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Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere Tours

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Capuchin Bone Chapel interior with intricate bone decorations, part of the Roman Catacombs crypt tour.

Visitors with guide exploring Capuchin Crypt in Rome, Italy.

Capuchin Bone Chapel interior with skulls and bones, part of Rome Crypts and Catacombs Tour.

Capuchin Crypt in Rome with intricate bone decorations and guided tour group.

Group of tourists exploring the Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts on a guided tour from Rome, standing in front of the Basilica of San Nicola

exploring the Roman Catacombs, Capuchin Crypts, & Basilica of San Nicola on a guided tour in Rome, Italy

Visitors with guide entering Capuchin Crypt in Rome's historic catacombs.

Tourists exploring Roman Catacombs with ancient frescoes and stone walls in Rome, Italy.

Tour guide leading a group through the historic Roman Catacombs, exploring the eerie Capuchin Crypts, and marveling at the Basilica of San Nicola on a guided tour in Rome

Frescoes on stone walls at Capuchin Crypt, Rome, depicting historical religious scenes.

4.3(1,045)

Capuchin Crypt, Christian Catacombs & San Martino ai Monti Tour with Transfers

from

€64.95

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes

MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus

START POINT

Piazza Barberini

Get direction

Meet your expert historian guide at Piazza Barberini, beside the fountain of Triton. In a morbid tradition, this square once served as a place where unidentified bodies were displayed for public recognition until the 1800s.

0.23 km

1 minute

Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Tickets included

Tune into an audio guide as you explore the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, where underground chapels are adorned with intricate skeletal art, blending the macabre with spiritual reflections.

6.8 km

22 minutes

Appian Way Catacombs

Tickets included

Venture into subterranean galleries at either one of the catacombs – St. Callixtus, Domitilla, or St. Sebastian. The site visited depends on the date selected and how crowded it is at the time of your tour. Whichever one you experience will offer a profound journey into early Christian history.

6.9 km

17 minutes

San Nicola in Carcere

Tickets included

This medieval church was built over the ancient Forum Olitorium, once home to three temples during the Roman Republic. In the Middle Ages, these temples were repurposed into a prison, giving the church its evocative name, "in Carcere" (in prison). Enjoy an intriguing guided exploration.

4 km

16 minutes

END POINT

Piazza Barberini

Explore three unique underground sites—Bone Chapel, Domitilla/Callixtus Catacombs & an ancient basilica—connected via round-trip transfers.

Save time and effort with round-trip transfers from central Rome, ensuring a smooth journey between these historic sites spread across the city.
Explore the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with an audio guide, where the remains of 4,000 Capuchin priests adorn the underground chapels.
Time-travel underground with a guided tour of one of the catacombs along the Appian Way—Domitilla, St. Callixtus, or St. Sebastian—depending on the day of your visit.
Descend into the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a minor yet stunning basilica tucked away near the Colosseum. It's one of the city's oldest churches, dating back to the 4th century.
Looking for an alternative? Swap San Nicola Basilica for a visit to the legendary Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), Santa Maria in Cosmedin & Hadrian’s Crypt.

Explore three unique underground sites—Bone Chapel, Domitilla/Callixtus Catacombs & an ancient basilica—connected via round-trip transfers.

Save time and effort with round-trip transfers from central Rome, ensuring a smooth journey between these historic sites spread across the city.
Explore the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with an audio guide, where the remains of 4,000 Capuchin priests adorn the underground chapels.
Time-travel underground with a guided tour of one of the catacombs along the Appian Way—Domitilla, St. Callixtus, or St. Sebastian—depending on the day of your visit.
Descend into the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a minor yet stunning basilica tucked away near the Colosseum. It's one of the city's oldest churches, dating back to the 4th century.
Looking for an alternative? Swap San Nicola Basilica for a visit to the legendary Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), Santa Maria in Cosmedin & Hadrian’s Crypt.

Inclusions

Expert English-speaking guide
Groups of up to 25 guests
Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome
Entry to the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with audio guide
Guided tour of St. Callixtus/Domitilla/St. Sebastian Catacombs with skip-the-line entry
Guided tour of Capuchin Crypt (as per option selected)
Entry to San Martino ai Monti (as per option selected)
Visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin & Pope Hadrian’s Crypt, Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Hotel pick up and drop off
Food & beverages

These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

San Nicola

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San Nicola in Carcere: Layers of history beneath a sacred basilica

San Nicola in Carcere is an off-beat landmark with an unassuming exterior, also a treasure trove of art and history. It was constructed in and from the ruins of Forum Holitorium—an ancient vegetable market once home to Roman temples and a Byzantine jail! The architecture features spolia (repurposed stones) from these original sites, while the altar leads to a unique crypt. Read on to learn more!

San Nicola Basilica | Quick facts

Historical significance: Built over the ruins of three Roman temples (3rd–2nd centuries BCE) near the Forum Olitorium, it reflects a rich history tied to ancient Rome and a tradition of a medieval prison on the site.
Art and architecture: Features a three-nave layout with 14 columns from ancient temples, rebuilt in the 16th century by Giacomo Della Porta and restored in the 19th century. Inside are notable works by Guercino and Antonio Romano.
Current use: Serves as a minor basilica and local place of worship, particularly for communities from Puglia and Lucania, while drawing visitors interested in its history and architecture.
Accessibility: Lacks wheelchair accessibility, posing challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Key features: Highlights include the incorporation of ancient temple remains, Renaissance frescoes, a unique façade blending medieval and Renaissance elements, and an underground area showcasing Rome's layered history.

