Get outside the walls of Rome and into the ancient tunnels of its catacombs. Enjoy a 3-hour tour that gives you a unique perspective on ancient Rome that you won't experience in the city center.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Starting time 9:45 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Explore some of the ancient catacombs built to house the dead of Rome, including the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- View the exterior of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
- Walk a portion of the old Appian Way and admire the ancient Roman aqueducts
- See some of the earliest examples of Christian art
Full description
Traveling by bus and on foot, this 3-hour guided tour takes you beyond the city walls of Rome, through the ancient tunnels of the city’s catacombs. You will travel along the rustic Appian Way, and under the arches of the aqueducts of antiquity.
Constructed nearly 2,000 years ago as the burial chambers for early Christians, the catacombs reveal burial niches, mosaics, and sarcophagi, as well as ancient religious drawings While in San Callisto, explore the Crypt of the Popes, and view some of the very earliest Christian art.
As Christianity became more popular in Rome, it became necessary to find a system for the burial of large of numbers of people, the majority of whom lacked money to pay for elaborate tombs and mausoleums. The solution was found in the friable tufa rock around the city.
From the 2nd through to the 5th-Centuries, 60 catacomb complexes were dug, each occupying several layers, and 2 of which were designated for Jews. Out of the total number of catacombs, 5 of the Christian complexes regularly open to the public, giving you a unique perspective on Ancient Rome, in an environment that you will never see in the city center.
Includes
- Transport from and to the meeting point
- 3-hour guided tour
- Guided tour to the Catacombs of St.Callixtus
- Entrance and booking fees
- Headsets
- Lunch
- Pick up from hotels
Not suitable for
- People with claustrophobia
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
The meeting point is at the bus stop at Via Cavour 224. The nearest metro station is Cavour (line B). Please remember to show up 25 minutes before the tour departure time.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Catacomb tour is not recommended if you suffer from severe claustrophobia.
- The taking of photographs is not permitted in the Catacombs.
- Proper dress is required to enter places of worship: no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed for either men or women. For ladies, shoulders must be covered and skirts or trousers must be below knee-level.
- Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 5 participants, and may be rescheduled or cancelled (with a full refund) if there are not enough participants on a particular day. You will be informed in advance if this is the case.
