Crypts and Catacombs of Rome

General information

Program details

Uncover all the secrets and stories of ancient Rome on this unforgettable tour of the city's underground, crypts, catacombs, and burial chambers. From the early days of Christianity to the grandeur of the Roman Temples, you'll journey through time and history with your expert guide. Don't miss out on this unique and fascinating experience.

The Original Crypts and Catacombs of Rome Tour starts by meeting your expert historian guide in Piazza Barberini, beside the fountain of Triton. Interestingly, this piazza was used as the location for displaying human corpses which needed public identification up until the 1800s.

Visit the Capuchin Crypts 

The tour's centrepiece is the Capuchin Crypt, now enhanced by the official Capuchin Museum. Admire Caravaggio's masterpiece, "St. Francis in Meditation," and explore relics from the life of St. Francis. Venture into the crypt itself, where the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks are artistically arranged on its walls. This surreal encounter is the tour's unique glimpse into the intersection of art, spirituality, and mortality.

Explore the Sacred Christian Catacombs 

From here you’ll be driven on a comfortable coach to the extensive Christian Catacombs which were dug out of the ground over 2000 years ago. Your expert historian guide will explain how this network of sacred tunnels is associated with the first Christians in ancient Rome. You’ll descend into the labyrinthian corridors carved into the soft volcanic rock and discover the frescoes, strange iconography, and burial places that doubled as places of worship when the Christians were persecuted. Led by an expert guide, navigate through extensive catacombs, where modest singles and elaborate family tombs tell tales of a bygone era.

San Nicola in Carcere: The Perfect Complement 

Complete your underground experience with a historic visit to the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere. Explore its ruins, descend beneath the altar, and discover atmospheric remains of ancient temples hidden beneath the church. The historic Forum Holitorium, an ancient market surrounded by Republican-era temples, lies concealed beneath the basilica, adding layers to the city's rich history.

No matter which venue becomes your favorite, the seamless combination of these three distinct elements offers an unforgettable exploration of Rome's hidden treasures. This is just one of our popular tours of Rome which gives you a different perspective on the fascinating culture of the Eternal City.