Why visit San Nicola in Carcere?

San Nicola in Carcere church ruins, Rome, Italy, showcasing ancient Roman columns and architecture.

Layered history, literally

Going back centuries, you see structures from the Roman era to the Renaissance, from remnants of ancient temples to revamped façades.

Architectural details

The blend of architectural styles and the ancient columns tell a captivating story, while the crypt beneath reveals ancient Roman structures and artifacts.

Fascinating underground

While the Basilica is tiny, the treasures beneath are worth a visit. Combining a guided tour with other catacombs and crypts gives you a different perspective of Rome’s complex underground!

Capuchin Crypt frescoes depicting religious scenes in Rome, Italy.

Spiritual reflection

With numerous little side chapels and divine artwork, this peaceful Basilica offers a respite from the usual throng inside Rome’s churches.

What to see at San Nicola in Carcere?

Spolia from Roman temples

Three columns from the Temple of Juno Sospita are integrated into both the 10th-century and 1599 front façades. The columns of the Temple of Janus, dedicated by Gaius Duilius after his triumph at the Battle of Mylae in 260 BC, are visible within the northern wall. On the southern wall, six columns from the Temple of Spes stand proudly.

Tourists at Basilica of San Nicola before Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts tour, Rome.

Visitors with guide exploring San Nicola in Rome, Italy.

See all photos

Plan your visit to San Nicola in Carcere

Timings

Location

Tips

Daily: 10am to 5pm
Mass: Weekdays at 7:30am, 8am, and 6pm; Sundays and Solemnities at 12pm.

Best time to visit

Early morning or mid-afternoon are ideal for a quieter experience, as the basilica tends to be less crowded during these times.

Complete schedule of Roman Catacombs

Address: Via del Teatro di Marcello, 46, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Getting there:

By metro: The closest metro stations are Colosseo and Circo Massimo. From these stations, you can take bus #160 to reach the basilica.
By bus: You can also take buses 23 or 870 from Piazza delle Rovere (at the bottom of the Gianicolo hill) to the stop near Tiber Island. Cross the bridge at Tiber Island and continue south along the opposite side of the Tiber for one block. Cross the Lungotevere and take Via del Foro Olitorio to the church, which is on the left

The basilica is built over three ancient Roman temples. Spot the original columns from temples dedicated to Juno, Janus, and Spes, still visible in the church’s walls and facade.
Don’t miss the underground chambers, where you can see remnants of the ancient temples. The stairs near the presbytery lead to this hidden archaeological site.
If you’re visiting independently, set aside at least one hour to explore the entire basilica and its underground.
Join a guided tour for deeper historical insights and ensures you don’t miss hidden details like inscriptions from the old Roman marketplace beneath the church.
Located near the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, the basilica is a great starting point for exploring Rome’s historic districts. Grab a bite at a local trattoria after your visit!

Plan you visit

Timeline of Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere

Ancient Rome (3rd–2nd Century BCE)

Roman Temples Built: Three temples dedicated to Juno Sospita, Janus, and Spes were constructed in the Forum Holitorium, an ancient vegetable market.
Incorporation into the Cityscape: The temples became part of Rome’s religious and commercial hub.

6th Century CE

First Church Established: A Christian church was built over the ruins of the temples, reusing their columns and foundations.

Medieval Period (11th–13th Century)

Pierleoni Family Influence: The church, known as San Nicola Petrus Leonis, was associated with the influential Pierleoni family, who also transformed the nearby Theatre of Marcellus into a fortress.
Reconsecration (1128): The church was officially reconsecrated, marking a period of religious and architectural significance.
Restoration (1280): Structural improvements were made to the church.

Renaissance & Baroque Periods (16th Century)

Major Restoration (1599): Giacomo della Porta redesigned the church’s facade, giving it its present appearance.

20th Century (1930s)

Urban Renewal: The Fascist-era city planners cleared surrounding buildings to highlight the church and the Theatre of Marcellus, revealing more of its ancient foundations.

Present day

The church remains an important historical and religious site, blending ancient Roman and medieval Christian heritage. You can explore its underground ruins, giving a rare glimpse into Rome’s layered past.

Know more abut rich history of Roman Catacombs

Frequently asked questions about San Nicola in Carcere

Is photography allowed at San Nicola in Carcere?

Yes, photography is allowed. The lavish detailing of the interiors make for splendid shots!

Are there any dress code requirements?

Since this is a place of worship, everyone must wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.

Is San Nicola in Carcere wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, San Nicola in Carcere does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

What is the best time to visit San Nicola in Carcere?

Since this is a relatively unknown treasure, it doesn’t get very crowded. However, early morning or mid-afternoon is best for a quieter visit.

Can I take a guided tour of San Nicola in Carcere?

A guided tour is a great way to gain context on this enigmatic landmark. The best part? You can even combine your tour with the Capuchin Crypt and one of the Christian Catacombs on the Appian Way!

How to reach San Nicola in Carcere?

The basilica is right in the center of the city, less than a kilometer away from the Roman Forum. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo.