The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour with Transfers
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Descend into the chill of Rome’s mysterious underworld with Skip-the-Line access to three of the city’s strangest discoveries. Unmask a new side to the Eternal City as you explore the eerie Bone Chapel, adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks, and the Christian Catacombs, a series of hidden tunnels where early Christian’s practiced their forbidden faith. Then travel beneath Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s historic core.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A dress code is required for entry into some of the sites on this tour. Knees and shoulders must be covered
No photos can be taken inside the venue during the tour
This activity is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia
Some of the venues may slightly reduce the length of visit in period of high demand.
If you select the "After Hours" Option, starting at 5pm, you tour will last 2.5 hours and will end at Piazza della Repubblica
Please note, on Sundays the Church visits is not guaranteed due to liturgical activities.
Not recommended for those who are effected by claustrophobia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transfers in an private air-conditioned coach
Entrance ticket to the Capuchin Crypt and Museum
Rome Catacombs Entrance Ticket
English or Spanish-speaking guide (depending on option selected)
Entrance ticket to the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti [Not in the After Hour Option]
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Museum and Crypt of Capuchins Friars
Your first destination is the Capuchin Crypt. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this somber space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, lending it the macabre nickname of ‘the Bone Chapel’. Here you will be free to explore hearing all the interesting details and the reasons behind such an unusual practice with your audio guide. Open your eyes to the city’s hidden side – and you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
Catacombe Di Domitilla
Your expert historian guide will explain how this network of sacred tunnels is associated with the first Christians in ancient Rome. You’ll descend into the labyrinthian corridors carved into the soft volcanic rock and discover the frescoes, strange iconography and burial places which doubled as places of worship when the Christians were persecuted.
Options
Guided Tour in English
After-Hours Tour – 2h30
Exclusive Evening Tour Option: Choose this option for an exclusive tour at 5pm, after the public has left the Catacombs of Rome
Guided Tour in Spanish
Reviews
4,804 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent experience with smooth transportation included.
Lien R,
Nov 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend The Original Crypts, Catacombs & Roman Undergrounds Tour with Transfers. Comfortable bus travel to all sites and back to the original drop-off point ensured a seamless experience. Guide Allie, with 10 years of expertise, was informative, engaging, and attentive. Her insights enriched our understanding of Rome’s underground history. An outstanding, well-organized tour for history enthusiasts.
Clare
Douglas S,
Nov 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour and outstanding tour guides. I would highly recommend this tour to my family and friends.
Amazing tour and tour guide
T5046KNjaniceb,
Nov 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Emiliano was an excellent tour guide. He combined his knowledge of historic facts with his excellent sense of humor. It was truly an enjoyable experience.
City Wonders Ancient Rome Crypts and Catacombs tour.
569SharonR,
Nov 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Emiliano was wonderful. A wealth of information and made you laugh constantly. Would definitely recommend.
Excellent!!
Jeanine F,
Nov 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and fun…. We had a great time and truly enjoyed the tour.. thanks Ally for a great time..
Fun, fun, fun
Scenic625574,
Nov 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Emil, was so much fun. He was knowledgeable at all three venues. Enjoyed all the new information he provided.
Excellent historical...
Simon L,
Nov 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent historical content thanks to our amazing guide Maryam who kept us entertained and on our toes with questions along the way. The catacombes were amazing and if you're interested in bones, the museum and crypts of Capuchins Friars will definitely not disappoint. Highly recommend this excellent tour.
We went on the evening...
Linda K,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00We went on the evening tour. We stopped at 2 very different places, one with bones displayed in small alcoves and one with underground catacombs. Both were very interesting.
Excellent tour
Graeme M,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00There was a reasonable amount of standing/walking, but it was worth it. Although the tour was focused on the crypts and cemeteries of Rome, it was really revealing about Rome through time. Our tour guide Inti, had a lot of historical facts and cracked quite a few jokes! He told us how Rome is like a lasagne, with each civilisation building on top of the last one. The three burial places we were taken to showed us Ancient Pagan Rome, Early Christian Rome and medieval Rome. The Capuchin Crypts were macabre but really interesting. Inti explained how the friars saw their connection to both God and to their fellow brothers throughout time as part of their spiritual life. When they died, their skeletons and bones were displayed in the crypts as a way to continue worshiping God. This included making displays of skulls and other bones! The catacombs were also really interesting, although all the bodies have been removed. We could see and understand how early Christians initially sheltered from Roman authorities and then became accepted by Rome after Constantine. The final burial place was in a church and we could see the layers of Rome through history.
Cryptically Curious
22viannam,
Oct 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guides were wonderful!! Very nice and knowledgeable. Also loved the witty charm. Would recommend for anyone interested in a historic deep dive of Rome.
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Operated by City Wonders Ltd