From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
FALIGUERHO Manon

Faliguerho

Sep 2025
5/5
Anna Maria is a lovely person and her explanations were very clear ! The tour was very nice and confortable to make and we saw a part of history easily
Richard Costello
US

Richard

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
The guide Meagan was terrific, and did an excellent job of presenting the information without being exhaustive.The attractions themselves are well worth seeing.
Christopher Green
GB

Christopher

United Kingdom
Nov 2025
5/5
The place itself was breathtaking as was the information given to our group by our guide. An in depth knowledge, great humour and an all round mood lifter.
Vanessa Venezia Heuer

Vanessa

Nov 2025
5/5
Our tour guide David was FANTASTIC! This was, hands down, the best tour we had during our 16 day tour of Italy, Greece and Turkey. The information provided was historically accurate and flavored with a strong sense of humor. David's crowd management strategies allowed us to get amazing photo ops as well as have direct observation of crowd psychology. We can't say enough positive things about this experience but would gladly make the trip back from Alaska in a heartbeat if it included another tour led by David.
Marco Biancheri

Marco

Oct 2025
5/5
I have been to the catacombs and I must say that the impact is remarkable, an immersion in real history, not the history of books. The thing that impressed me most, however, was the guide. A young girl, very knowledgeable, who did not just repeat the usual notions. She explained the historical contexts and symbologies superbly, with an analytical clarity that made you connect the dots immediately. Truly a professional who enhances the site, making the tour educational and engaging. Next, I visited the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars with the attached museum. The entire museum tour, supported by an excellent audio guide, provides a basic background on the Order, before getting to the core. The Crypt itself is a work of extreme symbolism: the use of bones as a decorative element is not a macabre gesture, but a tangible and very powerful meditation on the transience of matter and the eternity of the soul. A heavy concept, but expressed with a theatricality that forces you to reflect. In short, it was an experience that goes far beyond a mere tourist attraction. I absolutely recommend it: it is a fascinating, historically relevant and conceptually stimulating trip. A must-see.
Jill Cronin
GB

Jill

United Kingdom
Dec 2025
5/5
Easy booking process. Walked straight into the museum. Thoroughly enjoyable . Audio guide was very well done and the museum was interesting. The crypt itself was a little macabre but fascinating
Alina Radecke

Alina

Oct 2025
4/5
As we bought our tickets in advance, we were able to skip a long queue. We got the audio guides and headphones straight away without queuing and then we were off. The audio guide was great. At the beginning we went through a long gallery. The audio guide explained special paintings and exhibits well. It was also quite interesting. At the end, we went into the crypt. We finished there relatively quickly, but the trip was definitely worth it. Very interesting and worth seeing.

Top things to do in Rome

⚡Quickfire Rome Underground Q&A⚡

  • Is “Rome Underground” one place or many? Many! It’s a network of different hidden sites, from buried stadiums and pagan temples to crypts and early Christian churches.
  • Are they all from the same era? No, that’s the magic! You’ll move through 2,000 years of history, from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages and Baroque Rome.
  • Do I need a guide for every site? Not always. Some visits include hosted entry with audioguides (like St. Clemente or Navona Underground), while others are fully guided tours (like the Colosseum or Ghost Walk).
  • Is it safe underground? Yes, all sites are visitor-ready, well-lit, and archaeologist-stabilized. You’ll walk on structured paths, no tight tunnels or crawling!
  • Can I do more than one in a day? Absolutely. Many travelers pair Navona + Trevi Underground, or add St. Clemente Basilica for a layered “Rome-through-the-ages” experience.
  • Are there any rules or dress codes? Yes, cover shoulders and knees in sacred sites like St. Clemente or the Capuchin Crypt, and wear comfy shoes for cobbled passages.

Overview; Visiting Rome Underground 

  • Ways to explore: Choose between self-guided visits with audioguides, hosted entries, or expert-led guided tours that reveal Rome’s hidden layers beneath streets and churches.
  • Experience types: Archaeological ruins (Stadium of Domitian, Colosseum Underground, Trevi District tunnels, St. Clemente’s layers), sacred spaces (Capuchin Crypt), and narrative tours (Rome Ghost Walk through the historic center).

