente. Some catacombs allow walk-ins, but tours have limited slots, so booking ahead is recommended.