What makes this tour unique?
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See the skulls of over 4,000 monks stare back at you in the famous Capuchin ‘Bone Chapel’.
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Descend beneath a 12th century Basilica through a 5th century church, a 4th century cult temple and ultimately to an original 1st century Roman street and aqueduct.
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See where early Christians worshiped during the time of Nero and walk the footsteps of history in the 2nd century Catacombs of Rome.
Dark Heart of the Eternal City
Away from the bustling streets, below the tour-trodden museums, lay a different, more sinister side of Rome. Discover the macabre histories of the skull-adorned Capuchin ‘Bone Chapel’, the 2nd century Catacombs of Rome and the layers of history beneath the 12th century Basilica – including a 5th century church, a 4th century cult temple and a 1st century Roman street and aqueduct.
Explore deeper into the dark heart of Rome, uncover its secrets and enjoy as your expert local English-speaking guide brings these haunting sites to life. Let your imagination travel back in time to a city that burned people at the stake, vastly different from the gilded Renaissance and modern high-fashion of today. See Rome as you never knew it before (or ever dared to).
Snaking Tunnels and Hidden Catacombs
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, slink and slither through the snake-like network of hidden tunnels where early Christians practiced their forbidden faith. This was the time of Nero where Christianity was outlawed and infidels were tortured and brutally executed. See the strange and shadowy place of refuge where these brave congregations hosted celebrations and buried their dead.
Palace of the Plagued Priest
Tour the many layers of history beneath the 12th century Basilica San Clemente. Here a once-peaceful priest was almost driven mad by the sound of running water. Many years and countless layers of sledge hammering later, he and his brothers discovered an original 1st century Roman street and aqueduct beneath the edifice, ending his audible torment. You’ll descend through a 5th century church and a 4th century cult temple on the way down to the watery retreat.
Dark Arts or Priceless Art? You Decide
Embark on the truly eerie with a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, otherwise known as the ‘Bone Chapel.’ Here the walls and ceilings are lined with the skulls and bones of over 4,000 monks. See as history quite literally stares back at you and stand in awe below a vertebrae chandelier, so chillingly beautiful it might haunt your dreams forever.
Explore on Your Own (If You Dare)
With an intimate group of only 20 people or fewer you will also have time to venture off on your own. Dine on authentic Italian cuisine or brave further explorations of the ominous area. The choice is completely yours. Then rejoin the group as you cross the Tiber to the house of the most notorious murder Rome has ever known and ultimately on to the bridge rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the female Pope.
*Please note that none of the venues visited on this tour permit photography. Also, please note that appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Knees, shoulders and backs must be covered.
*Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.
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