Capuchin three monks
tour bus
interior of the Basilica San Matino ai Monti, Rome
Ancient Church visited in the crypts and catacombs tour
Skip the Line

The Original Crypts and Catacombs Tour

4.92
(4,226 Reviews)
3h 30min
English
25
Everyday
Several Departure Times

  • Embark on the Original Crypts & Catacombs Tour, unraveling the hidden history beneath Rome's streets. This exploration grants Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Capuchin Crypts, a haunting repository for over 4,000 monks' remains. Witness eerie displays featuring intricate arrangements of skeletal remains and artistic compositions crafted entirely from human bones.
  • Delve into the enigmatic depths of Rome's catacombs, an intricate network of underground tunnels serving as burial grounds for early Christians. Explore ancient passageways adorned with detailed frescoes and inscriptions. Your knowledgeable guide will share captivating insights into the unique burial practices of the time.
  • Conclude your crypts and catacombs experience with a visit to Basilica San Nicola in Carcere. Uncover concealed stories and architectural wonders at this alternative site, providing a perfect complement to your journey into Rome's underground realm.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • Access to the underground tour of the Christian Catacombs
  • Entrance ticket and audio guide to the Capuchin Crypt and Museum
  • Entrance ticket to the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere
  • Expert, English-speaking archaeologist guide
  • Transport in a climate-controlled bus
  • Gratuities (welcomed and appreciated)

Sites Visited

  • Catacombs of Domitilla, San Callisto or Santa Priscilla
  • The Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere
  • The Capuchin Crypt and Museum

Embark on an extraordinary journey through ancient Rome's hidden realms on this captivating tour of the city's underground, crypts, catacombs, and burial chambers. Guided by an expert historian, traverse the corridors of time from the early days of Christianity to the grandeur of the Roman Temples. Don't miss the chance to unravel the unique stories and secrets that lie beneath the surface of this fascinating city.

The Original Crypts and Catacombs of Rome Tour commences at Piazza Barberini, where your expert guide awaits beside the Triton fountain. Intriguingly, this piazza once served as a public display location for unidentified corpses until the 1800s. The tour's focal point is the Capuchin Crypt, now enriched by the official Capuchin Museum. Marvel at Caravaggio's masterpiece, "St. Francis in Meditation," and explore relics from the life of St. Francis. Venture into the crypt, where the artistic arrangement of the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks provides a surreal glimpse into the intersection of art, spirituality, and mortality.

Next, journey comfortably by coach to the extensive Christian Catacombs, hewn from the earth over 2000 years ago. Your historian guide will reveal the network's association with the first Christians in ancient Rome. Descend into labyrinthine corridors carved into soft volcanic rock, uncovering frescoes, enigmatic iconography, and burial places that doubled as places of worship during times of Christian persecution. Led by an expert guide, navigate through extensive catacombs, where modest singles and elaborate family tombs narrate tales of a bygone era.

The journey leads to Basilica San Nicola in Carcere. Explore its ruins, descend beneath the altar, and unearth 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. 

Each venue contributes a unique chapter to the complete picture and history of the crypts and catacombs experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Eternal City's fascinating culture. This tour promises enduring impressions of Rome's underground wonders, offering a unique perspective on the Eternal City's rich and complex past.

Regardless of your favorite venue, the seamless combination of these three distinct elements offers an unforgettable exploration of Rome's hidden treasures.

This tour offers you a different outlook on the Eternal City and is one of our most popular tours of Rome.

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From
US$62.20
per adult
Bestseller
  • Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
  • Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
  • No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

Get to Know Dark Rome

Guide showing attraction

A Dark Rome tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With Dark Rome it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

  • All of our guides are experts in their field
  • We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
  • We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make Dark Rome so special