  • Unique access: Step into off-limits zones like the Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor, or descend 14 m below ground at St. Clemente Basilica to see three eras of Rome stacked together.
  • Queues & access: Most tickets include skip-the-line or pre-booked entry; you’ll breeze past ticket queues and explore at your own pace or in small groups of ≤15.
  • When to book: Underground experiences have limited entry slots and small capacities, reserve 1–2 weeks ahead, especially for Colosseum and Crypt tours.
  • Good to know: All options include digital or audio guidance, 24 h assistance, and free cancellation (24–72 h) unless noted otherwise.

Rome Underground sites at a glance

Colosseum underground ruins with ancient stone structures in Rome, Italy.

Colosseum Underground

Walk through the restricted tunnels where gladiators and animals waited before battle, a behind-the-scenes look at Ancient Rome’s greatest arena.

Location: Beneath the Colosseum arena floor (Central Rome).
Access: Limited daily slots; available only on guided tours.
Look out for: The underground elevators, trapdoors, and restored chambers that reveal the amphitheater’s hidden mechanics.

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Interior of San Clemente Basilica in Rome with ornate frescoes and marble columns.

St. Clemente Basilica

A single site showing three eras of Roman history stacked 14 meters deep, from a 12th-century basilica to a 4th-century church and a 1st-century pagan temple.

Location: Near the Colosseum (Central Rome).
Access: Hosted entry with multilingual audio guide.
Look out for: The golden apse mosaic, ancient frescoes, and flowing underground spring symbolizing centuries of faith.

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Ancient Roman ruins in the underground area of Navona Square, Rome.

Trevi District Underground

Discover ancient Roman aqueduct tunnels and apartment remains buried below the Trevi neighborhood, the hidden source that fed the famous fountain.

Location: Near Trevi Fountain (Central Rome).
Access: Included in the Rome Underground Pass with audio guide.
Look out for: Claudius-era aqueduct channels, mosaics, and preserved stonework under modern streets.

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Visitors with guide inside Capuchin Crypt, Rome, observing ancient inscriptions.

Capuchin Crypt & Museum

A hauntingly artistic ossuary built from the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars; equal parts history, reflection, and artistry.

Location: Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione (Piazza Barberini). Access: Hosted entry with audio guide.
Look out for: The Crypt of the Skulls, cloaked skeletons of monks, and the inscription reminding visitors of mortality: “What you are now, we once were.”

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Visitor exploring ancient statue in Rome's Navona Square and Trevi District Underground.

Stadium of Domitian

Step beneath Piazza Navona to see the remains of Emperor Domitian’s 1st-century athletic stadium, once seating 30,000 spectators.

Location: Below Piazza Navona (Historic center).
Access: Self-guided with audio guide (7 languages).
Look out for: Stadium arches, marble seating tiers, and reconstructions showing how Rome’s sports culture shaped the city above.

Compare your Rome Underground ticket options

Ticket typeAccess typeLines skipped Includes Guide Why pick thisCancellation policy Price from

Navona Underground: Stadium of Domitian Audioguide

Hosted entry

Yes

Stadium ruins + audio guide (7 langs)

