Catacombs of Rome

Five of the burial chambers are currently open to visitors: the Catacombs of Domitilla, the Catacombs of San Callisto (the site of the Crypt of the Popes), the Catacombs of Priscilla, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, and the Catacombs of Sant’Agnese.

A trip to the underground cemeteries is often combined with a visit to the Roman countryside and the ancient Appian Way, either on foot or by bike. Families may prefer to choose a Catacombs of Rome tour that’s tailored for kids, while those interested in supernatural occurrences may prefer a ghost tour. Walking tours that include skip-the-line Catacombs of Rome tickets are great for beating the crowds.

For an exclusive after-hours experience, tour the Capuchin Crypt at night when it’s otherwise closed to the public. An English-speaking guide explains past burial rituals and gives historical context to the sights.

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Things to know before you go to The Catacombs of Rome

• Due to the site’s delicate nature, travelers cannot visit the Ancient Roman catacombs independently. All visits must be part of a guided group or private tour.
• Tours and group visits can be arranged upon arrival at the most popular catacombs, but visits must be booked in advance to the less-visited spots.
• Catacomb tours are not recommended for travelers who get claustrophobic.
• Cover your shoulders and thighs before entering these Christian catacombs. You may want to bring a light jacket, too, as it can get cold underground.
• The Catacombs of Rome are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

How to get there

You’ll find Roman Catacombs on Via Appia Antica, Via Ostiense, Via Labicana, Via Salaria, and other roads. They can be reached by public transport on various metro and bus lines. Many tours to the catacombs depart from Piazza Barberini, in the heart of the city center.

When to get to there

Most of Rome’s crypts and catacombs are open to the public year-round from morning until early evening, with a short break for lunch. They’re typically closed on Sundays and some holidays. Limited access to the catacombs makes booking in advance a good idea, especially around Easter and between May and September, when the Eternal City swarms with travelers. The cool catacombs make for a great break from Italy’s summer heat, but the quieter off-season months are recommended for thinner crowds.

Rome’s strangest sight?

Perhaps the most interesting sight in the catacombs is the Capuchin Crypt, or Bone Chapel, an area containing—and decorated with—the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars. Crypt rooms are themed by different types of bones, from skulls to pelvis and leg bones.

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