Catacombs of Rome Small Group Tour 1
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Catacombs of Rome Small Group Tour

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Rome, Italy
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About this activity

Descend into Rome's underground burial chambers to explore early Christian history and ancient Roman funerary practices. This small-group walking tour reveals hundreds of kilometres of catacombs beneath the city—among the world's oldest and longest—where half a million Christians were interred, including martyrs and popes.

Discover the ancestral and underground area of Rome. Important: Depending on different closing days, you will visit Domitilla’s OR Saint Sebastian’s OR Priscilla’s Catacombs OR San Callixtus. You Take a fascinating tour of underground Rome and explore several burial chambers and various pagan burial sites. These places were formerly used as burial grounds because it was forbidden to bury or cremate corpses in the city. In Rome there are some of the oldest and longest burial underground tunnels in the world, hundreds of kilometers of catacombs run underneath the town and its outskirts!

You can visit the largest and oldest underground cemetery in Rome, the catacombs of St. Callixtus, they were the official cemetery of the Church of Rome and half a million Christians were buried there among many martyrs and popes (the Crypt of the Popes). Also you will admire the Crypt of St. Cecilia: the popular patron saint of music, that was martyred and entombed where the statue now lies. 

Domitilla's catacombs are one of the most extensive catacombs in Rome, they are spread over 17 kilometers of underground caves, some of which are inaccessible, and they are situated over 16 metres underground. Some Christians have built these catacombs in the Ardeatina's area, after Domitilla had been banished in the III century. There are about 150000 burials, some of them are decorated.

In Saint Sebastian's catacombs, situated in Via Appia, are very important because historians believe that this place had hosted Saints Peter and Paul bodies. They are located in a slope that has always been used as a cemetery also before the Christianism, later it was converted in a cemetery for slaves and freedmen. 

Priscilla's catacombs are one of the most ancient underground cemetery. The first burials should go back to the second half of the II century AD and because of the big amount of graves in it, it is called "regina catacombarum". This cemetery was ransacked around the XVI century so there are no tombstones, coffins and tuff, nevertheless there are many well-preserved paintings. 

Highlights

  • ✓Explore one of four major catacomb sites (St. Callixtus, Domitilla, Priscilla, or St. Sebastian—depending on opening)
  • ✓Visit the Crypt of the Popes and witness where early Church leaders were entombed
  • ✓See the Crypt of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, buried in situ
  • ✓Walk through decorated burial chambers spanning over 16 metres underground
  • ✓Learn how early Christians used catacombs as burial grounds when inhumation was forbidden in the city

Insider tips

  • ★Catacombs close on different days; the tour operator confirms which site you'll visit based on current schedules—contact ahead if you have a preference
  • ★Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket; underground temperatures stay cool year-round
  • ★The most visited catacomb (St. Callixtus) can feel crowded mid-morning; early or late afternoon slots tend to be quieter

Good to know

  • •Duration: 3 hours total (includes underground exploration and walking between chambers)
  • •Small-group format ensures personalized commentary and easier navigation through narrow passages
  • •Photography policies vary by site; confirm with your guide upon arrival
  • •Stairs and uneven terrain are common; moderate fitness required

Who it's for

History enthusiasts interested in early Christianity and Roman burial customsCultural travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path archaeological experiencesCouples and families looking for unique Rome activities beyond major monuments

Best time to visit

Visit October–April for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Early morning (8–10 am) or late afternoon (3–5 pm) tours offer a more immersive experience with smaller groups.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€300
per person