Audio only

• Explore ancient sports arena • Flexible self-paced visit

Free cancel 24 h

€13

Combo Pass: Navona + Trevi District Underground

Multi-site pass

Yes

Trevi & Navona Underground site access + device audio guide

Audio only

• Covers 2 hidden sites • Value combo, 1 ticket

Free cancel 24 h

€22

St. Clemente Basilica Underground + Audioguide

Hosted entry

Yes

3 layers of Basilica ruins + audio guide

Audio only

• See 3 eras stacked 14 m deep • Explore at own pace

Free cancel 24–48 h

€14

Colosseum Underground & Arena Guided Tour

Special access guided

Yes

Colosseum Arena + Underground access + Forum + Palatine

Live guide

• Rare restricted access • Small groups ≤ 6

Non-refundable

€69

Capuchin Crypt & Museum Audioguide

Hosted entry

Yes

Crypt chapels + Museum

Audio only

• Eerie art of bone decor • Short, central visit

Free cancel 24 h

€12

Ghost Walking Tour of Rome

Guided tour

N/A

Night walk + 8 landmarks

Live guide

• Storytelling after dark • Outdoor historic route

Free cancel 24 h

€25

What to expect at Rome Underground

Underground ruins in Navona Square, Rome, showcasing ancient brick architecture.
Ancient brick walls and archways inside Domitian Stadium, Rome.
Navona Square underground ruins with ancient stone walls and water in Rome.
Underground chamber of Basilica of San Clemente with ancient altar, Rome.
Fresco of a religious figure at the Capuchin Crypt, Rome.
Colosseum Underground passage with ancient stone columns, Rome, Italy.
Visitors examining frescoes in the Roman Catacombs during a guided tour.
Group exploring underground passage on daytime ghost tour.
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Go under the busy streets of modern Rome

Begin in today’s lively piazzas, then follow the descent into hidden layers of history. With each staircase or vaulted entryway, the hum of traffic fades and the sound of your footsteps takes over. The air grows cool and still, carrying centuries of memory.

Discover the Stadium of Domitian beneath Piazza Navona

Walk under the famous square to explore the remains of Rome’s first stone stadium, once alive with roaring crowds. The audio guide brings its 1st-century arches and corridors to life, showing how this ancient arena became the foundation for Baroque Rome above.

Trace ancient neighborhoods beneath the Trevi District

At Vicus Caprarius, step into the preserved ruins of an imperial apartment block and the aqueduct that once fed the Trevi Fountain. Hear the trickle of ancient water and picture how this hidden world sustained everyday Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago.

Descend through three eras at the Basilica di San Clemente

Move from a 12th-century church to a 4th-century basilica, and further still to a 1st-century Mithraic temple. The frescoes and inscriptions reveal how pagan worship gave way to early Christianity, forming a vertical timeline of faith.

Experience the Capuchin Crypt’s haunting art

In dim chapels fashioned from monks’ bones, symbols of mortality turn into devotion. The audio guide explains how each pattern and chapel honors the cycle of life, echoing reflections on death found in Rome’s earliest catacombs.

Experience world's largest ancient amphitheater's backstage

Join a guided tour that takes you beneath the arena floor into the labyrinth of tunnels and chambers where gladiators once waited for their turn to fight. Then stand on the reconstructed arena itself and look up at the vast amphitheater, seeing the Colosseum from the same perspective as those who once took center stage.

Choose your path below the Eternal City

Explore independently with multilingual audio guides or join a small-group walking tour. Each site adds a new chapter to Rome’s buried story. Allow about 2–3 hours to visit multiple sites and witness how the city quite literally grew upon its own past.

Join a paranormal night walking tour & secret backstreets

As night falls, follow your guide through quiet backstreets and candlelit piazzas where legends and ghost stories come to life. Hear tales of restless spirits, unsolved mysteries, and ancient curses that linger beneath the Eternal City, adding a final, atmospheric layer to your underground adventure.

Things to know before booking your Rome Underground tickets

  • Booking window: Many underground experiences, especially the Colosseum Underground, Stadium of Domitian, and night tours, sell out fast. Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
  • Security & timing: All sites require security checks. Even with skip-the-line entry, short waits are common at major venues like the Colosseum or St. Clemente Basilica. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
  • What’s included: Standard entry typically grants access to key archaeological zones — Navona Underground, Trevi aqueduct passages, St. Clemente Basilica, or the Capuchin Crypt. Guided tours go further with expert narration and exclusive access areas like the Colosseum’s Underground and Arena Floor.
  • Tour formats: Pick audio-guided freedom (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian) or a guided tour if you want storytelling and hidden sections not open to general visitors.
  • Combo options: The Rome Underground Pass combines two popular sites, Navona Underground and Trevi District, offering better value and flexibility.
  • Add transfers: Some experiences, such as the Capuchin Crypt ticket, offer optional one-way transfers from central Rome. A convenient choice if you’re visiting multiple sites in a day or prefer to skip public transport.
  • Accessibility: Most underground areas involve stairs, uneven floors, or narrow passages and are not wheelchair-accessible. Not recommended for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are advised, temperatures stay cool underground year-round.

Rome Underground location and getting there

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  • Stadium of Domitian (Navona Underground): Via di Tor Sanguigna 3, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. (Map link)
  • Trevi Fountain Underground District (Vicus Caprarius): Vicolo del Puttarello, 25, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. (Map link)
  • Colosseum Underground: Piazza del Colosseo, next to Arc of Constantine, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. (Map link)
  • Capuchin Crypt: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. (Map link)
  • Basilica of San Clemente: Via Labicana, 95, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. (Map link)
Transfer bus at Mount Vesuvius with tourists boarding.
  • Stadium of Domitian (Navona Underground): Lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 492. Get off at Zanardelli (1-min walk). Walk toward Piazza Navona; entrance is at Via di Tor Sanguigna 3.
  • Trevi Fountain Underground District (Vicus Caprarius): Lines 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 83, 85, 100, 117, 119, 160, 492. Get off at Tritone/Fontana di Trevi or San Claudio. Walk 2–4 mins to Vicolo del Puttarello 25.
  • Colosseum Underground: Lines 51, 75, 85, 87, 117, 118, 673. Get off at Colosseo (Piazza del Colosseo). Follow signs for “Ingresso gruppi / Underground & Arena”.
  • Capuchin Crypt: Lines 52, 53, 61, 92, 910, 217. Get off at Barberini (2-min walk). Head toward Via Vittorio Veneto 27.
  • Basilica of San Clemente: Lines 51, 85, 87, 117, 186, 810. Get off at Labicana. Walk 2 mins east; entrance is at Via Labicana 95.
Passengers walking along Naples metro platform with train in view.
  • Stadium of Domitian (Navona Underground): Closest stations are Barberini (Line A) or Spagna (Line A). Walk 12–15 mins toward Piazza Navona; entrance is at Via di Tor Sanguigna 3.
  • Trevi Fountain Underground District (Vicus Caprarius): Closest station is Barberini (Line A). Walk 8–10 mins toward Trevi Fountain, then turn onto Vicolo del Puttarello 25.
  • Colosseum Underground: Closest station is Colosseo (Line B). Exit and walk 2 mins to Piazza del Colosseo, next to the Arc of Constantine.
  • Capuchin Crypt: Closest station is Barberini (Line A). Walk 3–4 mins north along Via Vittorio Veneto to no. 27.
  • Basilica of San Clemente: Closest stations is Colosseo (Line B) or Vittorio Emanuele (Line A). From Colosseo, walk 8 mins east along Via Labicana to no. 95; from Vittorio Emanuele, walk 14 mins south.
Blue parking sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Stadium of Domitian: No parking in Piazza Navona (ZTL). Use paid garages ~10–15 mins away like Villa Borghese or Via Giulia.
  • Trevi Fountain Underground District (Vicus Caprarius): No parking in Trevi area (ZTL). Closest paid options are Parking Ludovisi or Francesco Crispi Garage.
  • Colosseum Underground: No on-site parking. Nearby paid garages 5–10 mins away: Parcheggio Colosseo or Via Ostilia.
  • Capuchin Crypt: No on-site parking on Via Veneto. Paid lots nearby such as Parcheggio Ludovisi; street parking minimal.
  • Basilica of San Clemente: No dedicated parking. Limited paid spots along Via Labicana or garages near Colosseo/Merlulana.

Highlights of Rome’s Underground Sites

Colosseum Arena interior with tourists exploring ancient Roman architecture in Rome, Italy.

Arena Floor Perspective

Location: Colosseum Underground
Stand where gladiators once waited behind the gates, then step into the blinding light of the Arena Floor. The view of the tiers rising around you brings the roar of ancient Rome startlingly close.

Visitors exploring the underground passage of the Colosseum in Rome.
Underground ruins in Navona Square, Rome, showcasing ancient brick architecture.
Navona Square underground ruins with ancient stone walls and water in Rome.
Underground chamber of Basilica of San Clemente with ancient altar, Rome.

Know before you go on Rome Underground tour

Basilica of San Clemente interior with ornate mosaics and arches, Rome.
  • Stadium of Domitian (Navona Underground): 10am–7pm (daily)
    Closed on: No fixed weekly closure; may close on major public holidays
  • Trevi Fountain Underground District (Vicus Caprarius): 11am–5pm (Tue to Sun)
    Closed on: Mondays
  • Colosseum Underground: 9am–6:30pm (seasonal; last entry ~1 hour before closing)
    Closed on: Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
  • Capuchin Crypt: 10am–7pm (daily; last entry 6:30pm)
    Closed on: Select public/religious holidays
  • Basilica of San Clemente:9am–12:30pm; 3pm–6pm (daily)
    Closed on: No weekly closure; may close for liturgical services and major holidays.
Man and woman examining a camera together outdoors.
  • These sites are historic and religious environments; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required.
  • Photography and videography may be restricted or prohibited depending on the site, always follow posted guidance.
  • Large backpacks, trolleys, and bulky items are not permitted inside underground or sacred areas.
  • Each site has its own entry ticket unless you join a combined or guided tour that includes multiple stops.
  • Do not cross barriers or step into restricted sections, these are fragile archaeological areas and can be unsafe.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside archaeological and religious spaces.
  • Touching walls, artifacts, or frescoes is strictly prohibited to preserve the sites.
Person tying purple sneakers next to high heels on wooden floor.
  • Book early morning or late afternoon slots. These times help avoid peak crowds, especially at Colosseum Underground and the Stadium of Domitian.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small water bottle. Underground tours involve walking on uneven, damp surfaces and many stairs.
  • Mind your head and watch your step. Low ceilings and narrow passages are common underground.
  • Prepare for cooler temperatures underground. Even in summer, sites stay cool and damp, bring a light jacket.
  • Combine nearby sites. For example, pair Basilica of San Clemente with the Colosseum District tours for an efficient itinerary.
  • Look up specific site alerts before arrival. Restoration work or special events can close areas temporarily.

Frequently asked questions about Rome Underground tickets and tours

What do Rome Underground tickets include?

Most tickets include entry to the underground site, access to exhibitions or multimedia rooms, and optional audio guides. Guided tours add expert commentary and structured routes.

Do I need a separate ticket for each underground site?

Yes. Each site has its own entry ticket. Combo tours are available if you want to visit multiple underground attractions in one itinerary.

Are guided tours worth it?

Yes, if you want clearer storytelling, context about excavations, and help navigating narrow passages. Tours also often include restricted areas not open on standard entry.

Do underground tickets include skip-the-line access?

Some do. Look for “skip-the-line” or “hosted entry” on the ticket name. These help you bypass on-site queues, especially at the Colosseum Underground.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead. Underground sites have limited daily slots and often sell out quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons.

Can I change the date after booking?

Only flexible tickets allow date changes. Fixed-date tickets are cheaper but cannot be modified once issued.

Are last-minute tickets available?

Sometimes, but availability is limited. Last-minute slots may not include guided tours or special-access areas like the Colosseum Underground.

Can I take photos underground?

Photography is restricted in the Capuchin Crypt and some church-owned sites. Others allow photos without flash. Always follow on-site instructions.

Are the underground areas suitable for children?

Yes, but some tunnels have low ceilings, stairs, or dim lighting. Strollers are not permitted underground; carriers are recommended.

Are the underground areas suitable for claustrophobic people?

Yes, but it depends on your comfort level. Underground spaces are dim, narrow, and humid. If you’re severely claustrophobic, choose surface-level tours or areas with wider, open corridors.